The boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-gets-girl-back storyline plays out against a dance-themed backdrop, with the added element of the interracial dynamic. Will they succumb to the pressures of their peers, or will love conquer all? Whatever. What the filmmakers failed to realize is that a lot has changed in racial dynamics in recent years. The crossover of music, hip-hop and rock has blurred the lines of culture and class among youth. White kids and black kids dating and dancing to the fresh beats are hardly considered with a glance nowadays. There is the question of whether or not Sara can rise above her grief to dance again. Again, whatever. As it stands, the burgeoning romance of Sara and Derek is the only real drama in the movie, and director Thomas Carter ("Swing Kids") seems loath to play that out with the physical and emotional passion it requires. The result is a tepid movie with a few decent dance sequences and a lot of frustrating sexual tension. Starring Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, Terry Kinney, Fredro Starr, Vince Green, Bianca Lawson and Kerry Washington. Directed by Thomas Carter. Written by Duane Adler. Produced by Marie Cantin, Robert W. Cort and David Madden. A Paramount release. Rated PG-13 for violence, sexual content and brief drug references. Running time: 113 min
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