Paramount Vantage Pictures with MTV Music Television Films present a PG-13 rated dramatic dance film directed by Ian Iqbal Rashid and starring Rutina Wesley (Raya Green), Tre Armstrong (Michelle), Dwain Murphy (Bishop), Conrad Coates (David Green), Melanie Nicholls-King (Faye Green) with Boyd Banks (Mike Evans), Cle' Bennett (Garvey), Keyshia Cole (Herself), DeRay Davis (Himself), Shawn Fernandez (Trey), Kevin Duhaney (E.C.), Brennan Gademans (Quake), Ingrid Gaynor (Pam Green), Rogue Johnston (DJ), Jai Jai Jones (Lester Johnson), Tristan D. Lalla (Manny), Merwin Mondesir (Niko Niles), Daniel Morrison (Wayne), Vanessa Oryema (Raya Green age 12), Brian Paul (Mr. Duncan) and Romina D'Ugo (Selia).
After receiving word about the death of her sister who was hanging out with the wrong crowd in their hometown, Raya leaves her private high school, Seaton Academy, to return to her family in the projects. Encountering old friends, Raya, realizes why she originally left home. Of course, to find a better life. A life her sister, Pam, will never get a chance to pursue. She questions, "what is it of people killing themselves for things that don't really matter"? Apparently a way of life common to that world she so desperately tries to leave behind. But in the projects for many what matters is survival of the fittest rather than the smartest or in this case the best step dancer.
A death can wreak havoc on a family and it does just that with Raya's parents David and Faye, causing conflicts with their marriage. With one child left they dream of the best for Raya as she studies to pass her scholarship test and hopefully one day get accepted into medical school. While at home, Raya discovers more about the world she left behind, rivalry with her friend, Michelle, and a love interest in a local step dancer, Bishop.
When Raya is faced with the possible failure on her test she lies to her parents and looks for another means to pay for school, seeking out the world of step. Several crews are formed that are setting out to compete in Detroit for $50,000 and the title of step champs. Raya, turns away from Michelle's all girl crew since women are less favorable to win over an audience. Garvey and his crew live life on the wild side and are the possible reason behind her sister's death. This is one brother that is always down for the party but late for the funeral. Than there's Bishop, a bright smile, good looks, suave personality and a leader in the world of step dancing. He and his crew, which also consists of his brother, Q, short for Quake, a book smart and dance smart breath of fresh air to this story, practice daily in their uncles garage shop. Raya, definitely makes her rounds but in the end finds that her ultimate and final choice is the winning one at 92%, for once her mother agreed. Overall, "one moment can change a million after it".
This low budget film will most likely not survive long in the theatre but may find some life on the DVD shelf. The photography is grainy and gritty. The story lacks substance along with the main actress, Wesley, who needs a lesson or two in expression. Thankfully, Armstrong, Gademans and Murphy add a bit of life and professionalism to an otherwise lack of talent acting crew. That is not saying that they can't move because the art of step dancing portrayed in this film is brilliant along with the score, being the only reasons to attend this over 80 minute attempt at a motion picture suitable for the big screen. Truly if it weren't for the scenes involving dance than this film would deserve to fall under the category of an after school special minus some of the language, suggestive material and drug content. If your in the mood for a mediocre written, directed and for the most part acted film that contains some kick ass dancing than step right up to the ticket booth at your nearest movie theatre.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.