Swing Into Romance

6.3 stars.

I like both lead actors, but this film is primarily about an adept female dancer (McKellar) as she attempts to teach a deconditioned man to swing dance for a contest. Her family needs her to win the contest to save the family store. She used to be a professional dancer and won many competitions years ago, but had a falling out with her previous Russian dance partner, and subsequently gave up dancing. She eventually went into finance. The lead male was a decent dancer when he was a young boy, but apparently hasn't danced in decades. He is an accountant.

Whereas she was a professional, he was barely an amateur. As the two of them are practicing, it's quite obvious that he has two left feet and there is no way a man of his low caliber could win a contest at this level. He is also overweight and fairly clumsy. It's somewhat of a farce and inconceivable to imagine them winning. This would be like Bradley Cooper's character winning in 'Silver Linings Playbook'. We all know he has no chance, but Cooper was somewhat lithe, and at least they made it interesting with the side bet on the NFL game. 'Swing Into Romance' has no such excitement.

Unfortunately, where the romance lacks, the dancing doesn't make up the difference. Something is missing and I can only guess that it's a lack of chemistry. This movie fell flat and it's an outlier in that respect, because almost every GAF, UP, Hallmark movie between 6.7 and 6.9 stars is amazing. If I want to watch a movie only for dance I'll watch 'Step Up' or 'Dirty Dancing'. I'm looking for an original family movie with dance AND romance and 'Swing Into Romance' should be called 'Swing into'.

I have watched some Christmas movies with Danica, but I didn't know she can dance so well, really! I read more about her and my jaw dropped when I realized that she wrote 10 books in educational math and the first one was a New York Times bestseller!!

I love dance/ballet movies/series, so I liked this more than other regular, simplistic romance/Christmas movies. I liked the male lead in Dear Santa and I expected a lot from this movie, especially after the first dance sequences from the past where Danica danced herself in the contests, and did not use a double. It is a nice movie, with some very good dance scenes that actually enhance a lot its quality. It's kind of an usual story, so don't expect too much from here, but I recommend it for the dances.

You mean to tell me that in a show centered around organized competitive dancing they couldn't find a male lead who at least appeared to be in dancing shape? Or, a guy who could pass as being in dancing shape? Instead of a middle aged dad bod actor? Danica dipped into her Dancing With The Stars experience, and even has some on screen dance numbers with a former DWTS pro, but the male lead is almost comical as a dancer.

The movie has a family theme, with ok entertaining writing. All it missed was moderate believability.

As for the romance portion of the movie, there was very little chemistry between the two leads, to make up for the lack of authenticity in the dancing.

I like everything about this movie except for two things: way way too much artificial leaves, garland, wreaths etc. And yes, bulbs are planted in the fall, but not flowers like they were planting. Loved the dancing scenes. Danica McKellar is a very talented actress. Also, not impressed that the parents are playing go fish? I would think they would have played a game that required some mental exercise such as Cribbage or Mahjong. Some trivia regarding Danica, early in her acting career on the Wonder Years, she gave an excellent performance when her brother is drafted to serve in Viet Nam, and then is killed in action. Sobering episode.

I dvr this movie and watched it today. This is a very good movie. As usual Danica is always at her best. Her partner did a very good job. I enjoyed this movie because it wasn't the typical cookie cutter movie. The movie kept you on your toes and never sure how it will end. The DEWTS dancer was a good addition. And brought a little completion to the lead. Glen did a nice job. And the dancing was excellent my Danica with Gleb The surrounding cast were very additions with their limited roles. The young girl was cute in her role. No over acting.

I hope GAC continues with plots that are not your typical HM This had nice interaction between the two leads Also a little bit sexy dancing.

I highly recommend this movie.