I never saw the original film, so I won’t be able to offer any insight on how this film might compare or continue the story set down by Save The Last Dance. What I can say for certain is that this direct to video release isn’t worth the 86 minutes it takes to watch it. The film begins with the first film’s Sarah (now Miko). In a video much like one provided for a dating service, she’s telling us how she feels about various things. These are her highlights and already I don’t care. She is apparently headed to Jullia…d, which seems to be a thread from the first film. There she is torn between her classical training and her passion for hip hop. The conflict presents itself even further in the unlikely pairing with Miles (Short). What follows is a romp in the world of hip hop dance music. If you are a fan of the genre, the music is really the only redeeming value in the entire film. Plot lines are introduced, dangled, or made to disappear completely and without resolution. Maybe it’s bad editing, but I simply couldn’t follow most of the subplots. The against all odds finale is unbelievable even by fantasy standards. None of the performers give us characters to care about. Even Jacqueline Bissett can’t salvage this film. Most of her performance seems to be mired in a “What the hell am I doing this film for?” attitude.Be warned. This film will leave a void in your life. An hour and a half you’ll never get back.
Video
Save The Last Dance is presented in a sub par 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. This is poor stuff for Direct to DVD. There’s entirely too much grain, and contrast is off the wall unrealistic. Black levels are adequate enough. But overall, this is a visually uninspired presentation..
Audio
The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is actually pretty sweet. I’m not a fan of this particular brand of music, but I can appreciate the dynamic range in which it is being performed. Your subs will rock, and there is wonderful separation during the dance numbers.
Special Features
The Behind The Scenes featurette is actually a great Cliff Notes version of the film. Too bad I didn’t make that discovery an hour or so earlier. One of the film’s producers tells us they were aware of the great expectations fans would have for the film. If you do have these expectations, I would recommend you put down the DVD and walk away from the player.
Final Thoughts
Miles collects a library of sounds from street cars to doorbells. I think I would rather have gone through his 8,000 sound samples in lieu of this film. I honestly did not enjoy even a minute of this tripe. Fine if you enjoy the hip hop sound, but why not a primo CD? You won’t even be able to enjoy the music, because one thing after another “just gets in the way”..
Special Features List
- “On Their Toes: The Cast & Crew of Save the Last Dance 2” featurette
- Trailers for Save the Last Dance and Save the Last Dance 2
