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.

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.

MoviePlex is a generally blah movie channel (especially since it dropped its Western Wednesdays) but occasionally it brings us a little or little-known film that just grabs a viewer's heart and won't let go.

This movie is one of those.

Its cast of mostly unknowns (I think Billy Zane is the only one I had heard of) are not only astonishingly talented, but the characters they play are very likable and even compelling. There are some stereotypes, but they just add to the fun.

They are also mostly extremely attractive, either as physical specimens or as characters. Nicola Royston, for one, is just eye-poppingly and exotically beautiful -- and has made apparently only one movie. (What is the matter with the world's casting directors?)

Even the film's closest-to-villainous characters are likable and good-looking. One man who ignores his intended and pays more attention to business is one of them, but he is to be pitied, not censured.

Look especially for Rachel Dratch, of whom probably I should have known, but this was my first look. She is absolutely adorable, and in her last scene, she steals it. Watch her face. Marvelous!

The music is not even close to being what I would ordinarily listen to, but as setting for the dances, it was something even I liked. Some of the choreography is less than perfect, but the dancers are so good, so watchable, so graceful and athletic, any flaws (which might be subjective, anyway) are totally unimportant.

In short, this is one excellent movie, one I've already watched twice, and one I highly recommend to any person who likes dance, who likes "damn nice" people (to quote one character's assessment of some of his dance rivals), and who appreciates top-of-the-line talent.

This movie is now available on YouTube.

While I am not a movie critic, I realize (and appreciate) the themes which director Robert Iscove and writer Tom Malloy highlight in this movie. Rarely do theatrical releases emphasize the important theme of "ability" versus "disability" that this movie does so well. Love N' Dancing is not just a film about someone who is hearing-impaired finding love and acceptance, but it highlights a theme important to life: accepting our own limitations and then finding the courage to triumph over them. Sometimes you need someone else to help you realize that you have more courage and determination than you give yourself credit for. With these qualities, you are able to harness the power within to challenge, and eventually overcome, the face of adversity. These themes are central to the Love N' Dancing story, and they complement a new style of dancing unfamiliar to most Americans.

In this movie, the adversity is a hearing loss. To provide an obstacle for our main hero and heroine, Malloy introduces a character we love to hate: one who represents those kinds of people you encounter who are usually negative in life and actually prevent you from achieving high self-esteem and self-confidence, which are qualities that are so important in realizing your dreams.

Most "relationship" movies don't emphasize this "ability" theme as well as this movie does. For these reasons, I loved Love N' Dancing and the important life messages it conveys to the viewer. I urge you to see the movie with this philosophical understanding, and you may never look at a "disabled" person in the same way again!

I'm anticipating the release of this film so friends can enjoy it as much as I did.

I had the pleasure of viewing it at the Phoenix Film Festival and the house was packed. To our surprise Mr Zane and Mr Malloy along with other cast members flew in for the screening. We've all seen these types of films before, but they never cease to keep us in our seats. This film focusing on West Coast Swing dancing competition and a dancer with a hearing disability, Wow! The film is inspirational to say the least and showcased many brilliant dancers.

It was clearly evident that the film was a big hit with the ovation given at the conclusion of the film.

I would also like to make note of the cast staying around for close to an hour after the film answering various questions on this film, independent films in general, and how to get into the business.

If you're looking for a feel good movie with great music, acting, and dancing, don't miss it.