Help! I’ve Fallen and My Feet Won’t Stop Tapping

Be prepared to laugh-out-loud during this comedy as it’s a ‘no holds barred,’ Wayans brothers comedy film. The film’s a spoof on just about any teen dance film that’s been produced in the last ten years with the bonus addition of the teen vampire hit “Twilight.” If you’re in the mood for a ridiculous over-the-top film that at times even makes fun of itself then you’re sure to enjoy this teen HS flick.

It’s a nonstop bombardment of jokes and quotes from mostly musical movies namely; "High School Musical," "Hairspray,” ”Dreamgirls,” ”Save the Last Dance,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Fame,””Flashdance,” ”You Got Served,” “Step Up,” “Dreamgirls” and ”Twilight.”

The Wayans brothers, (sisters, sons, nephews, cousins and perhaps nieces; I counted 8 Wayans in the ending credits) add to their ‘scary movie’ franchise by attaching toe tapping dance to their repertoire. Somehow they deal all of this material into a ‘crazy dance parody’ that barely passes the PG-13 guidelines. Parents I strongly caution you to keep anyone under 13 at home.

The film’s format follows “Save the Last Dance” with Shoshana Bush as Megan and Damon Wayans Jr. as Thomas, as the parallel the roles of Julia Stiles/Sean Patrick Thomas. Megan auditions for Juilliard, rocking out to Rick James’s classic song Super Freak; needless to say the judges were aghast.  She ends up in Music High School, where she meets her first friend Charity (Essence Atkins), a single mother who casually leaves her infant son in her locker during school hours. The child’s father, Baby Daddy (Shawn Wayans), appears now and then as he tries to pick up his son and hold him for about 2 seconds and then quickly departs. Eventually he presents Charity with a photo of himself so his son can see his face every morning. It’s all in fun and clearly a spoof of the ‘Maury Show’ as Baby Daddy declares that he thinks, he’s 99.2% sure that ‘he’s the father’.

Megan begins a burdened romance with Charity’s brother, Thomas the leader of a street dance competition crew. These two are the shining stars. I enjoyed their chemistry and natural acting as the scenes aren’t forced. Both work well together and are comical.

Keenen Ivory Wayans portrays Steve Harvey in his "You Got Served," role. Amy Sedaris plays the scary HS dance teacher named Ms. Cameltoe, for obvious reasons. An overly large David Alan Grier playing Sugar Daddy who is a food junkie with jars of raw sugar cane within reach at all times. He’s in a super large sumo wrestling fat suit and ultimately steals the movie with a parody of ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ song from the film “Dreamgirls” which “You’re Gonna Love Me” becomes “You’re Gonna Feed Me.”

Dave Scott, who choreographed many of the films spoofed in "Dance Flick," heads up the dance in this film as well. A memorable number near the end is the hit song ‘Fame’ and the cast street dances to this catchy tune.

The offensive humor has a reverse effect in “Dance Flick” as it’s outrageous and over the top, but gives permission to laugh. The film laughs at itself in many scenes. These laughs leave you feeling open-minded and not really accountable as filmmakers are no doubt bearing the brunt for us and saying it’s ok to laugh at certain ‘politically incorrect’ situations. One scene includes a breathalyzer with categories that determine levels of drinking titled Mel Gibson, Nicole Ritchie and Amy Winehouse. Mostly it portrays signs of America’s pop culture with a decided comedic twist.

Sarah Adamson © 2009