Swing Into Romance

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.

This movie was heartwarming and relaxing even though it was a "swing" movie! Contains multi-generational family member issues and the internal struggles while moving through life's journey to resolve. Acting was top notch for all cast. "Taylor" added to the heartwarming aspect of this movie as she is an adorable girl that is all warmth, cuteness and fun wrapped into one character, I am inspired to get my dancing shoes on and work through the physical demands of "swing" after watching this movie. Once again, well picked choice for Bill Abbott and his team. So grateful for something decent and worthwhile once again from the hard working, clean and respectable writing and directing teams who create inspiring and educational movies.

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.

Danica Mckellar sure looks great and not just for her age. I have to hand it to her even though I'm not usually a huge fan of her perpetually worried expression. David Hayden Jones, even though younger than her, looked a little creaky in comparison, but that could have been his role.

The story was a little creaky as well. Former professional circuit dancer Danica returns home for a visit on her way to a great job in Seattle. She learns that her parents' general store is in trouble due to an upcoming increase in the rent. She is determined to "save" the store even though the store doesn't really look like it wants to be saved. Very sparse in the merchandise department which is carefully arranged and covered with fallish decor to disguise the lack of products on the shelves. Her parents don't seem all that desperate to keep the store open either. They were probably looking forward to retirement. But Danica cannot be stopped. She is going to enter a dance contest to win the prize money which will save the store. Single Widower David H-J ends up being her partner and love ensues. Can rejection of her great city career and embrace of small town life be far behind?

The infinity long garlands of leaves used in last week's movie have made their way over to this one. And what with being moved from farm to store to dance studio to bank to two homes to the auditorium of the contest, they are looking a little tired. I love stories with continuing characters and am looking forward to meeting them again in next week's "Fall into Autumn" offering.

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.