Netflix’s new addition Work It sees aspiring student Quinn set out her sights for college, but it is dancing that takes her on another path towards a newfound love.
Former Disney star Sabrina Carpenter (Girl Meets World) stars as Quinn Ackerman, a perfectionist committed to her work and is determined to get into her dream college Duke University – after her father previously attended.
Alongside her is her best friend Jasmine (Liza Koshy), an ambitious dancer who is a part of the school’s winning dance group “The Thunderbirds”. As a member of the AV Club, Quinn oversees lighting for the dance group. However, after a coffee spillage, Quinn breaks the lighting sequence and “The Thunderbirds” leader stops her from controlling their lighting anymore.
Time passes and Quinn gears up for her nerve-wracking interview with Duke University. After attending, she finds out she is just the same as every other applicant, but she sets herself apart from them as she reveals she is heading off to the “Work It” dance finals with her dance group.
Her interviewer is delighted with this news. The only problem is Quinn is not a part of any dance group, and she cannot dance… She attempts to audition for “The Thunderbirds” but ultimately fails and takes it upon herself to begin her own dance group with Jasmine.
After recruiting some new dancers, they also acquire choreographer Jake Taylor (Disney star Jordan Fisher).
Compared to some of Netflix’s more recent releases that didn’t receive positive criticism – such as Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga – this film is more engaging and comedic. Like The Kissing Booth, it is a film full of charm with comedy mixed in alongside a romance story line and particular in this film, some upbeat dancing to go along with it.
Liza Koshy is a great addition to the cast as she mirrors her same characteristics as in reality. For those not familiar with Koshy, she made her fame on Vine and then with her own YouTube channel. From there her fame grew and now she is starring in movies like this. Her character stands out as one of the funnier characters – as well as showing off her great dance moves.
Image credit: YouTube
Another stand out positive of Work It is the soundtrack. Not only is it familiar but it is appropriate to the essence of the film with its bubbly dance routines with tracks such as Dua Lipa’s “Break My Heart”, as well as some slower tracks for the more woeful and thoughtful scenes.
Perhaps the only downfall of the film is the predictable storyline. The dilemma of the film is that Quinn might not be able to get into her university, but she finds a way to try and guarantee her admission. But, of course this also faces some bumps in the road… The predictable part is that these problems are solved, but how they are solved is up to you to find out…
Ultimately, Work It perhaps isn’t the big summer flick we needed as it has come towards the end of this doomed summer. However, it is still a great film to boost our moods as we dawn into the later stages of a lockdown summer, as well as seeing a star-studded cast in action.
By Katie Green
Feature image: Screen Rant