NEVER FOLLOW.
Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) tells Augustine James (Alfre Woodard), the principal of a public school, that he can teach problem kids ballroom dancing; she doesn’t believe in the project, but the results are surprising. One year after the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom comes the Hollywood version, adjusted to fit a formula we’ve seen in countless other movies. The director used to make music videos, but doesn’t contribute anything special. Those looking for great drama should see the documentary; those looking for dancing that inspires might want to stick around.
2006-U.S. 117 min. Color. Directed byĀ Liz Friedlander. Cast: Antonio Banderas (Pierre Dulaine), Rob Brown (Rock), Alfre Woodard (Augustine James), Yaya DaCosta, John Ortiz, Laura Benanti.
Trivia:Ā The real-life Pierre Dulaine worked with the cast on their dance moves.
