Step Up 3D – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Step Up 3D

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2010

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Hip-hop dance battles in 3D with suggestive moves and thin plot—pure spectacle for the tween dance crowd.

47%

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Step Up 3D

movie

PG-13, 2010

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Hip-hop dance battles in 3D with suggestive moves and thin plot—pure spectacle for the tween dance crowd.

47%

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Screenwise Verdict

Step Up 3D is exactly what it says on the tin: a dance competition movie designed to show off 3D effects. The choreography is legitimately impressive and could inspire kids who love movement, but the story is thinner than a ballet slipper.

The PG-13 rating is earned—there's sensual dancing throughout (think hip-thrusts, body rolls, partner work that's more 'club' than 'recital'), a few curse words, and some mild aggression. It's not shocking or inappropriate for teens, but definitely not for the under-12 crowd.

The bigger issue? It's 2010 vintage, and it shows. The fashion, the music, the 3D gimmicks that were cutting-edge then feel dated now. Critics gave it a lukewarm 47% on Rotten Tomatoes for good reason—it's formulaic and predictable. But if you've got a tween or teen who lives for dance and can tolerate a cheesy plot, the actual dancing delivers. Just manage expectations: this is popcorn entertainment, not cinema.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17 who are into dance and can handle PG-13 content. The suggestive choreography and brief language make it inappropriate for younger kids, and adults will likely find the plot too thin to sit through unless they're serious dance fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic underdog-wins story with themes of friendship, teamwork, and pursuing your passion. The crew dynamic models cooperation and loyalty. However, the suggestive dance choreography (hip-thrusts, 'broken tango' moves with caressing), brief strong language, and mild club aggression bring it down from squeaky-clean territory. The romantic subplot is sweet but includes some kissing and physical intimacy that's appropriate for teens but not young kids.

Imaginative

The 3D choreography is genuinely inventive and energetic—the film leans hard into visual spectacle with creative dance sequences that use depth and space in interesting ways. It could inspire kids to develop their own movement styles or explore hip-hop culture. That said, it's still a formulaic competition movie with a predictable plot, so the imagination lives mostly in the dance sequences themselves rather than narrative originality.

Safe

PG-13 rating is accurate. Brief strong language (one or two instances), suggestive dancing throughout (not explicit but definitely sensual), mild club violence/aggression, and romantic kissing scenes. No nudity, gore, or substance abuse. The content is telegraphed—parents know what they're getting with a dance competition movie—but younger kids (under 12) might find the suggestive moves and language uncomfortable. No major trigger warnings or surprise traumatic content.

Enriching

There's genuine appreciation for dance as an art form and physical expression. The film celebrates hard work, dedication, and street dance culture. However, the plot is paper-thin (save the warehouse from foreclosure via dance battle), character development is minimal, and the emotional stakes are low. It's entertaining spectacle but doesn't offer much cognitive growth, ethical complexity, or meaningful takeaways beyond 'follow your dreams.' The dance itself is the enrichment here.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Energetic, creative choreography that showcases hip-hop and street dance culture—could genuinely inspire kids to move and explore dance
Positive themes of teamwork, loyalty, and pursuing your passion against the odds
The 3D effects (if you can find them) were designed specifically for dance, using depth in interesting ways
Diverse cast and celebration of NYC street culture without heavy stereotyping

⚠

What to Watch For

Suggestive dance moves throughout—hip-thrusts, body rolls, sensual partner work that's appropriate for teens but not young kids
Brief strong language (a few instances) and mild club aggression/confrontation
Romantic kissing and physical affection between characters
Paper-thin plot that's 100% predictable—this is about the dancing, not the story

Conversation Starters

"What dance style would you want to learn after watching this? What drew you to it?"
"The crew had to work together to win—what made them stronger as a team than just individual dancers?"
"Do you think the 3D effects added to the dancing or were they just gimmicky?"
"The movie shows dance as serious art and athletic skill—do you think people take dance seriously enough as a sport or career?"

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