Movie Review: Save the Last Dance

"Save the Last Dance" is one of the most anticipated shows to come out this year. A story of girl meets boy, it's a typical teen flick but one that goes down like chocolate cake.

Julia Stiles portrays Sara Johnson, who moves from picket fence, Lamont, Illinois, to inner–city Chicago to live with her dad who left the family years before.

Sara's new high school is predominantly black, the complete opposite from Lamont. But tapping his way into her life is Derek Reynolds (Sean Patrick Thomas). Derek and his sister Chenille (Kerry Washington) help their misplaced friend adjust to her new life, often taking Sara to the club Stepps, where hip-hop culture abounds.

("Save the Last Dance" shot the club scenes at Crobar, one of Chicago's hottest nightclubs, and is usually an exclusive hangout for former Chicago Bulls player, Dennis Rodman.)

The romance between Sara and Derek begins at Stepps, and being inter-racial, is controversial from the start. Not many characters are happy with this blooming relationship, Malakai (Fredro Starr), Derek's best friend, and Nikki (Bianca Lawson), Derek's ex-girlfriend, particularly disapprove.

"Save the Last Dance" was a good show. I loved the dancing scenes and the obstacles that Sara faced. It was very inspirational and made me want to dance and fight my demons. Julia Stiles did a great job acting in this film.

Some of the hidden talent was Kerry Washington who played Chenille Reynolds. She was amazing for her first appearance in a major motion picture role. She portrayed the character quite well, taking Sara by the hand and showing her the ways of Chicago.

Another standout was Derek, portrayed by Sean Patrick Thomas. You've probably seen him in "Cruel Intentions" and on CBS's "The District." He really helped "Save the Last Dance" shine. He has the look and the moves that made Julia Stiles look amazing. Together they had a definite chemistry.

There were some problems, however. Some scenes dragged on and could have been written better or even left out completely. I also thought some of the language could have been toned down due to the audience watching this movie. Oddly, they left the best dance scenes from Stepps until the end, impossible to watch due to the rolling credits. Bad timing.

I recommend this show to all of you who need a little pick me up in life, to those in inter-racial relationships, and to those who love to dance.

I give Save the Last Dance 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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TeenHollywood.com recently had a contest in Canada where fans won tickets to see "Save the Last Dance." Here are their movie reviews:

I really enjoyed the movie. The movie wasn't sappy, which is usually typical when love is involved in movies. The cast did a good job. The cast was well matched too. I enjoyed watching the dancing...especially in the club scenes. The story was very well written. I didn't get bored while watching the movie. Jenny Smith Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The movie was amazing. Ohmigoodness I loved it so much. But I should have brought a hanky because boy oh boy is it a tearjerker! It was so sad but yet so good.

Lindsey McJannet Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

The movie was great. The setting and everything went together... it had a good story line. I like the "guy falls for girl" type of movies. Must admit though I am a softy. Almost at the end I was so ready to ball my eyes out. But all in all... It was good and I'd probably go see it again. TWO THUMBS!!

Mariel Zamorano Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Save the Last Dance was a very good movie and I think that Julia Stiles and Sean Thomas played their roles outstanding!!! Some parts of the movie were kind of hard to understand because of how some of them spoke. The swearing in the movie was pretty bad though. In almost every sentence they were 1-3 swears. There was only one kind of sex scene but it wasn't bad at all.

The story line was very good. Some parts made you laugh and some made you cry. At some parts they left you on the edge of your seat because you didn't know what was going to happen or they left you crying because it felt like it was you or someone that you knew.

Megan Heck Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I thought the movie was pretty good...not excellent...but quite enjoyable, despite a predictable story line. I loved the well-developed characters and their personalities, especially Kerry Washington, who plays Derek's sister, Chenille. The dance moves were tight, accompanied by an awesome soundtrack. I know this will probably be dubbed as the latest "teen flick" and I realize that it's not a very realistic film nor does it avoid some well-worn stereotypes, but it covers these territories with style and wit. I liked the theme of good high school kids realizing their dreams and overcoming obstacles to achieve them. The relationship between Derek and Sara is charming; Stiles and Thomas play off each other well. Sure, it has a lot of fantasy, but it's a fun watch.

Monica Garrido Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

It was great; I give it 3 thumbs up, its sappy for girls and tough for the boys. Me and my boyfriend both enjoyed it. It has a great story line to it.

Venus Correll Calgary, Alberta, Canada