Born Romantic

Without ever having heard of Born Romantic, I bought I movie ticket today to see the movie. As it turned out, this was a very nice surprise, a romantic movie about six single people in London. The story centers around a salsa club where they go to dance every weekend. The six actors/actresses are all new to me, but I think that Catherine McCormack's performance as the mousy Jocelyn is the most impressive.

As you should expect of a romantic movie, this one shows that true love will prevail.

"Born Romantic" uses the revolving door approach to studying the relationships of a half dozen quirky characters and their romantic relationships which are in various states of disarray. Full of wry British humor, lots of salsa dancing, and with a cab driver playing a sort of "Dan Cupid" type, "Born Romantic" is considerably more clever than its recent American counterpart "Sidewalks of New York", although they are at different ends of the romantic comedy genre. A fun and funny watch for those who enjoy British films.

Not all films have to be earth shattering with lots of meanings, Some can just be enjoyable. Born romantic falls into the second category.

The plot is Three Male losers go to a Salsa club in different circumstances. One has the appearance of a rich Latin lover. In truth he is broke and living with his ex wife. The thief is a bad thief, only lucky enough not to get caught. He meets up with an extrentric woman who tends graves. Finally Frankie A musician who is desperate to meet up with his ex fiancée Mo played by the magnificent Jane Horrocks, who he dumped eight years ago.

Nearly all use a mini cab driver, who gives help for all those in the back of his car, as the film progresses it becomes apparent, he is in as much need of help as all the other characters.

If you like the rhythm of the salsa, which becomes infectious, and want something to watch that is not to strenuous on the mind and can stand the occasional cringing moments, then I can recommend this film.

I watched this on TV the other night on the strength of the cast, I thought all these actors wouldn't be in a film if it was not a good un and have a bit of a soft spot for Mr Mistry ever since East is East. It was a good way to spend a Monday night. I especially liked the bit where Frankie's estranged wife comes into the kitchen while he is trying to woo Eleanor. Jane Horrocks is at her gruesome best and did anyone notice that David Morrissey was repulsive in this film and I think he'd based himself on Fish. I just wish I had a salsa club near me. Last but not least...anyone who still manages to look alluring in a neck collar and a dodgy specs must truly be a beautiful woman..you know who you are!

I rented this movie looking for a romantic comedy and knowing nothing about it other than it starred Craig Ferguson. I am a big fan of his, but this movie was not one that he should be proud to put on his resume! As another reviewer pointed out, there are too many subplots and not enough time to get into any of them. It was ninety minutes of drivel, truth be told. The only part that I enjoyed (which did not belong in the film one iota) was when Craig Ferguson sang in a nightclub accompanied by a band. He sounded great! While no single actor did a bad job, the material they had to work with was just subpar. Nothing fresh was done in the area of romantic comedies and the whole thing was just dull. Don't get this one! Get "Saving Grace" instead! Or "Greenfingers". Or "The Mean Machine". All 3 are in the new release section of your video store and are British movies that are much better.