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The Vow

A saccharine and paint-by-numbers slice of romance, which is largely boosted by the appeal of its two leads.

Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (3D)

The under-utilised 3D adds little to this prequel, which only serves as a sore reminder of the brilliance of the original films.

Any Questions For Ben?

The talented bunch of actors ably cut through the surface gloss, but it’s tough to remain invested in the plight of the self-absorbed lead.

Shame

It starts off as brutal but arresting stuff, and the two lead performances are scorching, but disappointingly dissolves into a case of tragedy for the sake of tragedy.

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Every Little Step (Film)

by Jenni Dawes | July 01, 2009 09:52 | Edited July 01, 2009 09:55

Just as powerful as the original musical- keeps you glued to the fascinating and heartbreaking audition process.

Every Little Step is a rousing documentary that details the revival of the popular Tony-award-winning Broadway show, A Chorus Line. Just as A Chorus Line is about dancers auditioning for a musical, the film explores the casting process for the 2006 production. Starting from an open call with 1,700 hopefuls, the numbers are cut down through round after round of first dance, then singing, and then acting auditions. It's a melting pot of dreams and dashed hopes, and the film provides an adept balance of audition scenes and candid interviews. It's like reality TV, but without the sense of exploitation.

 

The candidates are all skilled performers, yet despite their seasoned, years-of-being-second-best thick skins, their vulnerability is palpable. Songs from the musical, such as "I Hope I Get It", provide an all-too-appropriate soundtrack. Audience members unfamiliar with the show are given an in through interviews with creator Michael Bennett and original cast members, along with archival footage of the 1975 production, while long-time fans are sated with inside details on how the show was conceived, and then altered after the first few performances in accordance with audience responses.

 

The film so cleverly weaves you into the creation of A Chorus Line that time flies, and the only frustrating thing about it is how much it leaves you gagging to see the finished result, with the chosen performers live on stage. Every Little Step blurs the line between life imitating art and art imitating life, providing a key to the long-standing success of A Chorus Line. It's perfectly timed, funny and dramatic, and captures the passion of the performers and those behind the scenes.

 

Every Little Step speaks to anyone who has ever chased a dream against the odds, and is certainly a must-see for those with a taste for musical theatre.