Gramercy Pictures
2000
Rated: PG-13
Now on video
Danny Mitchell dreams of playing for Pro-Belfast United--North Ireland's professional soccer team. Unfortunately, his ineptitude on the field is about to get him booted off his high school team. Inspired by his idol who credits the Samba with giving him great rhythm on the field, Danny decides to take dance lessons to improve his game. He meets Lucy McLoughlin at the dance academy. She's a rich, snooty, beautiful dancer who wants to win the Regional Latin Dance Finals. When her partner is injured Danny becomes his replacement. Together they dance, pursue their dreams and of course, fall in love.
'Mad About Mambo' is similar to 'Dirty Dancing,' 'Strictly Ballroom' and 'Save The Last Dance' in that it's your typical boy and girl from opposite worlds dance together and fall in love movie. However, there's just enough twists and charm in it to push it past the "been there, done that" tiredness and make it worth watching--especially if you're like me and genuinely like dance movies. The setting, accents and political climate give it a unique feel and just when you think things will go one way with the dance competition, they veer off course. Don't let the slow pace in the beginning deter you from what is truly a funny, heartwarming and fairly unpredictable movie.
Keri Russell glows as Lucy. Not only is her Irish accent more than passable, her hair is long (Pre-Felicity) and her dance moves lithe. Where Julia Stiles looked wooden in 'Save The Last Dance' Keri is fluid and graceful, a pleasure to watch. William Ash is cheeky and cute. A great discovery! Not only is he impressive on both the field and stage, but he moves with ease between subtle comedy and drama.
'Mad About Mambo' gets three and a half hearts. It doesn't have the sass of 'Strictly Ballroom' or the sexiness of 'Dirty Dancing', but it's sweet and has a wee bit'o originality. Only one question remains--why'd they name it 'Mad About Mambo' when they're dancing the Samba?
Cast
William Ash as Danny Mitchell
Keri Russell as Lucy McLoughlin
Brian Cox as Sidney McLoughlin
Theo Fraser Steele as Oliver Parr
Julian Littman as Rudi Morelli
Maclean Stewart as Mickey
Tim Loane as Brother McBride
Russell Smith (I) as Gary
Daniel Caltagiore as Carlos Rega
Joe Rea as Spike
Alan McKee as Frank Mallin
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
