"the script itself is luke warm, as is the plot"

The most remarkable aspect of this film is definitely the dancing - aggressive verging on tribal, stepping is ensemble dance to hip-hop beats. Unlike countless other musicals the moves were filmed in wideshot, avoiding the music video inspired trend to show random bits of body cut to the music's rhythm. This is great because you can actually see the full choreography.

Unfortunately, the script itself is luke warm, as is the plot; overachieving black girl is forced to leave her all-white private school because her dead junkie sister spent all the family's money. Determined to return by any means possible, she enters an upcoming step contest (with a cash prize), and in the mean time gets back to her roots. Basically, we've seen it all before in the countless number of American high school movies circulating since American Pie. This one may be Canadian, but the Toronto council estates where it's set aren't much different to Detroit or New York, and nor are the kids.

Rutina Wesley (Raya) and Tre Armstrong (Michelle) give a descent performance, as does Kevin Duhaney (E.C.) - lead dancer and love interest of both girls. However, I was far more impressed by Brennan Gademans as Quake - E.C's younger, underrated brother. His was the one well rounded act - his performance felt real while his moves were amazing - a balance the rest didn't quite achieve.

Go see this if you're a serious step fan or if you're intrigued by urban dance culture - which is exactly what we're looking for in a film like this.