Review of Mad Hot Ballroom (2005) by Bryan G — 24 Oct 2005

[font=Courier New][i]Mad Hot Ballroom[/i] isn?t the best documentary ever made, but it certainly is one of the more charming ones. While most documentaries today seemed to focus on more serious issues, it is nice to see that films like [i]March of the Penguins[/i] and [i]Mad Hot Ballroom[/i] have the chance to be made.

The film follows three New York elementary schools as they all strive to excel in the world of competitive ballroom dancing. Now I know this may seem really lame to some, but the film does so much, that even an unusual topic like this can be pretty entertaining.

The films pluses are many. I like that it isn?t one of those films that only focuses on the negative side of competition. These kids have a general interest in it, their parents are supportive and not pushy about it, and almost all of the kids seem genuinely nice kids. Some though? well if you watch, you will see.

The film doesn?t linger too much on previous classes who have lost competitions. While it may be sad to see these kids go, it at least keeps with the films overall happy feel. I will admit though that this can be a problem. Once you grow attached to these kids, you almost feel sorry that once they are out of the competition, they are out of the movie.

And since it only focuses on 3 of the 60 schools that are in this competition, you can almost tell who is going to win it. I?m not saying that the film influenced the winner, just that it doesn?t do much to hide the fact of who will eventually wins.

But still, this is a cute little film that is certainly worth seeing. It is rare to see a documentary about children in a positive light, and even rarer that it is actually fun to watch. While you won?t walk away from this film forever changed, you will at least walk away with a smile on your face.[/font].