How She Move

The best way to solve all of life’s problems: Dance-off!

By Matt Pais

Critic's Rating:

• Email
• Print View
• Share
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Google
  • Reddit
  • Mixx
  • Mister Wong
  • Yahoo Buzz
  • Yahoo
• Add To Favorites
• Add to playlist

Photos:

After her sister’s fatal drug addiction sucks up the family’s private school funds, Raya (Rutina Wesley) is back at public school and needs cash to get out of her dangerous neighborhood. Luckily she’s a master step dancer, and, conveniently, the high-paying Stepmonster team tournament is coming up soon. While Raya trains, her mom (Melanie Nicholls-King) disapproves; estranged friend Michelle (Tre Armstrong) resents her--until she needs Raya to tutor her, of course--and fellow step expert Bishop (Dwain Murphy) tries to show Raya his moves in more ways than one.

Big question: Is “How She Move” any less derivative than recent dancing-related films like “Stomp the Yard” and “Step Up”?

Skip it: The less glossy, “gritty” visual style just makes it look cheap, and the script is worth less than a rental of the likewise unintentionally funny “You Got Served.” The performances are horrid and the movie pays no attention to Raya’s supposed distaste for a rival crew--she dances alongside the guy partially responsible for her sister’s death as if it’s nothing. The movie does offer this hilarious line when Raya finally convinces Michelle to hit the books: “So, what’s up with these math formulas?”

Catch it: If you think Tony Romo hurt the Cowboys by vacationing with Jessica Simpson before the playoffs. After Bishop brings Raya onto the team, one of his teammates tells him something that will probably sound familiar to Romo: “Don’t make your personal issues my professional problems.” Snap!

Bottom line: A healthy serving of killer dancing would make this semi-watchable, but “How She Move” is badly shot and boringly choreographed. If you’re only seeing it because your “Stomp the Yard” DVD broke, you’ll still be disappointed.

Bonus: If anyone can explain how one of the step teams puts a car onstage indoors, or why teams that are so strapped for cash all have new, matching uniforms, we’ll be impressed!

mpais@tribune.com