Step Up 2 The Streets (DVD)

Jon Chu directs this feel-good sequel about pursuing what you love and finding yourself along the way. Andie (Briana Evigan, daughter of actor Greg Evigan) is a tough Baltimore teen who grew up dancing and is now part of the 410, the hottest dance crew in the city and reigning champions of the Streets, an underground dance competition. Unable to control Andie's rebellious ways, her guardian, Sarah (Sonja Sohn), has decided to send her to Texas to live with her aunt. But Andie has one last chance to stay with her crew in her beloved Baltimore: the Maryland School of the Arts (MSA). Unfortunately, maintaining her studies at MSA means less time with the 410. To make matters worse, Andie is having a hard time fitting in at her new high school, where tradition is revered and being outside the box is frowned upon. Luckily, she has a partner in crime in classmate Chase Collins (Robert Hoffman), whose stuffy brother, Blake (Will Kemp), is the school's director and a constant thorn in his younger brother's side. When the 410 boots Andie out, she and Chase find their own crew of overlooked MSA dancers and take it all the way to the Streets. The real star of STEP UP 2: THE STREETS is the amazing dancing and there's plenty of it. From the opening scene in a Baltimore subway to the playground to studio rehearsals to the Streets, these kids give it everything they've got. Channing Tatum briefly reprises his role as Tyler Gage, who knows Andie from the neighborhood. All of the MSA and 410 dancers are exceedingly talented, but Mari Koda's few lines as Jenny Kido are scene-stealers.

Chu shoots the movie every which way, heavy on the extreme telephoto imagery. He clearly loves his performers. With a choice soundtrack, spiced by the likes of Missy Elliott's 'Shake Your Pom Pom'.

Starring: Robert Hoffman, Briana Evigan, Will Kemp, Adam G. Sevani, Telisha Shaw, Cassie Ventura
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cameo: Channing Tatum
Composer: Aaron Zigman
Director of Photography: Max Malkin
Executive Producer: Anne Fletcher, David A. Nicksay, Bob Hayward, Meredith Milton
Producer: Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Patrick Wachsberger, Erik Feig
Screenwriter: Karen Barna, Toni Ann Johnson