Movie Review #5 - "Mad About Mambo" (2000)

Movie Review #5 - "Mad About Mambo" (2000)

On IMDB:  "Mad About Mambo"

First question you are probably asking is "Why is Benny reviewing a dance movie when he clearly cannot dance?"

Well, you are absolutely right.   I can't dance.  I don't think the "Lawnmower", "Sprinkler", or the "Gigolo" qualify ... And I'm usually pretty well intoxicated if I am dancing ... So, it's not a pleasant sight to behold.

But, I really have a crush on Keri Russel ... I was again cruising Netflix and came across this.

Benny's Rating:  7 / 10 Tabasco Peppers

Plot Synopsis:  Story takes place in Ireland with a young lad (Danny Mitchell played by William Ash) in the American equivalent of High School.  I have no clue how that works in Ireland.  He is a very talented football (soccer) player who lacks focus.  His favorite team "United" recruits a Brazilian player who is really good.  The Brazilian player states the "rhythm" is the key to his good football skills.  He even comments that they learn to Samba before they can walk.

Enter Keri Russel as Lucy McLoughlin.  Lucy wants to be the best Latin dancer.  Lucy's boyfriend, who Protestant, challenges Danny's Team that all Catholic to a friendly (football match for fun).  During the game, Danny breaks Lucy's boyfriend's foot.  So, Lucy's boyfriend (her dancing partner) is out ...

So ... Danny challenges Lucy to be his dancing partner... There are bumps along the way and ... typical love story.  They fall in love. (Wait, I spoiled the ending).

Acting:  Keri Russel was a 24 years old when this was filmed.  However, she plays the part of the high school girl very well.  Again, I have a crush on her.  So, I  am a lot biased.  William Ash (Danny) does a decent job, but then again, pick your unknown Irish actor and it would have still worked.

The big surprise for me was Brian Cox.  He's been a character actor for years.  You would probably know him from the "Bourne" series.  He plays the older Treadstone Project Leader.  I love his work.  There is a special quality that I really enjoy.

Screenplay:  Different, but the same stupid love triangle romantic comedy/drama.  There aren't any memorable lines to speak of.  It's not that it was bad.  It just wasn't great.  "Notting Hill" and "Love Actually" are good screenplays.  Anything by Cameron Crowe is usually good.  I still enjoyed it.

Cinematography:  Definitely pre-HD days.  There were not any shots that were like "Wow, I'd like to do that".  In my little film making career, I don't think I would borrow a shot from this film.

Overall Recommendations:  It's a feel-good, snuggly, warm in the blanket movie.  If you like Keri Russel at all (Felicity, August Rush), you will probably like it.  I like football (soccer), so I would have liked it anyway.  It's a good cozy film to watch if you have had a bad day.  Also, decently kid-friendly for the 13 years old and above.