Step Sisters

I started watching this as a cheesy dance type film, which is exactly what it is. However, it also addresses important themes and great messages, There was a good story-line and I felt like I could relate to the main characters as well as their progression. I've read a lot of reviews but I think this film should be taken at face value, and watched the whole way through before being judged.

I thought the movie had its highs and lows. Each character played a modern archetype, and wasn't really well rounded. It also espoused beliefs that I do not share. The issue with cultural appropriation isn't that "races can't own things," the issue is the social ramifications of the perpetual white-washing of other cultures to make it more palatable to an American audience (i.e. James Brown). It has a low-budget Bring It On vibe. I think a lot of reviewers felt as though it was racist because the movie was like a mirror--a cheap mirror, but still, a mirror.

Honestly most netflix movies aren't that great to begin with. But notice a pattern with all the comments. TYhey didnt finish the movie, only watched 15 mins blah blah race.. But it was different in the 2nd half! The main character became likeable and grew. For once it was saying we've all been there. we need to both stop judging and how we are a like or had a moment a like. They show and prove that there are white people that love black people. So stop hating. There are white people who support black people in their struggle but there are also white people that have struggles. No i am not talking about starbucks instagram girls blah blah thats make up of the 1% that talk about white people problems etc. I had a dead beat dad, single mom that struggled and worked hard never dated cause she was scared to bring guys around us. I got mad fun of and bullied cause i didnt have money growing up. I had handy downs from my cousins etc. I believe it made me a stronger person. I never judged anyone. I was nice to everyone even the girls i knew who hated me, the guys & girls that got made fun of etc.

They finally point this out in the movie that we should be coming together vs who had it worse or what happened in the past. That not all black people or white people are the same. For once it focuses on both sides.

I just think its so funny how the ppl who judged the movie didnt even watch it though. Its as if they were the plot of the movie.. in the beginning both sides were judging each other BEFORE GETTING TO KNOW THEM.. How can you judge a movie from the 1st 15 mins! Thats like judging someone by their skin colour or if you think they are ugly or hot when you 1st meet. That person could be amazing but you never gave them a chance because you judged by what they looked like... Thats what this movie is all about, getting to know the people before making judgements.

P.s I am white, I have black family memebers. My neighbor and her kids are black and i think of her as a 2nd mom. And I smile big when i see her grand kids because i don't want them to think all white people hate them because we don't. We should be teaching our kids to love each other not believe eveyone hates them before they even meet.

Its like every other dance/gymnastic/singing movie. You DON'T watch them for the plot... or script... or acting... or anything else except the action numbers. The step scenes are great and everything else.. well I loved hating every minute of it.

I read some bad reviews where people quit watching or didn't seem to get the point? I mean, if it's not your cup of tea, then fair enough. I like a bit of light-hearted drivel now and again, and I did get Pitch Perfect and Bring It On vibes, but I absolutely love any film or TV series that explores social issues in new and interesting ways. I love the characters in this, especially the protagonist, everyone is shown to have their flaws and it's always great to see actual character arcs. The characters and even the ideas presented by the movie are somewhat stereotypical at first, but this does change the more you watch, and the more you get to know the characters- which I thought was really clever! There are some hilarious scenes, amazing dancing and I wasn't disappointed by the end. While it has its flaws (e.g wee bits of awkward acting) and while it isn't the most amazing film I've ever seen, I really enjoyed it and recommend it!