Dance Academy: The Movie

I liked the Emma Stone-Ryan Gosling song and dance romance-drama, but for me Dance Academy feels more real. It has something about it that is more dramatic, more emotional, more complex.

Strauss is a writer of real flair. A former teen dancer, she knows the milieu like the back of her hand and is not ashamed to take delight in an all-Aussie phrase like "pity pash".

The dialogue isn't exactly sparkling. It's matter-of-fact at best, cliched at worst, but Tara and friends are easy to like. The ballet movie tradition is well served.

Subversive entertainment it ain't. But nor is this well-paced yarn - with pleasing albeit narrowly scoped performances from a perky cast - bereft of pleasantries and surprises.

Xenia Goodwin projects an ethereal quality when she dances -- and even in other scenes -- so I was drawn to her character. I also love the sensitive way romance is integrated into this endearing dance film.

Captivating, graceful story of young dancers on the verge.

There's a realness to these characters and their journey that makes this worth a look.

What it lacks in surprises, it makes up for in poise, a standard coat of glossy-imaged polish, and an affable teen melodrama air.

Fans of the show will feel dutifully well-served. Those coming to the film cold might feel a little iced out.

While maintaining the heart that helped make it a small-screen hit, Dance Academy looks every bit the sumptuous big-screen drama.