While quite formulaic and, at times, plainly hokey, the film is a pleasure to watch. The "male lead," Channing Tatum, lights up the screen with charisma, believability, authenticity and some really great dancing. Kudos to those involved in the casting. Kudos also to those who produced the music. Admittedly, I'm not heavily into this style of music, but integrated into this motion picture, the music had me rocking in my seat.

Some years ago there was a film that matched a hockey player with a figure skater. The same type contrast plays out here, but in dance. The street dancer and the uptown ballerina mix it up on the dance floor. I'd expected some criticism from one to the other, but both young people seemed not only open-minded about the other's style, but eager to create something stronger from the blend.

The film opens with strength and confidence, an aggressive beat and good dancing and almost never let's go of its grip on the audience. Unfortunately, it takes just a few beats too long to find the third act, then just slightly heavy-handedly delivers the important statement. Still, this is an entertaining movie with a good heart in there. With just a little editing here and there, a smidgen' of re-working, it'd be an easy "A-." If you have even the smallest inkling about it -- go see it.

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