The Way to Dance

Finding Their Feet is a pacey, enchanting and life-affirming film, beautifully directed by Shifnal filmmaker Matt Daniels.

Starkly contrasting to Matt's first production - the edgy and equally compelling 'Powerless' - 'Finding Their Feet' has the Brit Flick quirkiness exemplified in films like Anita and Me, Bend It Like Beckham and Love Actually, peppered with the odd dash of Ken Loach.

It follows the heartwarming story of reclusive dancer Kate who, tortured by her mother's death and an horrific accident that left her a mute, faces her darkest fears to compete in a national dance competition. Kate's supported along the way by the hapless but big-hearted Danny and her proud yet protective elder brother John, who share one common goal - to see Kate happy again.

Fluid camera shots and slick editing keeps the film pacey, whilst simultaneously enforcing the theme of movement and drawing the viewer into Kate and Danny's lives.

A rousing musical score helps to set the tone, compelling the audience to experience each character's emotions as they happen. In fact, the entire production was so beautifully filmed and perfectly choreographed that it could almost be compared to a ballet in itself.

But what makes the film most enjoyable is the skillful portrayal of the central characters, made even more endearing by the fact that they're a non-professional cast.

Hannah Polland is simply spellbinding as the quietly tortured dancer, whilst Matthew Wilkins puts in a first-class performance as the elder brother, and there's even a cameo appearance from Matt Daniels as the local shopkeeper.

However, it was Samuel Jonathan's sparkling portrayal of likely lad Danny that really brought the film to life, keeping the viewer upbeat with his cheeky smiles and razor-sharp wit.

'Finding Their Feet' achieves what many bittersweet comedies fail to do - it leaves you smiling for hours after you've watched it. And that's exactly what great film is all about.

This is a very clever, moving, funny, enchanting, inspirational and unique production.

From the opening credits you are taken on a very unusual and touching journey of discovery. The mesmerising images all come together for a roller-coaster ride of emotions - with tears of sorrow mingling with tears of laughter.

It is beautifully written and directed with great energy and flare. There are also some very special performances in the film that will linger in the mind well after the credits have disappeared.

Together with a great score this is a not-to-be-missed powerful and breathtaking British movie!

This is a good, positive, upbeat film, but has enough undertones and social context to make sure it's not so sickly sweet so as to be schmaltz.

The film features two teens on a road of discovery. Their friendship blossoms as they both move out of their difficult situations and learn to enjoy life.

It's tricky to pigeon-hole this film. It's got dance, but isn't a dance film. It's got genuine laugh out loud moments - but isn't a straight comedy. I guess it's a drama - or a comedy drama (a dromedy?). It's also an independent brit-flick - but far more upbeat and 'wholesome' than most indy-British films.

I enjoyed the performances of the three lead characters (Danny, Kate, John). The dance teacher was a bit of a cliché but a side-line. It's a fun film that leaves you smiling. Danny's character is especially endearing.

So why 8/10 stars? The fact that this is clearly an independent UK film on a lower budget means it's bumped up from 7 stars (they've done a lot with what appears to be restricted resources) but equally means it lacks the finesse to be a genuine 10/10 star film.

Although rated 12A - it could very easily have been a PG. There's no bad-language etc. There is some violence, which probably younger viewers might find disturbing if they were watching it on their own. It'll be a while before I let my 7 year old watch it - but 10 or 11+ is probably fine.

I am not quite sure what film the other reviewers have seen but I am guessing they are all friends and family....

From the start to the finish, this lackluster film cannot help but shove cliché after cliché into the patronized audiences, inevitably by the end, sleepy faces.

The premise, whilst being nothing new, is definitely not terrible. It would be wrong to suggest a typical underdog story has no potential. Afterall, 2009s Slumdog Millionaire proved that underdog stories still have so much to offer an audience. However, like all good underdog stories, Slumdog had heart which Finding Their Feet does not.

Through out the film it feels like writer/director Matt Daniels dipped into a hat to pluck out the most dull subplots and generic character types. The protagonist who has to find himself....the mentor figure in the form of a melodramatic dance teacher...the family member who doesn't believe in his relative and has a constant "I am going to hurt you" look on his face. Let us not forget the generic villain. One may wonder how Matt Daniels manages to add a villain to such a heartwarming concept as trying to win a dance competition. Never fear though, the protagonist (who is aged around 14 Years old) is being chased by thugs that he owes money. Simple!

Throw in some flashbacks, and generic indie music montages, and you have the perfect GCSE students guide on how to make your first movie. Sure, Mum and Dad would be proud of such an accomplishment, but it is hard to see who else would warm to such a fake attempt at pulling the heart strings.

Still, this is film, so at least the cinematography and choreography is nice...right? Shockingly under-lit sets, and cinematography that makes Coronation Street look like Avatar, add to the over all feeling of unintentional grunge; and not the positive "I must rise up out of this grunge" kind either. An overly long running time and flat acting serve to hammer in the last nail.

All in all, Finding Their Feet feels like Billy Elliot had a horrific accident and collided with every dance movie to be released since 2000.

I suggest Matt Daniels writes from the heart next time...and not from what he THINKS will sell....

3/10