Step Up: High Water Review
To some, Step Up may be one of those film franchises that should have stopped at the first, second, or third movie but continues to drag on for the sake of profit. If I’m being honest, I was on the verge of being one of those people. I had been introduced to the franchise in high school and while I wasn’t too fond of the movie that started it all, starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, it eventually grew on me and I was even excited when they announced a second installment.
Looking back, I have to admit that some were better than others and it nearly got to the point where I would roll my eyes anytime another Step-Up movie was announced. I mean, how many movies do you need where the story concludes with an inevitable dance-off that’s always assured to be won by the crew that includes the main character? It gets predictable after a while. With that being the formula for nearly every dance movie in the last few years, I would understand why some have gotten to the point where they dismiss movies like Step Up.
Despite this, I was almost instantly intrigued by the franchise’s choice to adapt the movie into a TV series for a few reasons. The main one being that Jade Chynoweth, who plays the character of Odalie and happens to be one of the most popular dancers on YouTube, was going to be part of the cast.
If you don’t already know, the show centers around a highly competitive performing arts school called High Water that was founded by a mega-famous singer by the name of Sage Odam (Ne-Yo) for underprivileged kids that reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I can’t say for sure if I would have gone so enthusiastically into the show if not for getting the chance to see my favorite dancer act, but I definitely would have given it a chance. Here’s why:
- It’s very different from the movies.
The writers of the series thankfully said goodbye to the stale and overused story lines by focusing on new characters with diverse backgrounds and talents.
2. Representation
Representation matters-something that Step Up gets, unlike a lot of other TV show and film creators. This representation isn’t limited to race or ethnicity either. The series sheds light on issues regarding sexuality, social class, and they get bonus points for setting the show in an awesome city like Atlanta which is too often overlooked. Plus, they have a phenomenal actor/dancer by the name of Eric Graise, who’s a double amputee, representing those with disabilities.
3. Excellent music and dancing worth watching
Say what you want about the Step-Up movies, but they have never been short of excellent/unique dancers and good music. The series is no different.
4. Great acting across the board
I can honestly say I didn’t cringe once because of over-acting or cheesy dialogue. Having never seen him act, I was a little skeptical at the announcement that Ne-yo would have a starring role in the series, but I am happy to say that I greatly underestimated the singer/songwriter.
5. Naturally, this great acting made for believable and therefore relatable characters.
6. Familiar faces
Besides Jade, I was familiar with a lot of the actors/actresses in the series like Naya Rivera, Faizon Love, Lauryn McClain, Marcos Taylor, and Carl Anthony Payne II, all of whom I highly respect as actors. Though I wasn’t familiar with the other half of the cast, I was equally as, if not more, impressed newcomer Kendra Oyesanya.
7. Last but not least-the first four episodes are free on YouTube
While you have to have a YouTube Red subscription to watch the remaining six episodes, I think it was a smart move on YouTube’s part to allow viewers to get a generous taste of the series before agreeing to a subscription that they otherwise might not have bothered getting. As for me, I became engrossed in the story line and the characters right away, so I knew subscribing would be inevitable. The other plus side to this is that even if you do find yourself captivated enough to finish the series, if you haven’t had YouTube Red before then the first month is free. So, unless you find some reason to stay subscribed you’re good to watch the show then cancel before your trial is up.
All in all, I’m glad the Step-Up creators decided to revamp and transform the movies into such a well-produced and cast series. My complaints are minimal, but here’s what I could use more of:
1. King, portrayed by Eric Graise. There was one beautifully choreographed scene where King dances and I wished there was more of that throughout the season.
2. More insight into the background of certain characters outside of High Water. We get some significant characters (e.g.Poppy, Odalie, King) talking about their life before coming to the school but I think we can all agree that briefly hearing about it is not nearly as effective or gratifying as seeing it play out.
3. More episodes. Even with ten episodes, the series felt too short to me. This could just be an indication of how much I enjoyed it and hated that it had to end. With that being said, I’m definitely two thumbs up for a season two and I’m hoping points one and two get explored more in the (potential) next season.
If you’ve already checked it out leave your thoughts down below. Also, recommend some other shows you think I should check out or would like to see reviewed.
