Review of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004) by Tobias J — 07 Jan 2019
A six-word review is arguably all that's necessary for this movie: at least the dancing is hot. More a remake than a sequel, Havana Nights takes the Dirty Dancing formula (which is actually "Romeo and Juliet" crossed with "Cinderella" and transplanted into the 1950s) and infuses it with cross-cultural issues.
For the most part, it's a better film that its tepid 1987 inspiration - at least until the end. Sure, the storyline is unsurprising, but the acting is more elastic, the dialogue is less laden with clunkers, and the dance sequences arguably exhibit additional energy (maybe it's the salsa-flavored rhythms).
However, while the strength of the original Dirty Dancing was its magical, climactic "(I'll Have) The Time of My Life" coming-out party, Havana Nights comes close to falling apart in the last ten minutes.
Instead of a celebration of teen love and dance, we get a perfunctory lesson in politics as a glossed-over, whitewashed Cuban Revolution hits Havana.
This review of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004) was written by Tobias J on 07 Jan 2019.
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
