Save the Last Dance

Starring: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas
Directed by: Thomas Carter II
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Sara (Julia Stiles) wants to attend the Juilliard School of Dance. But, at her big audition, she falls, just as her mother is killed in a car accident while traveling to see her daughter. Grief stricken, she goes to live with her estranged father at a mostly African American high school in Chicago. There, she befriends a brother (Sean Patrick Thomas) and sister, who introduce her to hip hop, and a different way to look at life.

Review:

Tim: This is a powerful crowd pleaser drama. It tells an important story about families, including many issues of interracial dating. Don't think this is just a girly dance movie... it is, but its also so muh more.

Much of the film does center around dancing and music, but its conveniently just a backdrop to the more important issues of the film. It is very interesting to see two different cultures collide, especially in regards to ballet and hip hop. The end features an appropriate if obvious mixing of the two.

Stiles gives a very good performance. She is proving to be quite a young up and coming actor. She was amazing in 10 Things I Hate About You and should be applauded for this role. Sean Patrick Thomas is excellent as well. He is both intelligent, yet street tough. In a somewhat stereotypical role, he manages to shine.

The best scene in this movie is when Thomas is teaching Stiles to dance. It is hilarious and fun to watch and he tries to get her to understand the beat and rhythm of hip hop, as well as simply how to sit and walk. It's a really good scene.

I'll recommend seeing this film. Young girls ate this up at the box office, and will continue to do so for some time. Stiles and Thomas have a good deal of chemistry together. Definitely see it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
10 Things I Hate About You, "O", Flashdance, Dirty Dancing, Finding Forrester