Review of Dirty Dancing (1987) by David L — 18 Jan 2012

"Dirty Dancing", like the most beloved and enduring of musicals, is a movie that hits all the right notes, struck a chord with audiences everywhere and whose success will likely never be duplicated. It was corny upon its initial release, and that hasn't abated any over the years, but it's appeal is timeless.

The dialogue remains as silly as ever, but Jennifer Grey and Patrick Stewart are so likable in their roles that they sell it with ease. In fact, that silly dialogue may be a part of the film's undeniable charm. The romance is credible and sweet, and by the end of the movie, even the biggest cynic is likely to be a convert. Watching these two stars dance to the still terrific and Oscar winning "Time of My Life" is sweet and all of the cliches are fluff that proceeded it are swept up in the sheer joyfulness of the moment.

The soundtrack, which proved to be just as popular as the film, is a welcome mix of great '60's songs and modern hits that meld perfectly together. The old songs were obviously carefully selected, and they're good enough that the film gave them a new life on the pop charts.

Everyone may end up a little too happy for some people's tastes, and in a lesser movie I would probably be the first person to roll my eyes. I just got caught up in the pure unadulterated pleasure of the whole thing, and my normal cynicism melted away with all of my other reservations. "Dirty Dancing" is a simple movie that connected with people and remains just as popular today, and even though it touches on some taboo subject matters, it does so tastefully. This silly, innocuous and yet charming film has persevered for a reason.