Mad About Mambo (2000) User Reviews

Such a sweet film

[AriArnold · 7/10 · 4 July 2009]

While I didn't expect this movie to get Godfather-like voting, I was so disappointed over the comments and the overall mark, that I felt the need to write a comment myself (which I usually never bother)

Many comments have pointed out that the title is misleading (no mambo in the film, only samba and rumba), the dancing is not top-notch, the storyline is typical (poor boy meets rich girl) and many characters are stereotype.

Nevertheless the movie is very sweet and touching. Both lead characters are adorable, the acting is overall good, most jokes are funny (albeit some over the top) and the idea of the film, a romantic comedy combining soccer and Latin dancing, set in grey and politically unstable Belfast, is pretty original. As for the dancing, we can see some beautiful legs and dresses and Keri Russell doing a decent job, while the level fits the reality of a couple where one part has only taken up lessons recently. In line with the story, the dance scenes are more about relationship than excellence. I found some of the characters to be very original, too (Rudi, Mickey).

I lived in Ireland for three years and got all nostalgic about the setting, the all-boys-schools, the typical Irish lads and the accents, so maybe I am biased. But still, Danny's and Lucy's pool dance was more romantic and touching than any scene in Dirty Dancing (which I love, by the way).

Not that bad

[Babayara · 7/10 · 17 June 2006]

I am usually sick of movies like this one, but for some reason, I was a bit entertained by this one. Maybe (as someone already mentioned) because it reminded me of my days back to high school. Who knows? I think that the story is a bit different than in other movies with the similar content. For example, I expected that it would be a classic love-teenage-sweet story (or whatever), and that they would just appear in the competition and win it. But I was completely wrong, and was a bit surprised with what happened at the competition. I agree about the most comments regarding poor dancing, Latino music etc, but I am not a big fan of all these things so that I didn't care much about it. Another thing that I liked, and that differs from the stereotype, is the place - Belfast, and lack of glamour and high-class houses, expensive cars, etc (except very few scenes). In summary, I give 7 to this movie, although it might be too high and not fair comparing to some other really great movies. But again, who cares. Cheers.

Samba, not Mambo

[rdufault · 6/10 · 23 August 2006]

Mad About Mambo... an interesting, light rom-com about a boy from the wrong side of the tracks falling for the rich girl. It was all right in its own way, but....

... at no time did anyone ever do the mambo! They did lots of Samba and some Rumba, but never was Mambo in it. Strange titling for this movie. I guess Sick For Samba would not have grabbed as well.

The film seems to be a neat look into the lives of Belfast residents, but it's not a serious dance movie.

For some serious dancing, you'd do a lot better with Dance With Me, or Shall We Dance.

Great surprise!

[Arthur-23 · 5 March 2001]

I don't know why this film didn't get wide release in 2000 when it first made the rounds in theaters, but now that it's available on video you shouldn't miss the opportunity to rent it. This was a nice, pleasant, entertaining film. Nothing "great" or Oscar worthy, but who cares? The story flowed, the sound track was great, and the comedic elements hit their marks. Although Keri Russell's Irish accent may not have achieved the subtle nuances of an Irish native, she did a fine job! And William Ash (the soccer 'Mambo king') and Brian Cox (as Keri's father) were fine as well! What more can you ask for? Over all, this was a nice, fresh romantic comedy that was more entertaining than another film set in Ireland a fews years prior, The MatchMaker (with Janeane Garofalo).

Mambo or Salsa?

[tfishandchips · 3/10 · 15 July 2006]

Maybe the film is too European, because of the football and the cry out of social and political problems but, one thing's for sure, there is very little mambo, or none at all, in this movie. There was plenty of "salsa" and other modern "Latino" music in it, though. Maybe most of the world think that when you talk about mambo or salsa, you can put it all in the same box and say "It's all Latino music". There you are, missing the real concept. The movie was supposed to have told the story of a young footballer, wanting to improve his game by taking lessons of "samba", music originated in Brasil, but unfortunately the samba gets mixed up with the word mambo, and then mixed again with some "buenos días". How long is it going to take filmmakers to realise that it's very easy to find out the differences between different countries, cultures and music.

Clichéd

[pawebster · 5/10 · 12 March 2005]

It's nice. It's harmless. The leads are winsome and William Ash seems to be able to play football. Pity he apparently cannot dance. This is a big handicap in a film that's meant to be, at least in part, about dancing. (See title!) We never get the climactic dance sequence that should be there. The scene in the football stadium is filmed to avoid showing footwork as much as possible -- for all too obvious reasons.

Somebody seems to have thought: 'Billy Elliot' is a hit. So was 'Gregory's Girl' back in the 80s. Let's add a touch of 'Strictly Ballroom' and, hey, we'll have a whole new film! Hm.

No marks for originality, then, but it is mildly entertaining.

Not celluloid history, but fun none the less

[doodnaught · 10/10 · 6 September 2001]

What immediately caught my attention was the setting. Not a glorified, beautiful city, but a real, human reflection of Belfast. In terms of the movie, I found the lead male fostered a positive cathartic relationship with the audience, without the stereotypical poor boy/rich girl sympathies. I found, despite my two left feet, the mix of football and samba to be perfect. Although I was drawn aback when actress Keri Russell took the screen, she delivered a thoroughly enjoyable performance. Don't expect cinematic genius, just enjoy the film and its down to earth story.

Same story, new setting

[rmctyre · 3/10 · 5 August 2000]

Mad About Mambo is the same old story of poor boy meeting rich girl and falling in love. Nothing new or exciting is added to this very shallow film, and Keri Russell's performance was a bit disappointing. I was hoping to see more of her dancing talent showcased, but much of the camerawork made that impossible. All in all, don't waste your money.

a feel good movie

[swingheil77 · 10/10 · 26 June 2001]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!! It might be a boy meet girl story, but this movie is a cute, upbeat film. William Ash is great in this movie & I cannot wait to see him in something else. Keri Russell's accent did throw me off quite a bit, but all in all a cute family film.

thin teen romance

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 17 April 2016]

Four teen boys on the football team from their all-boys Catholic school in Belfast are girl obsessed. Mickey wants to be a fashion designer. Gary wants to be a magician. Spike wants to be a mercenary. Danny is serious about football and takes dance class to improve his footwork. He is taken with star dance pupil and rich Protestant girl Lucy McCloughlin (Keri Russell). Her boyfriend is a football rival. Her father Sidney McLoughlin (Brian Cox) owns a chain of stores and is a well-known TV personality.

It's a rather thin teen rom-com. Keri Russell does some accent work. Her character is self-centered and off-putting. The boy is sweet but not that exciting and a bit dumb. Maybe I'm missing some of the local humor. The movie has a bit of fun but needs more comedy. It's all rather sweet and safe. If this is a bunch of nobodies, this could work as a sweet low-key indie. Keri Russell does throw me off. I'm expecting more heat, more chemistry, more comedy, and more of everything.

Enjoyable but not terribly memorable.

[atomicblue · 1 November 2002]

This was one of the less publicised dance-based films that surfaced in the past few years. And it's quite a shame that it didn't get more publicity, as it was one of the better ones. While the likes of Centre Stage has pretensions of grandeur, and Bootmen is a mild emotional letdown, Mad About Mambo offers an uncomplicated, fairly convincing love story, set against the beautiful backdrop of Ireland, and blended with some tasteful scenes of dance.

In fact, it is Danny and Lucy's dance sequences that charm the most. Unlike numerous other movies that have tried to make things appear as glitzy and glamorous as possible (Centre Stage again), these moments are a stripped down, purely romantic affair. Note that when they dance in the middle of the stadium, lights are dimmed and we barely see anything aside from these two characters. The only problem I had with the main love story is that while convincing, it develops too quickly. The writers could have easily added a little more in the early parts of Danny and Lucy's relationship without boring the audiences, as the film is quite short.

William Ash fares well as Danny, but Keri Russell's feisty female lead, Lucy, is probably the biggest highlight of the film. That, and the one of Danny's friends who aspires to run his own fashion house.

Recommended for dance junkies and anyone who enjoys a light-hearted romantic comedy, but be warned that while it's quite charming, there isn't really a key point to the film that will hold it in your memory for long afterwards.

Grade: B

Feel Good, Humourous film.

[roisin_123 · 9/10 · 17 April 2004]

All in all i believe this film to be an uplifting family movie, that of which is hard to find with the setting and background. Usually films set in Belfast solely surround 'The Troubles' and political tensions. Although Mad About Mambo used these themes it didn't pointedly centre on them.

The accents were a little sketchy for the two main characters, but i can understand this, seeing as William Ash grew up in Manchester and Keri Russel is American. Belfast accents are strong but the characters carried them well, and they were easy to understand which is sometimes a problem.

The dance scenes were wonderful and the chemistry displayed between Danny and Lucy made the film sparkle. I'm shocked it got so little publicity and hope in time it becomes wildly popular. Danny's cronies were haliarious and showed great charisma and seemed to be exactly as your typical team of West Belfast boys.

I'd give this movie 8 out of 10 and recommend it to anyone.

Mad, Fun & Happy.

[CrazeeBabee01 · 10/10 · 8 January 2002]

Mad About Mambo may have a cliche plot but it its a good one! Its rolled romance, comedy, finding your path and two sports into a great film!

William Ash played his football obsessed, girl chasing character charmingly and left quite a good impression. His film friends were also quite funny. Keri Russell seen on Felicity, played her out to prove worthy character well also. Showing she does have quite an ability - of acting & dancing! Go Keri!

Other notable efforts where of Keri Russell's film father, her boyfriend's mother, William Ash's principle, coach, mother and their dance instructor. After seeing this independent film the girls may even get into soccer as the boys may even get into dancing!! A great film and a good laugh - see it.

Sweet...

[Cheddar · 17 December 2001]

Definitely not a movie you'll remember for the ages, but a sweet, enjoyable one nonetheless. Ireland's beauty is challenged only in this movie by Keri Russell's. However, I did take a deep breath and ask myself if I liked this movie only because of those 2 things. Naah...it's sweet and enjoyable. Check this one out.

Really and Truly for Russell fans

[A_Different_Drummer · 8/10 · 27 June 2016]

Just revisited this film some 16 years after release. The ongoing success of The Americans made me curious as to how it would hold up:

1. If you want better dance and music, pick Flashdance.

2. If you want a better story, pick Dirty Dancing.

3. At the end of the day, the "hidden ground" in these sorts of Romcoms is that the female audience should (ideally) end up in love with the male lead, and vice versa. On this basis, the movie works. Russell never looked better. While her accent proves elusive in several scenes, her natural grace and movement is mesmerizing.

4. While possibly not among the top Romcoms of all times, could possibly be one of the top Keri Russell films in the IMDb archive.

Mambo is Brazilian? Since when?

[cremedelaranja · 23 May 2002]

I think I am the first Brazilian here to post a comment about this movie. I know I should be happy that they made a movie with "Brazilian" things in it, and I know I should laugh about others ignorance of Brazil instead of getting mad. But I just can't. I am just tired of this.

First of all, and the most important thing: Mambo is not Brazilian. Never was and never will be. Period. Samba doesn't even sound like Mambo and Mambo is danced in a complete different way. Mambo is beautiful but it's not Brazilian, sorry. And by the way I think real samba is played in this movie like just once or something. The whole time is like other Latin rhythms in Spanish or other Brazilian songs that have nothing to do with samba. When the "Brazilians" in the movie are cheering in the soccer game they are using Mexican sounds. Come on! Latin Americans are completely different from each other, have completely different music, customs, culture...why put them all in a basket like they are all the same same same? It's like saying French culture and German culture is the same. It's not! I know this is just a silly movie and I shouldn't even care but the message those silly movies around there give...Than people start thinking that all Latin rhythms are the same not giving a dawn that Cuban music and Mexican music are so different from each other.

I was happy tough when the girl said that in Brazil we speak Portuguese. Thank you for that. Portuguese and Spanish are very similar but the sound of those languages is completely different.

And the Ricky Martin song in the "samba dancing"? Oh, my God.... And that dancing was samba? Really? Wow.... How different from what I though samba was. Anyways...

I think my parents are right seating in the living room laughing a lot about the ignorance people have about my country and Latin culture. Because actually...it is funny that a guy decides to make a movie and doesn't make any research about the culture or country(any!!!), using stereotypes and making a total fool of himself with this festival of cultural stupidity. And that guy that played a "Brazilian"? Oh, lords....

Ok, ok.... people...please.... if you want to make a movie about or showing other cultures pleeeeeeeeeeease make some research about it, talk to people from those countries. Like those "Iranian" soldiers in American movies speaking Turkish. Hahahahaa Some people don't notice but some do and it is just ridiculous! hahaha I should really just laugh.

Glad I saw it on cable

[pdavis68 · 14 August 2001]

The movie isn't bad. It's a decent story, but I wouldn't have paid to see it.

I have to say I'm a bit impressed by Keri Russell's Irish accent. Not perfect, but not bad for an American. I personally can't do one at all, but hers wasn't bad. A few slips here and there.

The story is pretty good in a lot of ways, but isn't atypical of the kind of storyline they're producing.

I think some people were a little too concerned with the dance aspect, but the acting was terrific. I think Keri Russell is a very professional and believable actress.

There were some technical "mistakes", for example, Luis Miguel singing "La Gloria es Tu", which is Spanish, and the Mambo is Brazilian and really goes more with Brazilian music, which of course would be in Portuguese.

Still, overall, I liked the movie. I give it a 7.

Soft about Samba?

[carolyn-31 · 15 August 2001]

Okay, so young Danny actually takes samba lessons (maybe they just couldn't find as good an alliteration) but apart from that, this isn't so bad. There's a John Hughes-y atmosphere about the proceedings (and Hughes gets a thanks in the credits) and while the characters are for the most part cartoony (the bullying snob of a boyfriend and his unbearable mother; the nouveau-riche dad who remembers his roots; the necessary line-up of goofy sidekicks - why do lead characters never have completely ordinary friends?), they are played with honesty and charm. The soundtrack is a nice mix of styles, from Cuban to Irish pop. But the climactic dance scene is poorly done; after seeing numerous "Dirty Dancing"-style montages of the characters practicing, and stumbling, and trying again, it would have been nice to see them in full glory as they present the results of their hard work. Instead, there's a jumble of quick editing and close-ups that make it hard to tell what they're doing. Still, a harmless and enjoyable chick flick.

pretty positive about it, reminded me of high school.. in a good way!!

[agnezfrank · 19 May 2004]

I don't know why everyone is so negative about this film. We just saw it on video and I really liked it. OK, so I don't know that much about dancing and what is what but apart from some cringe moments (like at the competition), I really really liked it!! Really good feel-good movie... My fav parts are when they dance in the pool and the final end dance.. ;o) He shows a lot of emotion and I guess it just brought me back to those highschool crushes.. those moments when it was just so.. wow... ;o)Really inspired us to take up dancing lessons again.. anyway, just a really fun feel-good movie and that fashion-concious friend was wonderful!! Maybe I just haven't been around enough Irish but I thought the accents were OK.. at least we could actually understand them!!

Brilliant but Predictable

[dannyr · 11 June 2001]

Not since Strictly Ballroom have I seen such a brilliant movie based around the dancing scene.

Sure, predictable as any teen movie made in the last 10 years, but a cast that should all be awarded, as well as a crew who have done themselves proud.

Mad About Mambo? I'm mad about not finding much Mambo in it

[Eric-1226 · 22 December 2001]

I watched this movie wanting (and expecting) to see some great dancing and hear some great Mambo tunes. Instead, I fear I fell victim to utterly false advertising. Where, I ask, WHERE? in this movie is the great Mambo music and dancing that is implied by the title and the box cover??!

The story, while thankfully nice and sweet, is nevertheless so lame I couldn't believe somebody could have concocted such a stupid story. I thought it was supposed to be about Mambo, and a dance contest, all wrapped up in a great love-interest kind of story. Well, all that is in there, but the movie, set in Belfast, Ireland, seems to spend most of its time lightly frittering about with boys' soccer, Catholic-Protestant rivalry, soccer, Belfast politics, more soccer, young men with hang-ups, and more soccer. Oh yeah, and there's a dance contest thrown in there somewhere. And then there's a dance finale that is so lame I had to stifle the painful laughter. And it even takes place…(drum roll please…) at halftime during a SOCCER competition!!

The dancing (what pathetically little there is) is so minimal and simplistic it looks like it's just a guy and a girl doing a couple of whirls around the dance floor while wearing fancy costumes and lots of makeup. Big Deal!

The soundtrack music – with the possible exception of only a couple of Latino-sounding numbers (was that really even Mambo music??) – is just not at all what the title implied (in fact some of the music sounds more like modern Americanized or Hollywoodized pop tunes). Heck, they don't even have much Irish music thrown in (methinks the movie could have used a rousing rendition of Whiskey in the Jar, "Blackball the Daddy-O!").

Kerri Russell (as Lucy) is okay, I guess… but maybe I'm only giving her the benefit of the doubt because I liked her so VERY much in one of her earlier films, "The Lottery". But in this film, where she attempts to portray a young Irish woman, well… her Irish accent seems at times very ineffective, almost clumsy. And I'm not sure why they needed to give this part to an American girl anyway. Really, do you mean to tell me that there aren't scores of beautiful young Irish actresses who could have played this part instead? As mentioned above, based on the nature of the movie, there certainly isn't a dauntingly formidable dancing or acting requirement, so I don't think it would have required an endless search for the right lass. Oh well, stupid me, what do I know about the mysteries of casting?

Anyway, I can't recommend this movie to anyone, with the possible exception of young teenagers who have absolutely no sense of music or dance appreciation, and who can't tell the difference between a real Irish brogue and a phony one - and who furthermore don't care. As for me, I CARE about getting real value for my entertainment dollar, and I'm sorry to say, I truly feel ripped off by this rather lame and (IMHO) falsely promoted movie.

(And no, Seattle isn't really the Mambo capital of the world. I just thought that would sound funny. And besides, I'm tired of Grunge.)