Center Stage Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Life doesn't hold tryouts.
After auditions, 12 young dancers make it to the American Ballet Academy. They'll prepare for the student showcase to determine who will be asked to join the American Ballet Company. Tensions mount between Jonathan, the company's aging choreographer, and Cooper, his best dancer, who also wants to choreograph. The brilliant Maureen seems poised for success, but she discovers that life is passing her by. Jody, whose body may be the wrong type and whose technique is ragged, elicits Cooper's interest. The edgy, smart-mouthed Eva loves to dance but seems destined to be stuck in the back of the chorus. The showcase will decide their fates.
| Amanda Schull | Jody Sawyer |
| Zoe Saldana | Eva Rodriguez |
| Susan May Pratt | Maureen Cummings |
| Peter Gallagher | Jonathan Reeves |
| Donna Murphy | Juliette Simone |
| Debra Monk | Nancy Cummings |
| Ethan Stiefel | Cooper Nielson |
| Sascha Radetsky | Charlie Sims |
| Julie Kent | Kathleen Donahue |
| Ilia Kulik | Sergei |
| Eion Bailey | Jim Gordon |
| Shakiem Evans | Erik Jones |
| Elizabeth Hubbard | Joan Miller |
| Victor Anthony | Thomas |
| Christine Dunham | Audition Teacher |
| Nicholas Hytner |
6.20 out of 10 (6353 votes)
Visitor Reviews
cute story with a good dose of reality
posted on 25 Jul 2009I absolutely loved this movie. Yeah, the story is cute, and it all works out happily ever after in the end, but it's the details that really make this work. The movie really shows a lot of the truth of dancing -- ripping apart your brand new shoes, practicing the same move over and over and over, the bloody messed up feet, the pressure on the dancers to keep the weight off or get kicked out, anorexia. Most dance movies gloss over these aspects, which are a big part of a dancer's reality. But the story is cute, the acting is good enough for its purpose, and the dance sequences are the best I've ever seen in a movie!!!! From classical ballet, to modern dance interpretations, the dance scenes are incredibly choreographed and executed. I love this movie, it's definitely a rainy-day feel good to watch over and over.
The Turning Point of Fame
posted on 23 Jul 2009What an enjoyable film! And far too much sneering criticism of what is a spectacular dance movie...........it disappoints me greatly that this gets such a bagging ....perhaps moaners would prefer more dumb multiplex films or more violence? Centre Stage has terrific set pieces and is a revelation on DVD with whole versions of the dance scenes. Just enjoy it. I was astonished to realise these genuine dancers could act so well. If films like this did not exist I am sure the moaners would moan that there was not enough films for its obviously intended market. It perhaps is a pity that the makers also cut the dance sequences so short, or have drama interrupting them. For me the interest is seeing whole and uninterrupted grand set pieces shown in total, not edited. It really only adds fuel to the fact that many people refuse to pay the cinema ticket cost and justify their wait for DVD saying (quite rightly) that they will be rewarded for waiting because the DVD will be more complete.
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!
posted on 07 Jul 2009Center Stage was the best movie I've ever seen! Being the impressionable teenage girl I am, I liked this a thousand times more than Titanic and Dawson's Creek... COMBINED! The plot made me want to take up ballet for the cool people and what they did for fun. The acting seemed extremely real, like they were actual people. Maybe because they really are ballet dancers, not actors. Whatever it was that made this movie so good, I plan to look for the next HUNDRED times I see it!!!!
not awful...
posted on 09 Jun 2009Center Stage is a movie about the competition among dancers to earn spots in the American Ballet Company. This pits some against each other, but mostly the struggles are internal. The acting is pretty poor, obviously the actors were chosen more for their dancing ability over their acting talent. And the dancing is excellent, the scenes tend to drag on a bit, but very stylish and well choreographed. However, this does little to compensate for the sometimes laughable dialogue and the flimsy plot. If you are a dancer you will probably love the film, if you are not, like me, you will probably think it is not awful.
Lame but fun!
posted on 14 May 2009The writers who hammered together this script must have attended the school for cliche. There were lines throughout the movie where I was able to recite them moments before the actor had the opportunity of doing so. The kids in the film were talented and cute, but few of them were gifted actors. But all in all I would have to say a lot of the choreography was quite original and refreshing. This film does have its charm!
Utter pap.
posted on 02 May 2009I saw "Center Stage" as something to pass the time on television. Now, I'm fully aware I'm not the demographic for such a film, but it was just laughably terrible to watch.You've got cardboard cut-outs of characters, dialogue that just dies and dance routines that are probably quite hard to do but just don't look that impressive. Saccharine coats everything heavily. Some of the more veteran actors do try to pull something out of their parts, but they really don't have much to work with.I got quite a few laughs out of "Center Stage", so it wasn't a complete waste. Mocking a film like this can indeed be an enjoyable experience!
Don't waste your time or money
posted on 14 Apr 2009Unless you are a total dance fanatic and don't care anything about believable plots, character development, or good acting, then don't waste your time or money on this movie. I sat through this trash at the request of my daughter and I couldn't wait for it to be over. I have been more entertained sitting through a root canal. I kept hoping that either a miracle would happen and the movie would get better or at least the theater would catch fire so I would have an excuse to leave. Everything that's wrong with Hollywood teen flicks is in there...Teen drinking, sex, homosexuality, unexplained attitude problems. it's all there, mixed in with nonsensical dialog and a nonexistent plot. Too bad the producers didn't just re-release FAME. At least that would have been somewhat entertaining.
A surprisingly good drama about the hardships of professional ballet dancing, but unfortunately brought down a bit by a routine romance between the main characters.
posted on 29 Mar 2009Center Stage is a very well thought out film that follows a group of dancers through their trials in a prestigious dancing academy. The acting and directing are both very good, but the film as a whole suffers from the un-creative insertion of a done-to-death love story. The exact same love triangle seen in Center Stage can be seen in countless other films of all kinds, and this is an unfortunate problem with this film, which is otherwise extremely good. Sure, there are plenty of dancing movies out there, but there really aren't that many that deal specifically with ballet. The way that the story is partially acted out while the characters are doing impressive dance scenes is excellent, but a bit of cheesy acting late in the film as well as a disappointingly predictable ending take a lot away from it. Despite its problems, however, Center Stage is a very enjoyable and watch-able film. Not the best, but definitely quality entertainment.
Ballet is fun and challenging at the same time!!!
posted on 27 Mar 2009I thought this movie was awesome, I've seen it multiple times. The look into the lives of students in a ballet academy trying to get into the company is very real and well acted. The aspects of competition, sacrifices, the fun times and the hardships are all very well presented throughout the movie. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves ballet!!! I think ballet is fun and challenging all at the same time, and "Center Stage" shows this beautifully. Since I have taken ballet for quite some time, I watch this movie in awe and speak straight from the heart when I say "It'll take your breath away".
Entertaining, for what it is...
posted on 07 Feb 2009"Center Stage" is a movie that focuses on a group of friends at the American Ballet Academy, and the drama of their lives, all with a fantastic dance sequence at the end.Most of the characters are played by professional dancers, and you can tell, as the acting leaves something to be desired. Clearly not the same as "Fame", "Center Stage" takes its strong suit, dancing, and runs with it.Yes, the actors are lame and the lines are cheesy, but yipes, can they dance!This movie is a fun, brainless way to spend two hours. But don't expect too much, other than the dance sequences.
um.... hello people ya gotta see this!!!!
posted on 01 Feb 2009This is like THE very best movie, it's cute and entertaining, I'm a dancer myself and watching this movie was inspiring, I'm sure that it would be for many other people!! It was good and it had a good ending and it's very very realistic. Even if you aren't a dancer it still makes you want to get up and dance. The moral of the story : life doesn't hold try-outs, is very truthful and well, good. I also think that the cast was extremely good too. I mean, they were real dancers and great actors!!!! these guys were good, they made it look like they'd been acting all their life. I'm cutting this short because if I said anything else that was good about the movie I would tell the whole story because it was nothing but wonderful and I would spoil the wonderful end for those of you who haven't seen it. So to sum it up: SEE IT!!!
I loved this movie
posted on 25 Nov 2008I just loved this movie. I saw it 3 times and would have gone back to see it many more times(but I guess I was more impressed than other people because it did not stay around that long). I will admit it was pretty cliche but that was what I liked about this movie. I do love Musical very much and had hoped to see more being made. I will purchase this movie for my collection when I get the chance. I have the CD from the sound track but was disapointed that it did not contain any of the ballet music.
Great Flick in the vein in "FAME"
posted on 18 Oct 2008Center Stage is a great drama.music themed flick. It's a similar story to that of Fame. Most of the acotrs in the movie are actually professional dancers. The acting in some parts leaves a little to be desired, but the story of an underdog dancer making it to the top is worth it. The dance numbers are music complelty give the movie a fresh/fast paced flavor. Go see it!
Should I See This Movie Again, Yes !!!
posted on 22 Sep 2008I like this movie to the extent that I will definitely see it again and I will buy the video tape later on.Probably because I am a fan of ballet and I learned a little ballet myself when I was young, I certainly understand how competitive this field can be, meaning you have to have a great body, great feet and a great proportion to survive. However, you also have to love it so much that you can make any sarcrifice for it.This movie beautifully showed us the details about ballet training and the dancers' daily lives. Most of the dance numbers are finely performed. Especially when you have to pay 60 dollars to see Ethan Steifel's performance with ABT, it is really a bargain to spend only 9 dollars to get to see this brilliant brilliant dancer so closely in "Center Stage".However, since most of the actors in this movie are really dancers, it is not easy for them to act well. Even though sometimes you feel they are kind of in-mature in acting, the beautiful dances they offer can make you forget about their lack of acting skill.In my opinion, Center Stage cannot be compared with "Turning Point", another great movie about dancers. The later was much better directed and produced. In Center Stage, the director should have paid more attention to dancers' inner frustrations and struggles. In this movie, you get to see beautiful dances, injuries, tears, physical pain, still you will feel something is missing thus you don't really relate yourself to all those experiences. The director kind of ignored that this movie should be really made for ordinary people instead of dance fans only.Overall, I will recommend this movie to my friends and I hope they would understand that these young ballet dancers are really people who deserve our admiration and respect.
Mesmerizing! Thank you for this movie!
posted on 31 Aug 2008This film reminded me fondly of my youth. I have been pirouetting since I was nine months old and recently procured a spot with a wonderful theater company. As an on-again off-again diva, Center Stage really rang true for me. I was a big fan of American Anthem, the Turning Point, Fame, and Billy Elliot, and this film puts all of those to shame. I especially liked the references to bulimia and cigarette smoking. It was as if I was watching a documentary about my own life play out in front of me. The over the top performances are fantastic! After the incredible success of Empire Records, Carol Heineken is two for two! I can't wait for the sequel!
This is way better than "the company".
posted on 19 Aug 2008I didn't even know about this movie, until a few days when i saw an empty DVD package a local thrift store - Goodwill. And I was lucky to find a copy at a local library. Wow, I can't believe that this movie was released in 2000! That is nine years old, but it felt so contemporary. I wonder what those actors look like now, and what they have been doing after this? Anyway, I first watched another movie about ballet dancers called "The company", released in 2003. That movie was so dull, the storyline was weak. This movie is far more better, there was no dull moment. And everyone seems to be so real. I can't even tell which one is the real ballet dancer, which one is not. They all seem to be able to dance so well. The only part was when Sergei dancing on stage, it seems that they used a real dancer for some of his scenes, but I can't be sure.I like the Jim Gordon character, he can really act. However, he was supposed to be a premed student in college in this movie. At that time, the real actor was already 24, so he did look a little too old for that role. The dancers certainly can act. The dancing scenes were well choreographed, nice to watch. And there were scenes of guys wearing tights which the movie "The company" seem to avoid. Those leading actresses also performed well, I felt as if that is who they are in real life.I especially like the scenes which they showed how the ballerinas prepare their dancing shoes, who could have thought about that. Unlike watching the movie "the company", this movie made me realize that dancing is not as easy as it looks. Those dancers really have to spend a lot of hours of practicing before they can actually dance on stage. This is not an easy profession, and they only have such a short lifetime which they can actually dance. They have to retire way early than normal people. Indeed, they are doing this because they love to dance.
Great Movie!
posted on 15 Aug 2008This is one of my favorite movies. I really enjoyed it. Maybe because the concept isn't played out. It was different than most of the teen oriented movies that came out around the same time. It didn't have the same people playing the same parts( like all the Freddie Prinze Jr. movies). I love the dance sequences at the end. A must see even if you aren't into dancing because neither was I.
Good Movie
posted on 03 Aug 2008I didn't see this movie when it first came out, but I watched it on T.V. It was on all the time and I watched it every time it came on. The acting isn't great, but the story and the dancing makes up for it. The story brings out typical problems that dancers face. The choreography was amazing. This is a great movie and if you get the chance, see it.
Dancers' Toes, Dancers' Woes and some fine pliés
posted on 14 Jul 2008A surprisingly refreshing movie for the genre. Could have dipped into FAME melodrama, but kept its head admirably. The dancing is wonderful, and the adult supporting cast to this stable of beautiful and handsome newcomers lends great strength to the film.Who can resist the film closeup of perfect young faces and dance-tuned bodies? No one with an appreciation for form and kinetic beauty, I think.The plot dutifully ties together the disparate characters, stereotypical, yes, but not completely vapid by any means. I recommend this film for what it accomplishes with a cast of young and unfamiliar faces and names and the challenge of presenting the New York Ballet scene with drama and flair, not just the hackneyed storyline, either.Support adventurous independent filmmaking and see Center Stage!
terrible film!
posted on 31 Jul 2009I can not understand why people love this movie so much! I think it is one of the worst films ever made in history!!! I never wanted to watch this movie but it was on the television one night after the simpsons. They had a dance special because the episode was the one where Lisa became a tap dancer...They should have put Dirty Dancing on instead , That movie is a million times better! Even after watching it I felt like watching Dirty Dancing to fresh in up my mind! Well any way my big sister said that I should watch it because I would love it But I did'nt! it was a real disappointment. Now for why I hated this movie . The acting was awful because they chose dancers as actors . They made it seem so beautiful and romantic when she is with the professional blonde dancer and then spoiled it when she chooses someone else at the end! . It was so hard to concentrate on and I kept on getting distracted . The whole point of it was trying to get into the American academy's ballet and then she becomes a member of a guy,s she does not even like! .It was boringI Hated this movie it was awful and a waist of trampoline time and Friday night fun! the only positive thing I can look for in this movie was the incredible dancing! 2/10. Please do Not see it!