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List Price: $14.94 | | Label: Sony Pictures
Salesrank: 31844
Released: July 4, 2006 |
| Our Price: $5.07 |
| Used Price: $1.35 |
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MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
FRANK KEANE IS A BAKER BY TRADE BUT NOW A MAN CONSUMED BY HIS WIFE'S DEATH. WHEN FATE INTERVENES, HE PULLS OVER TO HELP A STRANGER IN A CAR WRECK, A MAN NEAR DEATH WHO URGENTLY DISCLOSESA PLANNED REUNION, A MEETING WITH A LOST CHILDHOOD LOVE AT ASCHOOL FOR BALLROOM DANCE.
Description of Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School:
When lonely hearts want to connect, is there any better way, really, than dancing? Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School is a sweet indie valentine to dance, and to the connection of lost, broken souls. The stellar cast is led by English Everyguy Robert Carlyle, a widower who believes he's fulfilling a dying man's last wish--to find a long-lost love--by showing up at a Thursday night dance class. Carlyle is by turns awkward, warm, sincere and bewildered, perfectly believable as a man awash in grief yet hoping to rejoin life. It turns out that dance class, led by the theatrical Mary Steenburgen, holds his lifeline. Other strong performances come from Marisa Tomei, Sean Astin, John Goodman, Ernie Hudson, David Paymer, Camryn Manheim and Sonia Braga, all of whom play people yearning for something, some one. Viewers may get distracted early in the film, seeing Carlyle in a dance venue and secretly hoping the soundtrack would queue up "You Sexy Thing," to get to see Carlyle reprise some of his fabulous shtick from The Full Monty. But it turns out Carlyle is just as winning performing the Lindy Hop or waltz. And, the film suggests, once the body moves and the soul is stirred--can love be far behind? The answer is: May I have the honor of this dance? Extras include the short 1990 film this feature was based on and an audio commentary. --A.T. Hurley
Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School Reviews:
I would be enchanted....thank you.... SO WILL YOU! 
2009-12-29 - What a pleasant and welcome surprise! This is truly a "film." What all movies should aspire to be.
A very, heartfelt, poignant story of a widower, thrown into a tragic situation that eventually, inspires him to change his life for the better. This was obviously a sleeper, but what a treasure!
The cast is stellar - so many high end, quality actors splendidly portraying fragile, imperfect, normal people with depth and realism. Mary Steenburgen is spectacular, Donnie Wahlberg is amazing in his role. John Goodman shows how mature and diverse an actor he is. There is a sprinkling of high end talent and it does not disappoint. Sonja Braga, Danny Devito play minor roles but significant, nonetheless.
All characters are well rounded and integral in the entire "choreography" of the story. The script never falters. It flows through present and flashback scenes so effortlessly, that it never leaves you wondering what is going on. The plot and subplots are weaved so meticulously together that the actors are really allowed to bring these characters to life. You can clearly witness their transformation without huge monologues and grand announcements.
This film is refreshing for its lack of contriteness, action scenes and gratuitous flashes of skin. This is not a "franchise" movie, or a product that was overhyped. It can proudly stand on its own merits of quality, meaning and talent.
You will not be disappointed.
Marilyn can't join us... 
2009-09-18 - A wonderfully light romantic comedy with a stellar cast. I enjoy the double storyline that takes place throughout the film. This would generally be a chick flick, but the boyfriend enjoyed it too.
Love this Movie!
2009-08-17 - This dvd came in, in perfectly new condition, just as promised and arrived incredibly fast, much to my pleasant surprise! It's a wonderful movie. I highly recommend it.
top notch
2009-07-04 - An overlooked film which is simply delightful. It is heart-warming, funny and also sad at times but altogether shouldn't be missed for those who want a film that is first rate. No car chases, no explosions, no foul language and you can watch it with your kids or grandkids. What a pleasure to find this little gem.
Excellent movie!
2009-04-27 - This isn't so much a dance movie as it is a sweet lesson in life...about things not said, lived, done or rectified. Things that we could or would regret in the final review of our lives...in our last moments.
It confirmed in my life to leave nothing to tomorrow and take care of all things in my life today. I'm happier for it.
This probably isn't what you expected. The dancing was okay too.
