Review of Shall We Dance? (2004) by Gena D — 30 Jan 2009

"Shall We Dance" is a remake of a Japanese film by the same name. Now, I have not seen the original and has cannot judge it by comparison. However, even on its own, "Shall We Dance?" is at best a bittersweet experience.

It takes a very good plot that does not rely on the old cliches. No, the dance teacher (Jennifer Lopez) and the student (Gere) do not fall in love. Nor do the underdogs win in the competition in the end.

Instead, "Shall We Dance?" gives us a touching story of how often the most oddly matched people can find solace and a sense of purpose to life simply through each other's company and companionship.

However, this interesting story is subjected to lackluster execution and a script with highly uninspiring dialogues. Even the dancing, which is crucial for a movie like this, is not such that it makes you go, "Wow!" like it probably did in West Side Story, Billy Elliot and Dirty Dancing among others.

As a result of this, the movie tumbles and degenerates into a merely so-so fare. The one redeeming factor of the film is its cast which delivers despite the abovementioned flaws. Richard Gere is well cast as the mild mannered, workaholic husband who is unhappy even when he has so much.

Jennifer Lopez looks gorgeous and dances fabulously. Stanley Tucci and Lisa Ann Walters steal the show in every scene they get. They are given highly interesting and colourful characters and they make the most of it.

Susan Sarandon is elegant and befits the role of the wife. Richard Jenkins (recently nominated for an Oscar for his poignant performance in the "The Visitor") also makes his presence felt in a small role.

It is the appeal of the characters and life that the actors breathe into them that make the movie reasonably enjoyable. However, it also makes one swear at the director and the writer for putting such good effort to waste in what would without them have been a lifeless, dull and considerably painful affair and probably best suited for a TV movie or direct to DVD.

Overall, "Shall We Dance?" is enjoyable in parts thanks to a great cast. However, only if you are a die hard fan of the genre or any of the cast members is it really worth it. Otherwise, stay clear of this one!