DVD Musical Chairs
Run time: 102 min
Rating: 4.2
Genres: Drama | Romance
Director: Susan Seidelman
Writers: Marty Madden
Stars: Leah Pipes, E.J. Bonilla, Priscilla Lopez
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Storyline A romantic tale of two New Yorkers, Armando Ortiz, from the Bronx, and Mia Franklin, from the Upper East Side, and their unlikely meeting. The story tells how the two of them come together through their love of ballroom dancing. Mia is a beautiful and vivacious professional dancer. Armando works at the midtown Manhattan dance studio in exchange for lessons and fantasizes of a time when he will dance with Mia. But a tragic accident forever changes Mia’s life. True to his heart, Armando dedicates himself, along with a group of colorful misfits, to help Mia overcome her painful challenges and dance once more. Written by Anonymous |
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Plot Keywords: dancer, dancing, ballroom dancing, dance studio, dance teacher | |
Details: Country: USA Release Date: 24 September 2011 (USA) |
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Box Office Budget: $2,500,000 (estimated) Opening Weekend: $9,092 (USA) (23 March 2012) Gross: $31,316 (USA) (13 April 2012) |
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4 comments
As a dancer and a New Yorker, I truly enjoyed this movie. I thought it was very touching and would recommend it to friends! They touched on so many different topics that were very sensitive and they did it with class and elegance. The film was also shot very well and I absolutely loved the music. Mario Grigorov is a genius and brought a personal touch to it. The film was filled with movement and made me want to dance! Overall I truly thought it was very well done and was a love story that could transcend any genre. I gave it a ten for many reasons and think many people will enjoy it. I know the director has done some really great movies and she can add this one to her arsenal.
Wonderfully funny, sad, charming, fresh story from a subject that could be maudlin. The writing and direction pack a wallop, the acting is superb–it's so natural that you might think you were eavesdropping on the family's life.
Sit back and enjoy every minute and every character. Mama lovingly tries to run a family that is way beyond her power. Her antics with a spray bottle of potion add a terrific touch to the story. The music will have you bouncing in your seat.
The two stars should not remain unknown for long–they are completely captivating. Two faces that you never get tired of looking at and which deliver believable emotions.
The comic touches are frequent and laugh-out-loud funny and never in poor taste. Bravo to the actors, dancers, writer and director.
As of now, the rating for this film stands at a mere 2.2, which is quite low, and there is one aspect that makes the low score highly suspicious. There has been some known controversy about the film. Some in the disability community were quite upset that more disabled actors were not used in the film, and may have tried to influence the voting. They perhaps were unaware, or perhaps deliberately ignored, the fact that the leading female character begins as an able-bodied dance teacher. The idea that actress Leah Pipes is unqualified to act the role simply because she does not really use a wheelchair is truly ludicrous. (I am disabled myself, so I understand where the objections are coming from, but I disagree strongly with them.)
It is time this film received more exposure and that critical comment on it honestly reflected how well it is made, rather than reflecting biased attitudes. Films like this one, which has as its background the world of wheelchair ballroom dancing, are too important to let petty resentments get in the way of their appreciation.
A sweet and fun story, and a great performance by EJ Bonilla.
Susan Seidelman delivers a heartwarming and beautiful love story full of energy, emotion and uplifting moments. Leah Pipes and EJ Bonilla have great chemistry and look like they're on their way to be stars.
The dancing is well choreographed and the music is upbeat and exciting. Seidelman does a good job of balancing the sadness of the tragedy with inspiring scenes and a moving ending. The film has and amazing spirit and leaves you feeling happy and upbeat.
I would recommend this film to everyone. It's a sweet love story and gives the audience a beautiful look into an unusual world of dance.