Take The Lead

[Paige]

I saw the new Antonio Banderas film, "Take the Lead". I have to admit that I have become a fan of ballroom dancing going all the way back to a small film that came out quite some time ago titled, "Strictly Ballroom".

I watch "Dancing With The Stars", and really marvel at the incredibly hard work it takes to learn the steps and compete.

As for the movie, I found it very enjoyable. Antonio Banderas portrays the man the movie is based on. He started dancing classrooms to help inner city kids learn culture and manners. There is no sex in the film, thought they do show the harsh reality that these kids live everyday and also some of todays dancing which can hardly be called tame. The movie highlights this man's efforts to get involved in his community and make a difference in the lives of kids who have very little to hope for in their futures.

Antonio is fantastic! (Can anybody tell I'm a fan?) :D

Paige

[Infinite Grace]

Yes, my wife and I want to see it. Antonio is definitely a favorite of mine (Zorro is awesome). He is so good that he made Spy Kids bearable.

Hey, if you like ballroom dancing, get "Shall We Dance?" and make sure you watch the Japanese version on the other side of the DVD. My wife and I watched the Japanese version first (she thought she was getting the one with Gere and Sarandon). We really enjoyed it, definitely will freak out the typical American due to its cultural quirkiness. Then we watched the American one, which I did not enjoy as much (Sarandon was the quintessential "working woman," as well as the "Hot Salsa" dance between Gere and JLo). However, the American version had a much better ending.

One other plus for the American version: STANLEY TUCCI. He is one of my favorite comedic actors. I don't miss much that Stanley is in. He's worth the price of the rental, just to see him dance. lol :)

[Paige]

Ed,

I did see "Shall We Dance". I'm not a big fan of Gere, Sarandon, or J Lo; but again, since I like ballroom I was able to enjoy the film. :) Haven't seen the Japanese version, but I'll keep that in mind next time I'm roaming the aisles wondering what in the world I feel like watching.

One thing...I haven't yet figured out how to spread my love of ballroom to my husband, lol. If I could, we'd probably go take some lessons :biglaugha:

Paige

[Infinite Grace]

The DVD release of Shall We Dance had the Japanese version on the flip side. Other than that, we only found it at the library.

As far as spreading ballroom dancing to your hubby, does he like country music? My 22 year old son has taken up dancing at the local saloon (not line dancing, but actual dancing). He has learned the Texas two step, how to waltz, etc. He is quite good, and is very popular with the ladies. If you can get your hubby to do that much, ballroom dancing will be right around the corner.

[Paige]

I can dream...:dance002: :dance002: :dance002: :dance002: