Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
By Joe Ng
Director: Guy Ferland
Starring: Diego Luna, Romola Garai, Sela Ward, John Slattery, Jonathan Jackson, Patrick Swayze
Official website: http://www.dirtydancinghavananights.com
Plot: Set in the '60s prior to the Cuban revolution, Katey Vendetto (Romola Garai) is an American girl who gets relocated there with her expatriate parents. Although she lives the privileged country club lifestyle, Katey is awkward and appalled by the indifference and snobbery her fellow Americans show towards the locals. Soon after, she meets waiter Xavier Perez (Diego Luna), and he takes her to a local nightclub where she discovers the intimacy of passionate Cuban dancing. Unknown to Katey's parents, the two grow closer together as they team up for a Cuban dance contest. Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) from the original 1987 classic makes a cameo as the dance instructor who encourages the pair to strive for greater heights. The lovebirds not only have to overcome a tough dance contest, for they also have to deal with Katey's parents and Xavier's incendiary older brother. To top it off, there are also Fidel Castro's rebels to contend with.
Players: Teenage girls should take note of Diego Luna, who made his name in 2001's excellent Y Tu Mama Tambien. The Mexican with the smoldering good looks should set some hearts fluttering. Luna is also set to appear in Steven Spielberg's new film The Terminal this year. Starring opposite Luna is Romola Garai, who was brought up in Hong Kong and Singapore until she was 10. The U.K. born actress got her big break when she was talent spotted while singing in a jazz band. She later made her film debut in Last Of The Blonde Bombshells.
Punch Line: The prequel to the original Dirty Dancing starts off on the right foot with the classic rich-girl-loves-poor-boy plot amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. We have Katey's mother who is dry and unsympathetic. A snotty archrival is introduced for the audience to rally against. The pacing is even and the film strikes a sincere chord. All bodes well for an interesting story to unfold. That is, until Xavier pays Katey a compliment for her dancing: "For an American you moved well!" From there, it is downhill all the way. The archrival chickens out. Katey's mother finds her halo. Even Castro's rebels seem nice and unthreatening.
Parting Shot: What could have been a classic didn't tug enough heartstrings. Neither did it dig deep into its rich premise and historicity, which could have provided the maelstrom for a romantic drama. What's even more disappointing is the filmmakers' decision to opt for less-than-authentic Cuban music. Black Eyed Peas and Wyclef Jean are great, but they don't belong in a movie that is set in the '60s.
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