2004: Add free dance lessons to Gere's tax return

Rating: Null/10 (18 November 2004)

Not to be cynical, Richard Gere has been great in my humble opinion; for so many years he's survived one film after another; after all the critics he has a niche; he can show up anywhere and create an interest and $$$ in whatever he does. However, why didn't someone else take the lead in this one; can you see Nicholos Cage and maybe Jennifer Beals as the dance instructor? So Richard's character needed the dance lessons (and maybe some vavoom) at his age. So maybe Richard wished for the lead in "Saturday Night Fever" almost thirty years ago. He never had a chance against Travolta on the dance floor, admittedly, so one way to get some free dance lessons.
Did we all notice an element of "Officer and a Gentleman" as he goes to his wife at her fancy department store job? And the "Animal House" resemblance as one of three 'nerds' on the bench during 'pledge week' only at the dance hall; the list of comparisons and bits of humor are available. However, that's what makes the film disjointed with juxtaposition. The dance contest appeared to be a high school football game with all the clamoring and cheering; then the Cinderella story in reverse (poor little rich estate attorney) as he's distracted by his yelling daughter at the dance competition and crashes to the floor along with his hopes of finally doing something big for himself.
Then his wife played by Susan Sarrandan, who he must have really been attracted to at one time until the mid-life caused this streak of independence. He didn't have the wisdom or respect to tell her he was interested in dance; maybe she could come along too? But then we wouldn't have this particular movie; shows us what may happen as we just consider ourselves rather than include our partners.
Then the complication, expense, and conflict this secret caused in their lives with the PI. Although funny at times I'm thinking all this could've been avoided with intelligent people; so why are we watching this movie? Once a movie leads to predictability and frustration I've lost interest. Similar to 'ffolks' with Tom Selick and Don Amiche, the first half looks interesting while the second half drops like a rock with sadness and frustration.
This movie could've been better, sexier, especially with all these stars noted for that. Susan was great for that in 'Bull Durham' and even the 'Banger Sisters' while Richard has gotten through many movies on charm alone.
The only indication of spark between the two that I'm still curious about was the sticky note on the bathroom mirror; was that a love note or just a shopping list?
Seems like the "Dance Hall Association of America" (DHAA for short, a fictional name as far as I know about dance associations) would really like this movie; not too much on the negative aspect of dance halls we should be aware of by now (see many news items); the appearance of dance as a positive, family oriented activity like Saturday night bowling was a message in the background, an imaginary fancy of the DHAA perhaps. Maybe dance studios could've experience a renewed interest if only this movie had been better. Well, Richard got to learn to dance a little better with some added money in the bank, maybe for a "mid-life" Porsche (with all the maintenance expenses, ha).