Work It

Work It is a highly energetic and entertaining dance-comedy flick released in 2020. The movie is directed by Laura Terruso and written by Alison Peck. It boasts an impressive young ensemble cast including Keiynan Lonsdale, Liza Koshy, Briana Andrade-Gomes, Jordan Fisher, Michelle Buteau, and Sabrina Carpenter in major roles.

The movie revolves around the protagonist, Quinn Ackermann (Sabrina Carpenter), a high school senior with aspirations to get into the college of her dreams. Quinn’s academic overachiever disposition makes her believe that having an extracurricular activity like participating in the school dance team, the ‘Thunderbirds’, could increase her chances to get into the top-notch college she has been dreaming about. However, her lack of dancing skills pose a challenge. The team, led by the self-absorbed, ambitious, and talented Julliard Pembroke (Keiynan Lonsdale) deny her a spot, setting the stage for a transformative journey that the lead character undergoes.

Undeterred by the setback, Quinn sets out to form her own dance troupe with misfits snubbed by Julliard. Together with her best friend and talented dancer Jasmine Hale (Liza Koshy) and her ragtag team, Quinn comes face-to-face with her insecurities, fears, and lack of coordination in dancing. The movie showcases the transformation of Quinn from a complete non-dancer to someone who can hold her own on the dance floor. The subplot borrows elements of self-discovery, adding depth to the narrative.

The film sees the characters partnering with former ‘Thunderbird’ standout and top-notch choreographer Jake Taylor (Jordan Fisher) to choreograph their routine. Contrasting the smooth, seamless, and often robotic strategies of the 'Thunderbirds', this fledgling dance troupe represents authenticity, determination, resiliency, and all the irregularities of being real and grounded.

Work It also smartly introduces the element of a love-triangle, adding to the overall narrative dynamics. The sparks between- Quinn, Jake, and Jasmine add layers to movie’s storyline without overshadowing the prime focus of dance and self-discovery. The ensemble cast does a commendable job of breathing life into their respective characters with nuanced performances.

The distinctive mix of various dance numbers shown throughout the movie, from hip-hop to ballet and breakdancing, serves as a vibrant showcase of talent, effort, and creativity. The film's rich and uplifting soundtrack complements the narrative, adding to the overall appeal. 'Work It' also scores high on inclusivity; it does a remarkable job comprising a diverse cast of many colors and sizes, moving forward the dialogue about representation in mainstream films.

Keiynan Lonsdale, popularly known for his roles in The Flash, portrays the character of Julliard with flamboyance, complementing the eccentricities of his character. Liza Koshy, an internet sensation, successfully leverages her online persona to bring vivacity and zest to her character Jasmine. Briana Andrade-Gomes charms the audiences with her solid dance sequences. Jordan Fisher's portrayal of Jake adds the right amount of depth, charm, and compassion to his character.

Though the trope of an underdog dance team taking on the far superior reigning champions might not be path-breaking, Work It manages to offer a refreshing take with its engaging storyline, lighthearted humor, and exuberant dance performances. The film efficiently balances its comedy, drama, and romance, ensuring that it isn’t just a clone of every other dance movie out in the world.

In essence, Work It is a lively, spirited and heartwarming coming-of-age drama combined with killer dance-off battles that won’t disappoint fans of the genre. The film also bestows upon its viewers’ invaluable messages about friendship, teamwork, and self-belief, making it a delightful watch for the young audience segment. Despite its conventional format, the movie shines due to its eccentric performances, compelling characters, energetic dance numbers and a contagious zest that stays with you even after the film ends.