3.5 stars (out of 5)
By R. Kurt Osenlund
It doesn't get much more superficial than “Step Up 3D,” the leap-, twist-, thrust- and windmill-off-the-screen third installment of a film series defined by perfect choreography and perfectly lousy writing. Everything you see in this souped-up sequel is in support of its being an urban-confetti carnival ride. Whenever it breaks from its dance numbers and briefly strains to develop its excuses for characters, you can feel the entire production itching to get back to the spectacle, and you can practically hear the grinding gears of the conceptual process: To sustain their franchise, a crew of excitable hacks decides to employ 3-D technology and stage a bunch of truly in-your-face sequences, then realizes, “Dammit! We've got to tie this all together with an actual – gulp! – story.” Thus, the narrative is a chore, both for filmmaker and viewer. The dancing and visual design, however, are so energetic, bright and unapologetically sensational, you can't take your eyes off the screen.
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