StreetDance (3D)

Stars: Nichola Burley, Richard Winsor, Ukweli Roach, Charlotte Rampling, Eleanor Bron, Rachel McDowall, George Sampson

Director: Dania and Max (Dania Pasquini, Max Giwa)

Arguably slightly better than its American counterparts, this dance flick uses its 3D to good advantage, but may still be a trial if you're not fans of breakin' or streetdancing. There is an awful lot of this, and much of it is similar, apart from a sizzling, beautifully choreographed finale.

But a great ending does not by itself a good movie make, and too often between dance steps, the film seems content to do little but admire actors and scenery.

Personalities, though, are a plus. Rampling, as the ballet school principal who invites a street crew to share her premises (and her pupils), and Bron, as the traditionalist teacher who's agin it, are both assets to the film. As is Burley, doing much of her own dancing as Carly, the street choreographer forced to take over the crew when its boss - and her boyfriend (Roach) - walks out.

She finds a shoulder to cry on in the husky form of Winsor as one of the dancers compelled by Rampling to join the troupe to help put more passion in their dancing - and boost Carly's lot for the final of the UK streetdancing championship. But, wouldn't you know it - that nasty Bron arranges the Royal Ballet auditions for the same day as the final.

Lots of stuff is thrown at the screen, but the best 3D effect is the superimposition of dancers on Carly's rapt face as she attends her first ballet performance.

David Quinlan

UK 2010. UK Distributor: Vertigo. Colour by Panalux.
98 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: PG.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 0, Drugs 0, Swearing 0.

Review date: 15 May 2010