Dag nammit there I was starting to enjoy this writing reviews business and I’d managed to put two girlie flicks next to each other. What was I thinking? I bet I put a blooming kids movie next.
This was a 1992 Australian movie based on stage show by Baz Luhrmann from 1984 which steadily made its way around the world. He was so successful that its story was picked up for a movie, Baz agreed for his show to be turned into a movie as long as he got to direct it as well. It was reported that the film cost approximately made for $2.2m but went on to make on $22m (in actual Australian dollars that $30m and $3m to make it). Not only did it please the wallets of the producers it was also well liked by critics with IMDb giving it a 7.2/10 IMDb and a whopping 93% by Rotten Tomato’s. The film starred Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Pat Thomson, Gia Carides, Peter Whitford & Barry Otto. Stars that I have never heard of before or since this movie which doesn’t mean anything in term of the film itself. However, I do feel a short review happening as I think the last time, I saw this movie would have been about 1998 so the plot may escape me a bit (well a lot).
Well the plot is about some Australian ballroom dancers and is very funny.
Moving on, my opinion of the movie itself is…
OK, OK, I am kidding I do remember more of the plot than that. It does involve ballroom dancers. One main one in fact who is dancing in a competition in front of the Australian Ballroom Dancing Federation (OK I am making up that title but you get the point). This chap and his dance partner lose the final mainly because this youngster has got some new dance steps which the Federation are really not happy with. Their opinion is that these new steps are not ‘Strictly Ballroom’ and as a result the young chap (I am going to make up his name now as well as I cannot remember it) I am going to call him Scott (as that’s an Australian sounding name). The Federation do not want these new steps in the competition and kick them out of the competition. His attractive partner blames him (well it was his fault) and breaks the partnership to join another dancer for the big national championship (yep made that up as well) in just a month. His new steps attract the eyes of a novice beginner of dancing who I am pretty sure is called Fran. She is frumpy and quite unattractive but her acceptance of his steps means he is happy to train her up to be able to enter the national championship. Other parties get wind of the partnership and set out to sabotage the partnership by offering an alternative dance partner for the big show. Frumpy Fran turns from the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan and Scott then needs to make a decision on what to do. Accept this other girl and dance the steps as tradition dictates or to do his own special version with the girl who trust him when no one else did.
Well there’s a dilemma if ever did see one. I swear it’s been absolutely years since I’ve seen this movie and I haven’t brought it either. It came free within a copy of the Daily Mail. Does it make it a bad movie, well maybe but it’s played to be and its low budget feel of the whole thing is part of its charm and truly adds to its humour. It is a genuinely funny movie and would not normally be anywhere near my attention but I gave it a go and I really enjoyed it too so whether you like dance, ballroom or otherwise I would recommend you giving this one a chance whether you buy it, rent it or get it free in a national newspaper doesn’t matter just get your mitts on it and give it a watch. Its late and I am tired now and I’m going to bed!! Enjoy...
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