Love N' Dancing

24 March 2013. While not in the same league as Black Swan (2010) or The Artist (2011), this predictable romantic dance drama incorporates elements from Shall We Dance? (1996, remade 2004) that make this movie an entertaining piece. It even provides a more fascinating experiential look at dancing that The Cutting Edge (1992) which parallels the storyline with ice skating but which that movie seemed to omit the thrill of the skating competition itself. Avoiding the more exaggerated and melodramatic impression from Dirty Dancing (1987), Love N'Dancing restrains the story in a way to make it even more believable that art films evoke even while it retains a more mainstream entertainment impact like The Cutting Edge. This movie doesn't quite break out in its stylish, innovative presentation like Music and Lyrics (2007), but it has its own charm, especially a rather nice ending sequence that is somewhat unusual but satisfying in its approach to tying up loose ends.

As well, Tom Malloy is the best thing in this movie. I am giving an entrance with references which you must know, yeah, regular chick flick movie- feel-good movie plus dancing which is my favorite, musical-chick flick. I appreciate but I can't say it is hilarious; Strictly Ballroom- Buz made it in 90's with a great success. "Brave new steps put Scott's career in jeopardy. With a new partner and determination, can he still succeed?" That is why we love "The Cutting Edge", buddy. Mr Malloy stole my heart! Amy Smart, you are still my "Butterfly Effect":) I warn you that I may be one of those critics but still full of emotions!; it reminded me that honesty. I'm looking forward for your next movies Malloy, surprise me!

forget the story (this kind of plot was filmed a thousand times before), forget the dancing (those who watch the movie because of it will judge by different parameters than I do), forget the lame camera-work and generic music - this is about dialogue and acting! I am actually thinking, the whole film is a parody about how special interest movies are made. the guy is deaf, but a dancer. so far so good. his former girlfriend is trying to win him back in a hilariously overacted 40's-femme-fatale-manner, while both of them look as imbecile as it gets. amy smart is admittedly a much nicer sight, but she peaks the top of her acting abilities with her performance of a stressed teacher (the students seem nice though, albeit a bit bored, which is understandable) having kind of an inner outbreak in the classroom, screaming and nearly dancing at the same time. I nearly fell off the sofa at that point. and when she came into the club, saying "wow, I can feel the energy!", I actually did. billy zane's stammering and overacting was also annoying and entertaining at the same time; like everybody else he was obviously left totally on his own (and to the unwillingly funny script) by the director, who seemed to have put all his efforts into the dancing scenes, and left the rest of the movie to his friends and family. not a very wise decision, if you ask me. so: one star for the dancing, one for the funny moments (if not on purpose), and one for the chuzpe to call this thing a movie. three altogether, and that's more than fair.

This film is about a former dance champion who re-evaluates his life after meeting a dedicated and talented student.

"Love N' Dancing" is not a typical romantic comedy. It successfully amalgamates these cheesy themes into an enjoyable film with a positive message. On the surface, it is about love and dancing. At a deeper level, "Love N' Dancing" is about not letting impairments and self doubt hinder yourself reaching your full potential. It is an uplifting feel good film, both visually and emotionally.

I enjoyed watching it a lot, and I think it deserves a wider audience and more recognition.

Robert Iscove's "Love N' Dancing" chronicles the romance between an attractive middle school teacher and a deaf dance instructor she meets at a school assembly. The trouble is that Jessica (Amy Smart) is already engaged to a workaholic (a bald Billy Zane) who's always on his cell phone, while Jake (played by screenwriter Tom Malloy), who holds the title of World West Coast Swing Champion, is still carrying the torch for a former flame who has already moved onto a new love interest and dance partner.

A paint-by-numbers romantic comedy, "Love N' Dancing" has moments of undeniable charm - in its early stages at least - but the triteness of the plotting, the uncharismatic performances, the motley secondary characters (Rachel Dratch and Bette White make brief appearances), and the surfeit of implausibilities wind up taking their toll in the end.

The dancing is cool, though.