Dance with Me (1998) User Reviews

classic unknown Latin dance movie.

[jimakros · 7/10 · 23 November 2007]

The mistake with this movie is that it doesn't have some hit tune to promote it.A hit tune has made hits out of very mediocre movies.Even though both leads can sing neither of them does in this movie and i believe thats why no one has ever heard of it. Other than that its a very nice movie,with a likable plot,solid acting and dazzling dancing.This could have easily been a huge hit if only it had some catchy tune.There's plenty of Latin music in it but not any original hit.The male lead is handsome,likable and gives a solid acting performance,his dancing is OK but less impressive.There's good support from star Kristofferson and some decent character actors. I was astounded by miss William's dancing in this movie.She is incredible.Just the kind of performance one would expect from movies like Chicago but there were none there,there is plenty here,but the other movie wins an Oscar and this one is unknown.Go figure.Don't be fooled by the low rating of this movie.I have no idea who are the people who vote,if you like Latin music and dancing this is a must.

A good movie

[mdnight_darkness · 7/10 · 12 February 2005]

This is actually a good movie. The actors did a good job with what they had to work with and the dancing was excellent. I know a few people have commented that Vanessa didn't dance like a professional, but I think only people that dance or know about dance would know the difference. I thought she did very well. There was nice chemistry between the two main characters even though the relationship wasn't really explored enough. Chayanne did a great job in his role. The looks between he and Vanessa were very well-done. I'd like to see these two together again. This is the kind of movie that you watch when you don't really want anything heavy. It's mostly eye candy, but is worth a look.

Dance along heart beat

[ilovelondon-1 · 6/10 · 17 January 2007]

It's a cookie cutter MMM goodies kind of movie. Warms your heart. Set in southern tip of Texas not too far off the water front. Mixed cast of local Texans and Cubans. Father (American who runs a dance studio),son (mixed blood, Cuban born), encounters for the first time since birth. Love in modern times along the happy rhythm of Cuban salsa music. Torrid energy of dance routines. Good and light mix of human conflicts and dance routines prep works for competition in Vegas which is used as prop for endearing climax where all problems seem to get resolved. Interesting situations that you can relate to with sprinkling hints of relationship stresses between participants here and there. Starts off slow but soon find in the fun side of dancing and music. RElax and Enjoy your life with good ballroom dance.

It's hard to find talent.....

[mhorn-6 · 16 November 2004]

I saw the movie "DANCE WITH ME" because there was nothing else interesting on. If I had known it would be so entertaining I would have watched it years ago. Like "STRICTLY BALLROOM", it is a beautiful mix of music, fun and dancing. This movies shows an intensity and passion between 2 people that is lacking in most modern movies. Most movies never develop a love story.....rather they jump into some steamy sexual situation. What happened to leaving things to our imagination....Happily Ever After!!! Don't get me wrong, the script was lacking at times, but the performers made up for it with energy, and realism. Who can't relate to being torn between something you love and something you want. Vanessa L. Williams is outstanding. If she had starred in "MOULIN ROUGE", I may have been able to watch the whole thing. Vanessa is one of the few MULTI-TALENTED PERFORMERS(singer, actress and NOW dancer)overlooked by Hollywood. Few women can do it all. Not since the likes of Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn, and Ginger Rodgers. "DANCE WITH ME" is worth watching.

Missing a Beat

[Tunica · 6/10 · 15 January 1999]

It's in the title, it's in the stars - the subject is dancing. There are exactly three memorable dance scenes, and these are marred by pedestrian photography. The cameras' moves are left-footed, and Hollywood did a better job 50 years ago when they made those old, bulky cameras become somehow fluid and sweeping.

The movie runs just over three hours. Most of it is devoted to a trite, predictable story - the kind television does much better. All but one of the dance sequences are packed into the last 25% of the movie.

Latin dancing has much more of its origins in the streets than Anglo-Saxon ballroom dancing. The rhythm of the streets, what you'd see in South Beach, rarely occurs here. The scene set-ups are too studied to be able to impart a true Cuban feel.

I like to dance, and I do it well. Give me "Strictly Ballroom", and Australian comedy with LOTS of dancing, anytime. Or, hell, even "Saturday Night Fever".

Oh Please

[boot367 · 4/10 · 19 July 2001]

This was such an easy film to rate. The dance sequences rate an 8 and the non-dance rates a 1. Consequently, I gave it a 4. I`ve never seen so much posing in one film. Granted, these are 2 very attractive people however, I really didn`t want to sit through a 90 minute photo shoot.The relationship between the 2 leads was never fully developed. I could go on but why bother. Good dancing + lame story = VERY mediocre film.

A pleasant surprise, not nearly as sappy as I'd anticipated.

[xyumaboy · 6/10 · 2 May 1999]

The dance numbers were fun. Dancing has become a lost art in today's movies. This film made me want to re-watch some Astaire, Kelly, Caron movies again. The plot and acting are above average, but the cast is beautiful to watch. I'm glad I saw it. Grade 7.

Poor soaper with decent dancing

[Tomlonso · 5/10 · 16 July 1999]

Some fairly decent Latin-style ballroom dancing hung on a paper-thin plot. Several liberties have been taken with the atmosphere and rules of an International Ballroom Dance Competition. Vanessa Williams is a great dancer, and does justice to what the film director was trying to say with the dance segments, but she's obviously not the International Ballroom Champion her character is supposed to be.

A Pleasant Surprise

[chirho33 · 8/10 · 2 August 2005]

I saw this film by chance on cable TV. I was captivated from the start and stayed with it to the end (a major feat for a remote "trigger finger" like me). I read the cable synopsis and thought, "Uh oh! Cliché city!" But, to my surprise, this film was not clichéd and the film was like a breath of fresh air. The performances, for the most part, were true and honest. Chayenne (as Rafael, a Cuban émigré) is charming and acts well in his English-language film debut. Vanessa Williams is stunning, as always. And the music! Picante! The dance sequences are excellent and Chayenne is an excellent dancer as is Vanessa. Chayenne has a soulful demeanor and with his eyes and subtle facial inflections, he made me feel his loneliness as a stranger in a new land. Many times, I thought the film would sink into gooey sentimentality, but again, to my surprise, it rose above such obviousness. The best scene in the film is when Chayenne is caught in a lawn sprinkler system that turns on unexpectedly. With great charm and wit, Chayenne does an excellent homage to Gene Kelly, but with his own style and grace. A wonderful and funny scene. I recommend this film if you want to hear some great Latin music, see some great dancing and be captivated by Chayenne and the beautiful Vanessa Williams. By the way, Kris Kristofferson is very good as the man who gives Rafael (Chayenne) a place to live upon arriving from Cuba and who plays a key role in Rafael's adjustment to a new life in America.

entertaining movie

[asophie · 7/10 · 1 September 1998]

I liked this movie mainly because of the dance scenes. The plot isn't interesting in itself, and Vanessa Williams isn't an actress. But she is an excellent dancer. The scene when she practises alone in the ball room is just amazing. There is happiness in the whole movie, through dances and music. And once in a while, this is fun.

Bright, dazzling film dances with a poor script in hand.

[emm · 5/10 · 4 March 1999]

Vanessa Williams said "Save the best for last.". I say "Use the humiliation the first time you watch it.". I can never be so disappointed at many recent movies to this day. Suitable for the "family" crowd, DANCE WITH ME is viewer-friendly and makes fine use of "light" entertainment. It's your contemporary update of Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers with sex and passion in smooth, easy-going way. Still, I couldn't help but be left disappointed with another movie that would have had far greater potential. The writing goes through a one-way zone the wrong way, and should have been more intent on keeping it stylish and up to the point. We must discover the so-little interaction between Vanessa Williams and Chayanne, and instead, Kris Kristofferson makes better use of this all-important element. Yes, the two are happy together on the screen, but the true magic within them seems lost. The Spanish noise is well done, and overused to the extent of why producers can't find a different beat to really make it more tempting. High hopes suddenly ran dry for this acceptable film. It's not easy being nice.

Exquisite display of color, movement and emotion

[s_rutland · 8/10 · 6 January 2005]

This movie is very good eye candy. The music and the dancing pulls you into the movie. Sometimes I just forgot that they were telling a story because almost in every scene there was movement, feeling and attention in the dance choreography. It was a wonderful display of dancing and choice in music. Some may not like the movie because it lacks a strong storyline, but there are no new ideas. We all know what hidden behind door number 1, 2 and 3. Nonetheless, it is not that the movie doesn't stray into the unknown; it is that the movie has attraction, heat, and passion especially with the chemistry between Chayanne and Vanessa. I even like the music video that complements the movie. Chayanne has done a great job in his first English role and better yet he has the moves to back it up. Although Vanessa is heard in the movie speaking extremely poor Spanish, she did a wonderful job in the Spanish version of "You are my home" it was great!

Great choreography & bodies, but too much

[badman-2 · 6/10 · 12 March 1999]

I'm not a person who will go to a dance recital for the sheer enjoyment of the choreography and the dancing. Watching dancing doesn't interest me. However, watching FINE Vanessa Williams move her body around the dance floor in tight outfits gets me interested in watching dancing. Therefore, I was interested in this film for about the first 45 minutes. Then, I got tired of watching dancing ALL the time. How about more development of the plot lines? Why were Vanessa and Chayanne in love with each other? There wasn't enough development in their romance to keep non-dance fans like myself interested. The film would have been better if there was more plot line instead of Soul train line.

Fanboys will not go home empty-handed

[A_Different_Drummer · 5/10 · 22 November 2013]

There were high expectations for this film. The studio PR people made a big fuss about how Williams' co-star, the man of the one-syllable name (like Madonna), grew up watching US westerns and just knew, in his heart of hearts, that one day he would be a big star on the big screen. Well yes ... and no. Chayanne's career sort of fizzled after this film, and the film itself has sort of disappeared into 1000s of DVD libraries around the globe. If you are dance fan, it is for you. And if you are a Vanessa Williams' fan, it is for you too. Not to over-state the obvious, but there are those reviewers on the IMDb who have opined that Williams may be one of the most beautiful women of her century (a statement bound to make female readers bristle and reach for a mirror) and this could actually be true. She was striking when she won ("sort of" won) her pageant, and, like someone in a sci-fi flick with a magic mirror in the attic, her face seems to have improved with age. For fanboys, this otherwise forgettable film may be the last chance to see her at her best, and that by itself is enough reason to consider this for your collection.

A Fun Film

[gfs543-2 · 6 May 2001]

This is one of my all-time favorites, yet I wouldn't call the film great in the usual sense. It doesn't have an intricate plot, and some will be frustrated at the limited interaction between the stars, Williams and Chayanne. (I wasn't but that's me.) The film's spirit - with its dancing and Latin music - makes it something special. The acting was superb, and there was a nice mix of characters. But the dancing really steals the show - it makes you want to get up and join them.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a mix of light drama and dancing.

Tap Dance to a Different Movie

[dochog · 3/10 · 24 October 1998]

The only good part of this movie was the ending. You know the part of the movie where the lights come on and you leave to go home. No no that may be a little harsh - the dancing in the film was sensational but unfortunately that is where the plot ended. As long as the cast was dancing and not talking the movie went along well. As for Chayanne's debut - not too bad but hopefully his next film will have a little more depth. As for going to see the movie wait for the rental or TV. Do not make the same mistake I did and pay 8.50

fun but disappointing

[marlene · 5/10 · 30 August 1998]

The movie is entertaining but the script needed work. For example there is supposed to be romantic feelings between the two lead characters (williams,chayanne) but it wasn't satisfactory the way they filmed it. They needed about 10 more minutes of relationship at least. Also the father/son relationship was poorly developed as well. But the dancing, music was fun and the characters were interesting if only they had developed the relationships more.

So I say not more than 5 out of 10. Disappointing when you see that with a little effort they could have made this a great film. Wait for video is my advice

Superb film

[design4design2002 · 10/10 · 27 December 2004]

as someone who enjoys dancing and anything Latin i have to say i loved this film. Maybe its because I'm female and can be a bit soppy at times but i loved Rafael and Ruby, and must say I found Rafael Infante very sexy. I thought the dancing was very interesting and had me watching with anticipation and I enjoyed every minute. I'm also a fan of ally McBeal so enjoyed watching Jane Krakowski as Patricia too. which was followed by a very amusing little dance by an older lady whose name i can't remember but who said "I wanna do that too". I loved the outfits and wow Rubys dress in her final dance was amazing! Just hoping it is going to come out on DVD in the UK now!

Don't Dance With This.

[anaconda-40658 · 5/10 · 9 September 2015]

Dance With Me (1998): Dir: Randa Haines / Cast: Vanessa Williams, Chayanne, Kris Kristofferson, Joan Plowright, Jane Krakowski: Misfire film about engagement of personalities. It is an inner request by the film's heroine in her need for companionship. Chayanne is from Cuba and he travels to Texas to accept a job at a dance club and meet his father. Kris Kristofferson fills that role and helps him get settled in. He meets a fascinating dancer but the father of her daughter is a successful dancer too. Directed by Randa Haines who previously made Children of a Lesser God and again creates relationships through expression and talent. Vanessa Williams is an engaging actress despite the predictable storytelling. She is a festive dancer and pulls of all the stops with her dance partner. Chayanne delivers the best performance as someone seeking opportunity and discovers romance and a reuniting with his father. However, it isn't difficult to predict where this is all heading. Kristofferson as Chayanne's father is standard, and Joan Plowright is subdued with a useless cardboard role. Jane Krakowski plays one of the one dimensional dancers. The dancing is graceful and certainly presents a positive distraction from the flimsy writing. With that said, the film's theme seems to work as an expression through artistic talent. It is about the love of dancing not the nature of it. Score: 5 / 10

Fun, sexy, great dancing and music is amazing!

[suavehermanita · 10/10 · 27 May 2002]

A must see! Chayanne (Rafael) is incredibly sexy and Vanessa Williams (Ruby)looks amazing. Chayanne from Puerto Rico, who has been a singer for years, has proven himself multi-talented. Not only can he sing, he can DEFINATLY dance, and act too! Vanessa is one of those women you love to hate - especially in this movie. Utterly Gorgeous, she dances like a dream and in the duet with Chayanne "You are my home" she even sings great too! The Chemistry between the two leads is electrifying, especially evident in the Dance championships and in the club scenes. Well casted. Ruby's young son is irresistable and Bea is the grandma everyone wants. The music is so incredibly catchy - I have the soundtrack, which also contains a couple of songs not in the movie which should be, but unfortunatly leaves out some that are in the movie that should be on the CD as well! There is also "Dance with Me 2" which contains songs not in the movie but in the syle of. Features Chayanne and Vanessa Williams, Gloria Estefan, Sergio Mendes, DLG (who have a role in the movie performing at the club Rafael and Ruby go to), Ruban Blades and more! I think I must have seen this movie over 25 times and I never get sick of it! I've almost memorised the script! Would have been nice to embelish the father-son relationship of Rafael and John (Kris Kristofferson), but this may well have detracted from the dance scenes. And I definatly would have liked more on the romance between the two leads...! I hope Chayanne does more movies as he has a talent for it and I'm hanging out for more perving! Oh, and more dancing too!

Predictable and Terrible

[mitzifarnsworth · 1/10 · 3 August 2008]

There is no question about the way the film ends, there was no suspense at all involved in this film, no imagination used in any aspect. The Story was poorly written, the acting was poorly directed, the actors were poorly chosen and the entire film made me feel like I should hate the person who forced me to sit through this overdone waste of time. It was just awful in every way. There was nothing good about this film. It was a formula film with all expected parts. I feel as though I have been violated and that exaggeration is the only form of recourse here, as an effort to ensure no one else suffers through this film. Endlessly scrubbing dirt off of a mud patch would be a better way to spend the afternoon.

JAW DROPPER dance scenes!!!

[salsa__baby · 12 August 2004]

This movie was one of the greatest Latin dance movies. I myself dance and i love the way it focused around the fact of REAL Latin DANCING (afro-cuban) and ballroom Latin dancing.

The only thing that i could picture wrong with the film was not enough dancing, but i tell you, when the dance scenes hit the screen they REALLY hit it :). The great choreography, and great music, couldn't stop smiling.

Some low points of the film was with father son chats, which just seem like they were there to fill in time.

The cast was a great choice. Chayanne (Latin singer) who moves are unique and fun and that makes u smile. And Vanessa L. Williams, was trained to the extent of a real ballroom champion.

With all of this it included comedy, many funny lines which make it memorable, and a lasting feeling that will make you want to take up salsa dancing :)

If you enjoy this movie, rent out dirty dancing havana nights, forbidden dance lambada, salsa motion picture (oldie but a goodie)

Who told Chayanne he could dance?

[marie_baie_des_anges · 1/10 · 26 October 2000]

And for that matter, who told Vanessa Williams she could act? I am unable to believe the good reviews I have read for this movie-I have realized that they must be sarcastic comments aimed at humour (although it is bad humour). Great dancing? Where? Chayanne made me laugh because he looked like he was trying to do something but I did not know what it was. Was he trying to dance? I don't think so. He is considered the best salsa dancer nowadays? He looked utterly ridiculous! If anyone was watching the same movie I was they would know that. Everyone that watched the movie that I know thought the same and we all have different tastes.

Besides the ridiculous dancing and Williams sad attempt at overacting, the movie was a complete bore! Where was the fun? Fun did not exist in this movie and the director did not have that in mind. When the movie has a terrible plot full of holes, at least have good eye candy. Williams and Chayanne's facial expression were hilarious. They looked determined, as if they were making a special, effectual, *good* movie. This movie was humourous torture. One more thing about Chayanne (I cannot say enough about him) he could not act either. The dancing was pathetic, the only good dancing in the movie was by all of the dancers except the two leads.

I give this movie a 1/10. Somebody said he tries to get all of his friends to watch this movie, please don't. Unless you hate your friends or want them to laugh on with you, nobody deserves that kind of pain.

More dancing please

[Venom-5 · 3/10 · 11 September 1998]

Chayanne is beautiful enough, Vanessa is beautiful enough, I liked the storyline. But I went in with the expectation to see lots of energetic hot salsa dancing, I was disappointed. There needed to be more dancing, especially salsa.

Do you love dance? Do you love romance?

[footsperry · 9/10 · 21 June 2019]

Perhaps the ending is predictable. Perhaps the characters fit he mold. Don't measure this film by its contribution to cinema history. Instead, look at it because it is an entertaining evening. The dancing is energetic and joyful. The movie's romantic plot is believable, and that's all you really need for the story.