Netflix's 'Feel The Beat': Review

Far from perfect, this dance underdog hybrid eventually finds its rhythm along with a charming performance from Sofia Carson, to suffice as heartfelt family entertainment 

Sofia Carson in 'Feel The Beat' (CREDIT: Netflix)

by Jack Linsdell

Netflix's movies may be popular, but, when it comes to critical and artistic merit, don't have the best of reputations. Some come off as theatrical rejects from studio executives who read the scripts and said "hell no" (see Velvet Buzzsaw or Annihilation). Occasionally, they put out a Sierra Burgess is a Loser which is probably one of their best original movies, period. However, most of their flicks come in somewhere between the two - not terrible, but not any form of "excellent" either (think Tall Girl). And, that's where Sofia Carson's Feel The Beat comes in. It suffices (mostly) as three star, family orientated entertainment without any black marks or high points either. 

The underdog dance-comedy follows talented Broadway dancer April (Carson) who, after messing up a career defining audition, returns to her small hometown and reluctantly trains a group of young dancers for a national competition. It's a simple premise, a sort of hybrid between Karate Kid ("reluctant coach decides to teach children for a sport competition") and Jessica Alba's Honey ("a talented dancer dreams of making it big but ends up teaching dance in the local community"). It offers nothing new to either the underdog sports genre or the dance drama but that's not really why you choose to watch it. 

Carson, a very popular actress-turned-singer from Descendants fame, has her first leading role here. And, to her credit, she manages to do enough with her performance to elevate a mostly unlikeable and one dimensional protagonist on the page, into someone we do (eventually) invest in to. It's far from Oscar winning stuff, but Carson's performance is the sole bit of quality characterisation we get for April (the script certainly fails here). Her nuanced, charming and emotional performance tackles a tough role head, to the point that Carson becomes the best element of the the film. 

The main problem with Feel The Beat is that April is so horrible and self-centered at the beginning of the movie that it takes a long time (and the sheer charm of Carson) to turn the audience's head into actually caring about her by the end. It doesn't help that she barely says anything for the first 30 minutes of the film either which leaves you feeling very empty towards her. But, by the end, we have been won over, but it does feel like too little, too late. And, that sums up the film really. It takes a long time to get going. Yet, the second half, has just enough interesting character beats, plot developments and emotional moments to elevate the movie from "I watched it whilst doing something else" to "it has my full attention" status. 

Look, the dance choreography is handsomely staged, the cast of young children are sweet and charming and the film features a surprisingly moving score by composer Michael Yezerski. But, beyond those elements (and Carson), Feel The Beat comes off as an average movie. Yes, I did have misty eyes during a couple of moments in the second and third acts, and the finale brought a genuine plot turn that I didn't see coming, which put April in a difficult (and interesting) bind. But, its PG content, to the point that even the most dramatic moments feel a little watered down to appeal to young kids, makes the film most likely more effective to families with kids than adults without them. 

The film has heart, its messaging is apt and poignant, not to mention a "everything works out" fairytale ending which (despite my eye rolling reaction) does class Feel My Beat as a feel good family movie. And, that's where it's at its best. As a light hearted family film, very suitable for kids, it works. It features just enough dramatic and engaging moments that the adults could get something from it too. 

It neither discredits or enhances Netflix's reputation for its original movies, but does provide solid three star entertainment for those after a lighter movie option they can watch with their kids. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Carson in more leading roles, as she's certainly got something there. With the right material and under competent direction, she could go on to produce some excellent stuff.

Feel The Beat may not get you "feeling" any beat until the half way mark. But, with a heart in the right place and a solid starring turn from its leading lady, it eventually finds rhythm and ends the routine with a fitting and moving finale. 

3/5 STARS