Dirty Dancing (1987)

As with Grease (1978) and Footloose (1984) before it, Dirty Dancing was a cultural phenomenon that now plays more like camp. That very campiness, though, is part of its biggest charm. And if the dancing in the movie doesn't seem particularly "dirty" by today's standards--or 1987's--it does take place in an era (the early '60s) when it would have. Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey, daughter of ageless hoofer Joel Grey) has been vacationing in the Catskills with her family for many years. Uneventfully. One summer, she falls under the sway (as it were) of dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Baby is a pampered pup, but Johnny is a man of the world. Baby's father, Jake (Law and Order's Jerry Orbach), can't see the basic decency in greaser Johnny that she can. It should come as no surprise to find that Baby, who can be as immature as her name, learns more about love and life--and dancing--from free-spirited Johnny than traditionalist Jake.

Dirty Dancing spawned two successful soundtracks, a short-lived TV series, and a stage musical. It may be predictable, but Grey and Swayze have chemistry, charisma, and all the right moves. It's a sometimes silly movie with occasionally mind-boggling dialogue--"No one puts Baby in a corner!"--that nonetheless carries an underlying message about tolerance and is filled with the kind of exuberant spirit that's hard for even the most cynical to resist. Not that they'd ever admit it. --Kathleen C. Fennessy Amazon.com

 Dirty Dancing
The dancing and the music overshadow the well-worn storyline in the classic Patrick Dempsey flick. A movie to be enjoyed over and over again for the dancing and the music. April 23, 2008

 Good movie for kid's talk about stupidity
If you haven't seen Dirty Dancing, don't read my review because it contains spoilers.

I like this movie, in spite of the stupidity of sex outside marriage by one girl right after another girl almost dies from an abortion. (Gee, it couldn't happen to me, could it?) The lead female gets 'exposed' to a lot of immorality, finding her 'true love;' along the way learning to lie, cheat, and steal but still winding up happily ever after? Typical Hollyweird.

The dancing leaves something to be desired also, unless you count sex standing up clothed as dancing. They do better with some of the standard ballroom stuff, which looks classier and less like hookers advertising on the boulevard. There are decent resolutions to some of the plot lines, and overall it is an enjoyable if cautionary tale of youth with just enough knowledge to get themselves in real trouble. The music is pretty decent too.

If parents and kids watch it together then at least this fable could be used for teaching lessons such as why passion is not enough on which to build solid relationships or the terror of abortion.

The special features of the ultimate edition are very interesting and instructive, except for the slobbering over the gay director who died of AIDS at 50. I like to watch interviews and 'making of' specials with my kids and grandkids because I want them to know just how much fantasy goes into a film, and there is a great deal in this one. March 28, 2008

 I WIN!
I finally did it. I got him to watch a chick flick. Despite Mr. Bronson's constants groans of pain and disgust, he watched the whole thing (and survived!). This is one of my favorite movies of all time so it really meant a lot that I was able to share it with him. After 7 months of horror flicks, a little change was nice (i love you honey).

There's not much I can say about this movie that someone else hasn't already written. I love the music, the dancing is awesome, and the story is well written. For the longest time, I'd always cry at the end of the movie because, gosh darn it, I wanted my happy ending! Finding it (my happy ending) with Mr. Bronson made me look at it in a completely different way.

I'm done be mushy, I promise! I'm making myself sick with the immense sappiness of it all. January 3, 2008

 'Dirty Dancing' (Artisan) Running time: 105 minutes
Review no. 293. Even twenty years following it's original release, this heart warming well produced and well scripted drama is fun to watch. Heck, you could watch this movie with anyone. Someone special you're dating, a grandparent, your kids, etc. 'Dirty Dancing' is one of those films that take place in a more innocent time {circa, 1963 in the Catskill Mountains} that's a nice clean family oriented movie, YET hasn't at all become stale or out dated through out the harsh test of time. It's cast of well reknown actors and actresses, Patrick Swayze (this movie made him a star), Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach and Cynthia Rhoades doesn't hurt either. Some of the beloved oldies through out this flick will send chills up and down your spine. Best scene is the last ten minutes during the big dance's major finale. Recommended, big time. September 28, 2007

 Una hermosa Historia
Realmente el tiempo no pasa cuando las historias de amor son tan bellas como esta. Es una pelicula excelente, la cual aún al pasar del tiempo sigue gustando igual. Los bailes totalmente novedosos y las canciones valen la pena escucharlas. Una buena razón para quedarse en casa. August 24, 2007

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