Locos por el mambo

This was one of the less publicised dance-based films that surfaced in the past few years. And it's quite a shame that it didn't get more publicity, as it was one of the better ones. While the likes of Centre Stage has pretensions of grandeur, and Bootmen is a mild emotional letdown, Mad About Mambo offers an uncomplicated, fairly convincing love story, set against the beautiful backdrop of Ireland, and blended with some tasteful scenes of dance.

In fact, it is Danny and Lucy's dance sequences that charm the most. Unlike numerous other movies that have tried to make things appear as glitzy and glamorous as possible (Centre Stage again), these moments are a stripped down, purely romantic affair. Note that when they dance in the middle of the stadium, lights are dimmed and we barely see anything aside from these two characters. The only problem I had with the main love story is that while convincing, it develops too quickly. The writers could have easily added a little more in the early parts of Danny and Lucy's relationship without boring the audiences, as the film is quite short.

William Ash fares well as Danny, but Keri Russell's feisty female lead, Lucy, is probably the biggest highlight of the film. That, and the one of Danny's friends who aspires to run his own fashion house.

Recommended for dance junkies and anyone who enjoys a light-hearted romantic comedy, but be warned that while it's quite charming, there isn't really a key point to the film that will hold it in your memory for long afterwards.

Grade: B

Not since Strictly Ballroom have I seen such a brilliant movie based around the dancing scene.

Sure, predictable as any teen movie made in the last 10 years, but a cast that should all be awarded, as well as a crew who have done themselves proud.

I am usually sick of movies like this one, but for some reason, I was a bit entertained by this one. Maybe (as someone already mentioned) because it reminded me of my days back to high school. Who knows? I think that the story is a bit different than in other movies with the similar content. For example, I expected that it would be a classic love-teenage-sweet story (or whatever), and that they would just appear in the competition and win it. But I was completely wrong, and was a bit surprised with what happened at the competition. I agree about the most comments regarding poor dancing, Latino music etc, but I am not a big fan of all these things so that I didn't care much about it. Another thing that I liked, and that differs from the stereotype, is the place - Belfast, and lack of glamour and high-class houses, expensive cars, etc (except very few scenes). In summary, I give 7 to this movie, although it might be too high and not fair comparing to some other really great movies. But again, who cares. Cheers.

I don't know why everyone is so negative about this film. We just saw it on video and I really liked it. OK, so I don't know that much about dancing and what is what but apart from some cringe moments (like at the competition), I really really liked it!! Really good feel-good movie... My fav parts are when they dance in the pool and the final end dance.. ;o) He shows a lot of emotion and I guess it just brought me back to those highschool crushes.. those moments when it was just so.. wow... ;o)Really inspired us to take up dancing lessons again.. anyway, just a really fun feel-good movie and that fashion-concious friend was wonderful!! Maybe I just haven't been around enough Irish but I thought the accents were OK.. at least we could actually understand them!!

I think I am the first Brazilian here to post a comment about this movie. I know I should be happy that they made a movie with "Brazilian" things in it, and I know I should laugh about others ignorance of Brazil instead of getting mad. But I just can't. I am just tired of this.

First of all, and the most important thing: Mambo is not Brazilian. Never was and never will be. Period. Samba doesn't even sound like Mambo and Mambo is danced in a complete different way. Mambo is beautiful but it's not Brazilian, sorry. And by the way I think real samba is played in this movie like just once or something. The whole time is like other Latin rhythms in Spanish or other Brazilian songs that have nothing to do with samba. When the "Brazilians" in the movie are cheering in the soccer game they are using Mexican sounds. Come on! Latin Americans are completely different from each other, have completely different music, customs, culture...why put them all in a basket like they are all the same same same? It's like saying French culture and German culture is the same. It's not! I know this is just a silly movie and I shouldn't even care but the message those silly movies around there give...Than people start thinking that all Latin rhythms are the same not giving a dawn that Cuban music and Mexican music are so different from each other.

I was happy tough when the girl said that in Brazil we speak Portuguese. Thank you for that. Portuguese and Spanish are very similar but the sound of those languages is completely different.

And the Ricky Martin song in the "samba dancing"? Oh, my God.... And that dancing was samba? Really? Wow.... How different from what I though samba was. Anyways...

I think my parents are right seating in the living room laughing a lot about the ignorance people have about my country and Latin culture. Because actually...it is funny that a guy decides to make a movie and doesn't make any research about the culture or country(any!!!), using stereotypes and making a total fool of himself with this festival of cultural stupidity. And that guy that played a "Brazilian"? Oh, lords....

Ok, ok.... people...please.... if you want to make a movie about or showing other cultures pleeeeeeeeeeease make some research about it, talk to people from those countries. Like those "Iranian" soldiers in American movies speaking Turkish. Hahahahaa Some people don't notice but some do and it is just ridiculous! hahaha I should really just laugh.