I enjoyed reading the mixed opinions about Center Stage. I saw it last weekend (I tried twice earlier on and it was booked out here in New York City, then I bought tickets to the late showing) and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I had heard people complain about bad acting, sub-zero choreography and a thin story-line, but I quite liked the movie. Sure, the acting wasn't up there with Meryl Streep's, but it kept me, and my non-dancer husband attentive to the movie's storyline and intent. We were taken into a famous school's dance studios, given a very real glimpse of life on the dance-front and even left with a smirk at the Hollywood-style ending and the knowledge, that even if some of the incidents in the movie are slightly and I mean, only slightly over-the-top, a dancer's life isn't more than blood, sweat and tears...the rest remains behind the scenes-as it should.<P>Is Center Stage another Turning Point? No, and why should it be? Without Ann Bancroft and Shirley Maclaine (apologies if I've mispelt any names) how could it be? In my opinion the dancers/actors made more of an impression on me than many a Hollywood soap opera. Their expressions seemed less contrived and more genuine. <P>The choreography, now that's a different topic altogether. However, if it was geared towards the teen public, it hit the spot. Young people sitting around me in a huge Sony cinema left with nothing by compliments.<P>Don't be put off by negative remarks, Center Stage is well worth a look. At least then you'll make up your own mind about its value.<BR><P>------------------<BR>[This message has been edited by Jennifer]<BR>
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