听 User Rating 
Contains strong language and soft drug use
The trend for street dance films continues in this Canadian drama about a studious girl who must win a contest in order to afford further education. As the title suggests, Raya has got the moves alright, but can she find a step crew that can take her all the way to the top? It's a familiar set-up, but while the story falls back on clich茅s and trite moral messages, a few dance scenes deliver in spectacular style.
Much like Baby in Dirty Dancing, Raya is a quiet, shy character often overlooked in favour of more showy girls. While less romantic and considerably less enjoyable than the 80s classic, this shares the sense of female empowerment through dance. Raya is grieving for the death of her sister from an overdose, and has distanced herself from the street culture. Raya must learn that you can mix with the tough guys without getting burned 鈥 you just need to be a strong, independent woman. Stay away from drugs, and do your homework.
"TEENS WILL SPOT THE CHINKS IN THE DIALOGUE"
All these messages are well and good, and may get through to young girls dazzled by Raya's explorations into the underground. This MTV film doesn't have a great deal to offer older viewers, however: even teens are likely to spot the chinks in the dialogue and the heavy-handed moral. It's only when the dance crews start stepping on stage at the contest that this really holds the attention: and then, boy, how they move.
How She Move is out in the UK on 4th April 2008.
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