Keep Stars On Their Toes

Mon., May 22, 2000

Kaylin Green East Valley

“Center Stage” (Rated PG)

I always like movies that have to do with performing, and “Center Stage” is no exception.

This movie profiles six dancers at the American Ballet Academy as they struggle to become the best dancers possible.

Jody (Amanda Schull) works until her toes bleed, and even then she is told that her technique is not good enough. She receives strength from her mouthy friend (Zoe Saldana) who tells her to dance for the love of it. At the same time she is falling in love with a famous dancer whose intentions are not pure.

The movie is full of cliches, including a stereotypical gay man and an unhappy bulimic ballerina. Cast with professional dancers, it is obvious from the start that most of the stars can’t act, but they sure can boogie.

The actors execute beautiful leaps and pirouettes, filling the movie with excitement. And the numerous performances superbly portray the elegance of the ballet.

The dancing is beautiful, but the enchantment stops there. This movie is only for those who appreciate the art of movement.

Grade: B

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.