Com a Bola Toda

Okay, so young Danny actually takes samba lessons (maybe they just couldn't find as good an alliteration) but apart from that, this isn't so bad. There's a John Hughes-y atmosphere about the proceedings (and Hughes gets a thanks in the credits) and while the characters are for the most part cartoony (the bullying snob of a boyfriend and his unbearable mother; the nouveau-riche dad who remembers his roots; the necessary line-up of goofy sidekicks - why do lead characters never have completely ordinary friends?), they are played with honesty and charm. The soundtrack is a nice mix of styles, from Cuban to Irish pop. But the climactic dance scene is poorly done; after seeing numerous "Dirty Dancing"-style montages of the characters practicing, and stumbling, and trying again, it would have been nice to see them in full glory as they present the results of their hard work. Instead, there's a jumble of quick editing and close-ups that make it hard to tell what they're doing. Still, a harmless and enjoyable chick flick.

I don't know why this film didn't get wide release in 2000 when it first made the rounds in theaters, but now that it's available on video you shouldn't miss the opportunity to rent it. This was a nice, pleasant, entertaining film. Nothing "great" or Oscar worthy, but who cares? The story flowed, the sound track was great, and the comedic elements hit their marks. Although Keri Russell's Irish accent may not have achieved the subtle nuances of an Irish native, she did a fine job! And William Ash (the soccer 'Mambo king') and Brian Cox (as Keri's father) were fine as well! What more can you ask for? Over all, this was a nice, fresh romantic comedy that was more entertaining than another film set in Ireland a fews years prior, The MatchMaker (with Janeane Garofalo).

I don't know why everyone is so negative about this film. We just saw it on video and I really liked it. OK, so I don't know that much about dancing and what is what but apart from some cringe moments (like at the competition), I really really liked it!! Really good feel-good movie... My fav parts are when they dance in the pool and the final end dance.. ;o) He shows a lot of emotion and I guess it just brought me back to those highschool crushes.. those moments when it was just so.. wow... ;o)Really inspired us to take up dancing lessons again.. anyway, just a really fun feel-good movie and that fashion-concious friend was wonderful!! Maybe I just haven't been around enough Irish but I thought the accents were OK.. at least we could actually understand them!!

I am usually sick of movies like this one, but for some reason, I was a bit entertained by this one. Maybe (as someone already mentioned) because it reminded me of my days back to high school. Who knows? I think that the story is a bit different than in other movies with the similar content. For example, I expected that it would be a classic love-teenage-sweet story (or whatever), and that they would just appear in the competition and win it. But I was completely wrong, and was a bit surprised with what happened at the competition. I agree about the most comments regarding poor dancing, Latino music etc, but I am not a big fan of all these things so that I didn't care much about it. Another thing that I liked, and that differs from the stereotype, is the place - Belfast, and lack of glamour and high-class houses, expensive cars, etc (except very few scenes). In summary, I give 7 to this movie, although it might be too high and not fair comparing to some other really great movies. But again, who cares. Cheers.

Not since Strictly Ballroom have I seen such a brilliant movie based around the dancing scene.

Sure, predictable as any teen movie made in the last 10 years, but a cast that should all be awarded, as well as a crew who have done themselves proud.