18 October 2004. This much funnier version of Shall We Dance, is a delicious, romantic comedy that doesn't require magical, unbelievable script devices to make this movie work. This movie is compelling for those who believe in second chances and first chances for those who have never taken chances. This movie comes at a good time in American life when our lifestyles are such that we may be coming to that age that for everything we have, we still are empty. I don't imagine that this movie will dazzle any male ego and will probably be restricted to females who can only wish their partners might somehow be so interested. A good date movie for the emotionally sensitive and artistically inclined. This new version based on the Japanese original explores the comic motif well, doesn't take a lot of liberties on the sexual romance angle that so often befalls American movies, and ends up with a definitely American tie off but with a much more realistic and hopefully plausible note than most gushy romance movies. Eight out of Ten Stars.
Shall We Dance
2004
Action / Comedy / Drama / Music / Romance
Shall We Dance
2004
Action / Comedy / Drama / Music / Romance
Plot summary
John Clark is a middle aged Chicago estate lawyer. He loves his family, which includes his wife Beverly, but their combined busy schedules and getting caught in a rut after two decades of marriage has left him feeling unfulfilled. While taking the el train home every night, he notices the same young, beautiful contemplative woman staring out of one of the windows of Miss Mitzi's Dance Studio, which specializes in ballroom. He is intrigued enough with her beauty and sadness to go in one evening on his way home. He learns that she is Paulina, one of the instructors and a former world class ballroom dancer. Because of her, he signs up for beginner group dance lessons, regardless of them being taught by Miss Mitzi herself, and not Paulina. As time progresses, John gets caught up in the lives of those at Miss Mitzi's: his two fellow classmates - overweight Vern who wants to learn to dance for his upcoming wedding, and Chic, who wants to impress the ladies - and two of the studio's competitive amateurs, opinionated and brash Bobbie, who is looking for a dance partner, and one person who surprises John and who just wants to be able to show his true colors to the world while hiding under a mask. But as Paulina slowly allows herself to be involved in their lives as well, despite she vowing not to fraternize with the students, John comes to the spoken realization of what he was looking for when he first spotted Paulina in the window. Similarly, each of those at the dance studio are looking for their small place in life with the right person, Paulina included. John may not get the happy ending that he wants as Beverly, based on circumstances, believes he is having an affair.
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A Funny, Straight Romantic Comedy
Lovely to watch and charming.
Shall We Dance is a charming movie, and not as bad as some critics make it out to be. The dance routines and the dresses are wondrous, and Richard Gere makes an appealing lead as he usually does. Susan Sarandon is also excellent. Jennifer Lopez looked miserable at times, but I can't help admitting what a lovely woman she is. Shall We Dance is well photographed, has a nice idea, and will certainly appeal to those who like romantic comedies and dancing. The script is good, a little patchy in places but not too bad, it is a tad predictable, and the direction if a little leisurely was assured on the most part. This film, despite the flaws is an appealing film, and I will definitely watch it again given the choice. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Light Charming Little Movie
John Clark (Richard Gere) lives a life of quiet desperation. Coming home on the commuter train, he sees beautiful Paulina (Jennifer Lopez) in the window of a dance studio. He gets off the train to take dancing lessons. His teacher turns out to be the older Miss Mitzi, and he falls in love with the dancing. His wife Beverly (Susan Sarandon) gets suspicious and hires Devine (Richard Jenkins) to investigate.
Richard Gere is too suave for the role. I think he should be a meek office drone. He should at least be somebody more adept at comedy. Stanley Tucci is insanely hilarious as one of the students. That's the tone that the movie needs more of. I love that Hollywood didn't try to force Gere and Lopez into a romance. As it stands, it's a light charming little movie with big star names.