Just in case you’re not usually a fan of documentaries, I decided to ease you into the genre with a film whose tagline is: “Anyone can make it if they know how to shake it.” If you’re already all about the docu, then you probably didn’t need that little gem to keep reading.
But you’re welcome anyway.
Trivia tidbit courtesy of www.imdb.com: In order to best capture his young leads’ expressions, Mad Hot Ballroom’s director filmed the majority of the time with his camera at stomach level.
If watching 5th graders learn to rumba sounds like dubious entertainment, doubt no longer. Mad Hot Ballroom is delightful, thanks in no small part to its lively underage protagonists. And the dancing isn’t even the best part. Instead, it’s the chance to watch these budding “gentlemen and ladies” (as their teachers hope they will become)—many of them from low socioeconomic, minority backgrounds—decipher a long lost code of conduct. Sage gender observations abound (the boys think the girls are bossy, and the girls complain that the boys don’t know how to lead!), and the kids steal the audience’s hearts with their candor, unintentional humor, and can-do spirits. After following three separate New York City public school teams and their unflagging coaches/teachers through the preparation process, the film culminates in a city-wide dance competition. Remember, this is real life (or as close to it as most movies get), so don’t expect to draw any Austaire/Rogers comparisons. But do expect to smile. A lot. And maybe tap your toes a little too.
Go here to read my full review (includes more detailed content information, a critical consensus, and web smileys!!).
Can’t find it to rent? Click here to get it (cheap!) from Amazon.
Until next Friday, stay picky! Your mind will thank you later.
Ha ha, Wendy! Yes, I definitely do know about WIWW and am very thankful for
it! : )
And thank you SO much for visiting and taking the time to toodle around. I
know how incredibly busy we all are and how tempting it is (I’m just as
guilty as the next person) to just pop in and out as a token favor. I’m so
glad you like what you’ve seen and will be back to visit me again! (All this
polite language, when what I really want to say is, “WHOOOP!” ; )).
Laughing at myself…of COURSE you know about What I Wore Wednesday…saw the button on one of your older posts as I browsed back through…ha ha! You’ve got a great blog here! I’ll be back. 😉
Hi Abbie,
Thanks for inviting me to your blog! I have enjoyed browsing through your past entries! I loved your post about clothing on a budget…and your Wardrobe Wednesday post (do you know about the “What I Wore Wednesday” link-up at Pleated Poppy? You should totally link that post up there (Maybe you mentioned it in the post…I tend to browse a little better than I read..ha!). You have a great sense of style!
Have a great day!!
Wendy