AriArnold
While I didn't expect this movie to get Godfather-like voting, I was so disappointed over the comments and the overall mark, that I felt the need to write a comment myself (which I usually never bother)Many comments have pointed out that the title is misleading (no mambo in the film, only samba and rumba), the dancing is not top-notch, the storyline is typical (poor boy meets rich girl) and many characters are stereotype. Nevertheless the movie is very sweet and touching. Both lead characters are adorable, the acting is overall good, most jokes are funny (albeit some over the top) and the idea of the film, a romantic comedy combining soccer and Latin dancing, set in grey and politically unstable Belfast, is pretty original. As for the dancing, we can see some beautiful legs and dresses and Keri Russell doing a decent job, while the level fits the reality of a couple where one part has only taken up lessons recently. In line with the story, the dance scenes are more about relationship than excellence. I found some of the characters to be very original, too (Rudi, Mickey).I lived in Ireland for three years and got all nostalgic about the setting, the all-boys-schools, the typical Irish lads and the accents, so maybe I am biased. But still, Danny's and Lucy's pool dance was more romantic and touching than any scene in Dirty Dancing (which I love, by the way).
pawebster
It's nice. It's harmless. The leads are winsome and William Ash seems to be able to play football. Pity he apparently cannot dance. This is a big handicap in a film that's meant to be, at least in part, about dancing. (See title!) We never get the climactic dance sequence that should be there. The scene in the football stadium is filmed to avoid showing footwork as much as possible -- for all too obvious reasons.Somebody seems to have thought: 'Billy Elliot' is a hit. So was 'Gregory's Girl' back in the 80s. Let's add a touch of 'Strictly Ballroom' and, hey, we'll have a whole new film! Hm.No marks for originality, then, but it is mildly entertaining.
Pete Davis
The movie isn't bad. It's a decent story, but I wouldn't have paid to see it.I have to say I'm a bit impressed by Keri Russell's Irish accent. Not perfect, but not bad for an American. I personally can't do one at all, but hers wasn't bad. A few slips here and there.The story is pretty good in a lot of ways, but isn't atypical of the kind of storyline they're producing.I think some people were a little too concerned with the dance aspect, but the acting was terrific. I think Keri Russell is a very professional and believable actress.There were some technical "mistakes", for example, Luis Miguel singing "La Gloria es Tu", which is Spanish, and the Mambo is Brazilian and really goes more with Brazilian music, which of course would be in Portuguese.Still, overall, I liked the movie. I give it a 7.
dannyr
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.
AD
