Step-Up 3 in 3D

CEBU, Philippines - What is it that you love about hip-hop?

Everything you need to know about a certified hip-hopper is in the way he/she executes the coolest creep walk, the popping, the death-defying head spins, and the B-boy.

And you would love all the more the bone-breaking moves, the literally eye-popping performances when you get to take the latest biggest step at the Ayala Center Cebu.

“Step Up 3” on three-dimensional format was shown at the mall’s 3D Cinema right after the launch and blessing of the newest Services Area at Level 4, Paseo Ciudad (beside Fitness First) last August 12.

A pool of choreographers who can undoubtedly do the parkour with the grace of a gazelle were assembled for the dance film of which story revolves on a tight-knit group of New York City street dancers, including Luke (Rick Malambri) and Natalie (Sharni Vinson), team up with New York University freshman Moose (Adam Sevani), and find themselves pitted against the world’s best hip-hop dancers in a high-stakes showdown that will change their lives forever.

“Step Up 3” provides that much-hyped about immersive feeling to the film. The “goggles” trigger temple aches and eye strain but – yeah - you would want to touch bubbles, shake off dry leaves from trees blowing on top of your nose, give a show-off the slap he deserves, pinch a cheek or give the cute Santiago twins (played by Facundo and Martin Lombard) the smooches.

“Step-Up 3” is impressive because it’s not horror film (hee-hee). I would die if it was in the thriller-suspense genre.

“Step-Up 3” reminds me so much of Street Beat. But with the advances and advantages of technology now, dance routines are more explosive. Give you the smack-on-the-face feeling!

As previous member of dance clubs in school, I’ve learned that the feet may learn the steps. But only the heart can dance. There is this rhythm inside that shows every dancing spirit the path—spontaneous or inventive. This was well said by the feel-good movie. Though the plot is recycled, it’s the dance routines that leave a wiggling stamp (hmmm…stomp as well) on the mind.

Never mind the storyline because it already has its holes right from the beginning when Luke and Julien (the antagonist) were presented to have apparently grown up together. Julien is brother of Natalie. Quite mind-boggling is that how come Luke didn’t meet her then when Julien basically raised Natalie?

Nah! Focus on the dance, the effects and the soundtrack instead. Get on with the flow of Flo Rida’s “Jump” featuring Nelly Furtado; and get splashed on as the Pirates face off with dance floor rival Samurais right on top of a busted water pipeline on what seemed to be a bagua mirror-inspired platform.