frednow

The storyline is super lame. Stupid and predictable. The Salma Hayek character is an obnoxious stereotype . But some of the dancing is stupendous. The dancers have incredible control of their bodies. We were actually screaming at times. Channing Tatum's performance was a real surprise. I had no idea he was capable of some of the moves. I am going to suggest that you fast forward through this film to a scene where an older woman gets on a bus. There are two scenes like this. In the first, she gets bumped by someone as she boards. That is not it. The second time there is a dance number that lasts about a minute and is wildly fun. Best bus ride since the fight scene in Shang Chi. (available on youtube, watch the longer one). Then you can FF to the remaining dance numbers. The final dance between Tatum and a Hayek look-alike is worth your time if you like dance.

I have been to Talpa several times (2005-07), and could tell pretty fastthat this movie was not filmed there. The comments on youtube say it was San Pedro. The movie has little to do with the Virgin and was mostly about human relationships.

Talpa was a lovely little town when I made my pilgrimages. The people produce guava jellies and candies, and that delightful fragrance is everywhere. I always had a great time on my visits.