Honey

Honey is a captivating and well-executed cinematic piece released in 2003 that artfully combines the narrative of personal dreams with rhythm and sound. This dance/romantic drama was directed by Billie Woodruff and stars Jessica Alba in the lead role.

Set in the heart of New York City, Honey tells the story of Honey Daniels (played by Jessica Alba), a talented and ambitious dancer and choreographer who dreams of making it big in the competitive world of showbiz. Honey works diligently during the day as a Hip-Hop dance teacher at the local community center, while holding down two jobs as a bartender and music store clerk. However, when the night falls, she transforms into a vibrant sensation at the dance clubs, where her exceptional dancing skills are enthusiastically applauded and universally acknowledged.

Honey's life takes an unexpected turn when a video of her impressive street dancing goes viral. This propels her into the limelight, catching the attention of influential music video director, Michael Ellis (played by David Moscow). Her raw talent convinces Michael that she is perfect for his music videos, introducing Honey to the glitz and glamour of the music industry.

As she ascends the ladder of success, Honey is soon beset by the challenges of her newfound fame. She is presented with opportunities to choreograph more mainstream music videos, working with some of the industry's biggest stars. However, she also becomes aware of the dark side of the music industry. She has to deal with people who are only interested in her for her choreography skills and wants to take advantage of her talent.

Throughout the movie, Honey never loses sight of why she pursued this path in the first place: her passion for dance and the desire to give back to the community that shaped her. As she thrives in her career as a choreographer, Honey also works on setting up a dance studio for the kids in her neighborhood, fostering a positive and creative environment for young, aspirant dancers to flourish.

Honey does an excellent job at presenting a relatable and authentic picture of the New York hip-hop scene, filled with passion, grit, and heart. It celebrates the world of dance in a way that feels real, raw, and immediate. The movie offers an array of memorable dance sequences set to pulsating hip-hop and R&B tracks that effectively illustrate the transformative power and beauty of dance.

Jessica Alba delivers an engaging and genuine performance as Honey Daniels, handling both the dramatic and dance aspects of her part with ease. Her journey is the heart and soul of the movie, radiating charisma and showcasing her striking dance ability. Alba's performance is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Mekhi Phifer, Joy Bryant, and Lil' Romeo, who each bring depth and personality to their respective roles.

Although Honey is centered around dance, at the same time, it focuses on themes of ambition, integrity, and community. It is a story that underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and one's roots, even when faced with the tempter of fame and fortune.

Honey does not just serve as an entertaining watch, full of impressive choreographies and catchy music. It also poses as a platform sparking a conversation about trying to remain genuine in an environment that may not always support authenticity. Overall, Honey is a feel-good movie that offers a hopeful message and a phenomenally contagious beat. If you're a fan of dance movies or stories about personal determination and resilience, Honey should be on your must-watch list.