LOVE N' DANCING: DVD

SYNOPSIS:
When former Swing Dance champion, Jake (Tom Malloy) meets English teacher Jessica (Amy Smart), they both feel an instant attraction. But Jessica has Kent (Billy Zane), a workaholic fiancée who loves her and provides for her and Jake has his former partner Corinne (Nicola Royston) who dangles the prospect of rekindling their relationship. Drawn together, they end up attacking the challenge of a championship - while battling their personal obstacles.

Review by Andrew L. Urban:
Instantly likeable - especially if you like dancing and this originally jazz-derivative but now pop/rock driven style - the film has to fight its ungainly title for attention but there is more humming under its feet than just the usual. For a start, Billy Zane is cast as the boyfriend (Kent) who is in the way of the romance between the central characters - and what's not to like in this macho, warm and caring guy. And funny. Except his work obsession that makes him unsociable. But at least it's not the usual jerk routine...

Amy Smart is just right as Jessica, an ordinary girl drawn out by Jake (Tom Malloy) to find her inner dancing self. Malloy is even more ordinary, the sort of guy who seems nerdy until he hits the dance floor. Canadian born actress Caroline Rhea is wonderful as Jessica's pal, Bonnie, funny and likeable and wry.

The film has a sense of fun through the usual conventions of the genre which refreshes the palate, and plenty of energy. The resolution is never in doubt, but it's lotsa fun getting there.

Published April 9, 2009