Movie review: 'Dance with me'

'Dance With Me' is an American film released in 1998. It is directed by Randa Haines who had also directed 'Children of a Lesser God'. Starring Vanessa L. Williams, Kris Kristofferson and the Puerto Rican pop singer Chayanne, this Latino-inspired dance movie grossed over $15 million at the US box office.

Drama, romance, intrigue and dance

The young Cuban Rafael Infante (Chayanne) leaves his homeland after the death of his mother to go in search of his father John Burnett (Kris Kristofferson), in Houston. He lands a job as a handyman at Burnett’s run-down dance studio, but is unable to bring up the question of paternity with the rather cynical old loner. Instead, he concentrates on charming the studio’s regulars and discovers his passion and talent for dance. He woos the gorgeous Ruby (Vanessa L. Williams). As this is a dance movie, there is obviously a key competition that will have a profound effect on all the characters’ lives. All the drama, romance and intrigue unfold against the preparations for the Las Vegas World Open Dance competition.

Reviews

The 'Dance With Me' movie was open to mixed reviews. The legendary film critic Roger Ebert described it as "a movie of predictable pleasures." CNN critic Paul Tatara was less kind and dismissed the film’s storyline as "pedestrian." A pleasant movie It is true that the movie is not of the calibre of Dirty Dancing or Saturday Night Fever. However, it is an enjoyable piece of entertainment which manages to rise above the ordinary. It has some great dance sequences and some excellent performances. Chayanne The Latino pop star Chayanne makes his American screen début in this movie. He is both easy on the eye and a charming lead. Kristofferson lends humanity to what could have been a clichéd performance of the jaded Burnett who is ready to drop everything to go fishing. However, the real star of the show is Vanessa L. Williams who acts as Ruby. She is an exceptional dancer whose skill is evident. Her ambitious single mother could have descended into stereotype, but the rawness of her performance is a revelation. Soundtrack The 'Dance With Me' soundtrack is an eclectic and energetic mix of Latino, Salsa and Afro-Cuban music. It is performed by the likes of Gypsy Kings, Gloria Estefan, Ana Gabriel and Ruben Blades. The two stars Chayanne and Vanessa L. Williams, duet on 'You Are My Home'. The song is reflective of the cultural melting pot of 'Dance With Me,' as the lyrics are both in Spanish and in English. It is a decent and pleasant film. It has some standout music and some dance scenes that will have you swaying to the Salsa sound.