"“An inspiring tale of kids who are determined to do something creative for the good of the community...”"

It's fair to say that director Ben Gregor and writer Paul Gerstenberger are really tapping in to the current dancing trend with their feature All Stars – a trend popularised by various Britain's Got Talent contestants, and competition shows such as Got to Dance, with an audience already in place. It's encouraging that films such as this are being made, to celebrate something so diverse and creative that young people can do with their time – however as for us older lot, this film is perhaps somewhat more difficult to enjoy.

When the local youth club called The Garage – run by social worker Gina (Ashley Jensen) faces it's impending closure, two enthusiastic youngsters Ethan (Theo Stevenson) and Jaden (Akai Osei-Manfield) dream up an ambitious plan to set up a talent contest, in a bid to raise enough money and awareness to stave off the local council from knocking the building down. Forming a group of eccentric and uncoordinated dancers, the aptly named “All Stars” crew have a lot of rehearsing to do – particularly if Ethan wants to impress his school crush.

All Stars is a difficult film to critically analyse as this is not targeted at an audience over the age of around 13. This isn't like a Pixar animation – this is not aimed at all the family, as there is very little here for the parents. You have to ask yourself, would I like this if I was nine years old? But then you think – who knows what I would have liked when I was nine years old. I used to eat sand. But are we now demanding more as an audience that films such as this one don't really stand up? Features such as Wall-E and Up are superbly imaginative and tell deep, poignant stories that compel the viewer. If kids are being exposed to such fantastic cinema aimed at their generation, then perhaps the likes of All Stars are not doing quite enough to stimulate any more.

That said, the message is somewhat uplifting, as this is an inspiring tale of kids who are determined to do something creative for the good of the community. However they could go a little easier on the 'fat' jokes. The fact the poor kid (Gamai Toseafa) on the receiving end of them laughs them off and plays up to his cruel tag, isn't the greatest message to present. You also know exactly what you're going to get with a film such as this – how it will be structured, how it will end, and every single plot point that is thrown in to add some doubt to proceedings. Thing is, that's what the target audience will want, and steering away from convention and making this at all complex would only seek in losing the audiences interest.

The film does look fantastic though, as a colourful and vibrant experience that suits the big screen – with 3D being implemented relatively well too. There is a lot of lens flare however, as you half expect J.J. Abrams name to pop in the final credits as executive producer. The greatest scenes are the dancing set pieces, with some wonderful interludes, really innovative and captivating. The dancing across the board is generally of a very high standard, which given the narrative, is somewhat essential.

Meanwhile the performances are all okay, Stevenson stands out, as he has this cheeky and mischievous streak to him which the character of Ethan needs. Although no matter how charming he may be, someone needs to inform him that he has absolutely no chance with a girl about three years older than him. He's 12. It ain't gonna happen mate, give it up. It's also enjoyable playing the “who is that celebrity cameo” game, as there are tons littered across the movie. John Barrowman a personal highlight, as he plays a morbidly lonely, dejected, single father. If he's not careful he's going to find himself being typecast y'know.

All Stars is what it is; a film about kids, for kids. By all means take your little ones to see this and there is a good chance they'll leave with a beaming smile on their face. Just don't expect this to be one you buy them for Christmas. You did pay for the TV, after all.