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Dirty Dancing:
Havana Nights
(2004)
Starring:
Diego Luna,
Romola
Garai,
January Jones
Director:
Guy Ferland
Rating:
PG-13
Studio:
Lions Gate Films
Release Date:
02.27.04
Review
Posted: 03.04.04
Spoilers:
None
By
Rachel Sexton
Dance and
Romance Classic Gets Updated With Decent Results
The
popularity of Dirty Dancing back in 1987 went hand in
hand with the success of the soundtrack. Though an imperfect
film, it has become the dance film classic of my generation. Or
maybe that would be the generation before mine because I’m still
young enough to be part of the audience for the new spin-off
film. Dirty Dancing:
Havana
Nights,
like its predecessor, demonstrates a flawed storyline but the
superb dance numbers will give the viewer something to enjoy.
Made in the
‘80s, Dirty Dancing set its story in 1963. Havana Nights
goes back five years to November 1958 in the Cuban capitol on the eve
of Castro’s revolution. American Katey Miller (Romola Garai) moves
there with her parents and little sister. She meets Javier Suarez
(Diego Luna), a waiter at the hotel where her family lives. They feel
something for each other but don’t begin to express a connection until
they secretly team up for a dance contest. Of course, hot moves and
hot passion are the order of the night. Then the revolution hits and
they are forced to separate.
The story is
flawed as I mentioned earlier. The secondary characters are often
one-dimensional and the revolution is not really a strong enough force
until the last act of the film. It’s also hard to believe Katey and
Javier are able to practice so much without getting caught, and then
they just dance in plain sight of everyone at the semi-finals for the
contest. Those are small qualms, though, when you get to groove to
this dancing.
When comparing
both Dirty Dancing films, it would be clear that the first had
more personal drama and therefore a storyline that’s a bit more
effective. Havana Nights could use a few improvements to its
storyline, but oddly enough, the dancing here is even sexier and
better than in the original. Havana Nights opens in the same
way with the lead female character inside a car with her family while
speaking her thoughts through voice-over. Both films use music in
similar ways; well-integrated and toned to the time-period but still
with a modern feeling.
Also, if you are
a fan of the original, you will notice small references to it
throughout Havana Nights. Some of the music has the same
rhythm, some of the moves will look familiar, and Katey and Javier go
into the water at one point. Plus, I wonder if anyone else made the
connection that Javier’s last name is the same as that of band leader
Tito Suarez at Kellerman’s resort in the first film. I think that’s an
outstanding touch, considering the reference was intentional. This
lets the audience to believe Javier was somehow able to get his family
to America. And, yes, Patrick Swayze does appear in a cameo. I’m happy
to report it works, and he’s clearly still a great dancer. Costume
designer Isis Mussenden did pretty good work giving the characters
great clothes to wear.
In terms of the
performances, the leads are good. Garai never makes choices that seem
out of place, while Luna is charming and perfectly cast. Together,
they are a combustible team, both in dancing and love. It was also
good to see John Slattery and Sela Ward playing Katey’s parents.
For romance and
lots of sensual dancing, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights pays off,
despite a faulty storyline. I think the film was a good way to
spin-off the original, and I hope that profits are big enough to
warrant a third Dirty Dancing film, perhaps even with an
exceptional story, but definitely lots to hip-shaking dancing.
Film Rating:
êêê1/2 (out of
5)
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