Director: Jon Chu Screenplay: Amy Andelson, Emily Meyer, based on characters created by Duane Adler Cast: Rick Malambri, Adam Sevani, Sharni Vinson, Alyson Stoner Time: 106min Age Restriction: 10LM

Genre:
Dance/Drama/3D

Summary Review:
Step Up 3 is all about the incredible dancing and the new 3D effects.

Synopsis:
Moose (Adam Sevani) is just starting college at NYU and has promised his parents to give up his dancing so as to focus on his Engineering degree.

But when he gets challenged, Moose can’t help but let loose and he soon joins The Pirates, a crew of street dancers from all walks of life.

Step Up 3 starts with a series of inspiring clips from dancers speaking about how they got into dancing and what it means to them. Although the deepness soon gets lost as the movie becomes one breathtaking dance sequence after another, the intro successfully sets the tone of passion, which helps to explain the characters attitudes when the script and storyline fall short.

The music is excellent and there is a fresh creativity in the dancing.

If you decide to watch Step Up 3, you must see it in 3D. I watched it in 2D, but you can see the movie was made for 3D – some of the dance moves seem almost too fast for the 2D and the transitions are slightly blurry in places where the 3D is missing. There are also one or two scenes that you can just see were made to look awesome in 3D.

Step Up 3 is for the dance fans. If you go in expecting a moving story and witty dialogue, you’ll be disappointed by the repetitive plot, but if you want to see likable dance characters passionate about their art having a blast, Step Up 3 will be a great night out for you.

Director: Lee Unkrich Screenplay: Michael Arndt Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty Time: 103min Age Restriction: All

Genre:
3D Animation

Summary Review:
Toy Story 3 is a fun and triumphant ending to a well-loved children’s film series, making good use of the new 3D technology.

Synopsis:
The first Toy Story came out when I was in primary school and, although I went to watch it at the cinema, I never much liked it. The characters, especially Woody the Cowboy, just seemed too boring and neurotic – come to think of it, they seemed too adult.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m older now, or if Toy Story 3 is in fact a better film, but I definitely enjoyed it more than its predecessors.

Andy is all grown up and is leaving for college in a few days’ time. His toys are worried about their fate, as they haven’t been played with in years and more and more of Andy’s old belongings are being thrown out.

When they end up being donated to Sunnyside daycare, through an unfortunate mistake, the toys are quick to see the bright side and are overjoyed at the prospect of being played with once again. But they soon realise that things at Sunnyside are not quite as sunny as they seem.

With Woody’s ever-dorky leadership, the toys hatch an escape plan to get them back to Andy before he leaves home.

Toy Story 3 is a real treat for the kids who have grown to know these characters through the first two films. All the old favourites are back, with some brilliantly caricatured new characters adding to the fun – including a toy telephone that speaks in a distinctly South African accent!

The plot is well thought out, with every scene adding a new aspect to the storyline and the 3D effects bringing new life to the familiar characters. With some special humour for the adults too, Toy Story 3 is the perfect ending to a profitable children’s movie franchise.