Dare you to keep your feet still while watching How She Move, a rip-roaring salute to Jamaican-influenced step-dancing with an infectious backbeat. The film will appeal to fans of other dance tributes like Stomp the Yard but also to fans of High School Musical, Bring It On and other teen let's-put-on-a-show empowerment films. The story is set in Toronto's thriving Caribbean-immigrant community, though there are nods to American 'hoods as well. While the drama is a bit short on plot, there's no shortage of action or star power. The film's lead, the dynamic Rutina Wesley, plays Raya Green, an honors student whose life is shattered by the death of her sister, and by her unwilling return from her private school to her urban neighborhood. But young Raya's spirit is indomitable, as shows the tough neighborhood boys she's every bit a dance force to be reckoned with as they are. Her dancing gives this film its sweet patina of grrl power on top of its fabulous choreographed moves. Also don't miss the great soundtrack, featuring Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes. How she move? Pretty darn great. --A.T. Hurley
Product Description
How She Move is an energetic, gritty and ultimately inspiring coming of age tale about a gifted young woman who defies all the rules as she step dances her heart out to achieve her dreams. Featuring a fresh cast of new discoveries, this Sundance Film Festival hit marks the feature film debut of the electric RUTINA WESLEY, with street-style step sequences by top choreographer Hi Hat and special appearances by R&B singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole and comedian DeRay Davis. Bursting with raw talent and intelligence, Raya Green (WESLEY), the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, has always been the family’s one great hope. She won the rare chance to break out of their drug and crime-infested neighborhood when she was accepted into the exclusive Seaton Academy. But when her sister dies of an overdose, the family is shattered and Raya is forced to return to the place she tried so hard to escape.