Stepping Out

Someone wrote that "Stepping Out" was mostly forgettable. I beg to differ. It is not really "mostly forgettable", just formulaic. BUT that is what I like about it. I like the old "Let's find a barn and put on a show" plots -- that's what I liked watching when I was growing up. So,"Stepping Out" is a great example of the genre. Liza shines -- good music, great dancing and seeing the incomparable Shelly Winters was a plus. Some of the supporting cast have moved up the ladder -- Jane Krakowski, Julie Walters, Bill Erwin, Sheila McCarthy, Andrea Martin, Robyn Stevan, Ellen Greene, Carol woods, Luke Reilly. I see their name in the credits and I remember what fun it is to watch "Stepping Out" again. It reminds me of the small dance studios all over the country. I should know -- I took a tap class at one.

Stepping Out is a gentle feel good musical comedy with plenty of dance numbers. It was supposed to mark a return to form for Liza Minnelli after years of drink and drugs issues.

Minnelli plays Mavis a one time professional dancer in a chorus line in New York who has moved to Buffalo. She starts a dance studio for beginners and ends up getting invited to put on a show for charity.

Her dance class are mainly female with just one guy (Bill Irwin) and range widely in age. Julie Walters plays a hygiene obsessed housewife, Shelly Winters is the temperamental pianist. Everyone has some side issues or problem but will these no hopers get their dance act together in time for the show is the essence of the story.

This is a sweet and enjoyable enough film. Its unpretentious fun, Minnelli does enough to show that in essence she has squandered her talent since her Oscar winning turn as Sally Bowles and there are enough familiar faces in the film to keep your feet tapping along.

Mavis (Liza Minnelli) was a chorus line dancer on Broadway. Just as she was on the verge of getting more prominent roles, she fell in love. Her full-of-himself boyfriend moved them to Buffalo, far from the theater scene. As a musician, he plays with a band in the local clubs, often with the very talented Mavis singing at his elbow. But, they are just two bit players, mostly because of his total lack of ambition. On the side, Mavis runs a dance studio for ordinary folks. In her classes, among others, are a lovely nurse, a librarian, a lady with an overbearing husband, a lady with an unemployed son, a bossy middle aged housewife (Julie Walters) and a lone, divorced, very shy male. The studio pianist is a strong-willed senior (Shelley Winters). One day, a woman who operates a more prominent dance school in Buffalo invites Mavis and her class to perform a number in a charity dance recital. Mavis accepts. But, as total amateurs, will Mavis' class look ridiculous in front of the other, younger groups? And, can Mavis weather a serious personal crisis, just as the class is working hard to get ready for the show? This is a wonderful film for several reasons. To begin, of course, the movie stars the very gifted Minnelli, who is a bonafide triple threat. She can sing, she can dance, and she can act, all in a glorious fashion. She makes Mavis a very memorable and wistful character. Next, the rest of the cast is outstanding, too, and not just Walters and Winters. Most of the dance class members are folks with no name recognition but who play their parts admirably. Then, too, the characters in the film are very human and sympathetic, making the audience cheer and weep for them as the events unfold. Also, the dance numbers are exciting, the costumes are very nice, and the setting in Buffalo quite charming, making for a fine looking film. If you love dancing and singing, this movie has the goods for you. But, even if you can't cut a rug, this film's story will warm your heart with its lovely, vibrant, and very touching tale.

This movie wasn't meant to have deep meaning, it was meant to be enjoyed. This is the movie I plug in whenever I need a lift. Liza is thoroughly enjoyable. I never tire of watching her dance, and her voice is unbeatable, not to mention that she's a wonderful actress. The finale is great fun and shows Liza's unique style and pizazz -- there will always be only ONE Liza. I would recommend this movie to anyone who watches movies for the enjoyment of them, rather than expecting a movie to divulge the meaning of life.

I was privileged to see Liza perform in person just a few days ago, and although she no longer dances, she still has the quality and power in her voice that never fails to thrill me. She was truly delightful with her humor, professionalism and graciousness.

I love you Liza!!

Every now and then, "Stepping Out" touches down on some heartfelt emotions that most viewers will relate to; whether it's Liza Minnelli's jerk of a boyfriend, her loyalty to her tap dance students or the anxieties within the group, the script is surprisingly evocative once it gets down to the heart of the matter (after cutting through the crap). There's a lot of dross filtering through here, too many stumble-bums and pratfalls that I assume are there to get laughs, but Liza is solid (as usual) and does a good job at keeping the picture on some form of realistic ground. The dancers are colorful and interesting, but Shelley Winters as the pianist on social security has a tough time portraying a ridiculous warhorse in silly hats. **1/2 from ****