Do You Wanna Dance? (1999) User Reviews

My big fat Greek dancing extravaganza

[jotix100 · 5/10 · 8 January 2010]

This was a film that came before "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", so it would be unfair to this film to even be compared against that other more popular one, were it not for the fact they both basically deal with Greek-Americans living in America. This was a project conceived by the star, Robert Krantz. It is a mixture of genres, but it has its heart in the right place, and frankly, it is not a horrible movie.

The main assets for the film involve a lot of dancing by Mr. Krantz, who plays Billy Duncan, a parolee that has been given a second chance, only to experience rejection as he is trying to go straight. The only person that believes in him is Father Chris, a Greek Orthodox priest that sees the goodness in the young man that has come to him and wants to belong to the community.

Make no mistake, this is a formula film. As directed by Michael Nickles, himself an actor, the movie moves easily although we know from the start how it will end. Robert Constanzo, who appears as Father Chris, is engaging as the roly-poly priest that welcomes a stranger into his home and his heart. Patricia Skeriotis is Alexia, the woman that falls in love with Billy.

Filmed around Chicago, supposedly during the winter, we couldn't help watching some green trees in the background close to Christmas time, a strange phenomenon for the Windy City.

Liked it enough to wish it had been better

[Nozz · 6/10 · 24 December 1999]

Wouldn't have been so harsh as Bob but find it hard to disagree with him. Except that the credits do list a real Father Chris as technical advisor. The modern dancing was good though distractingly overprofessional (the dance teacher kept looking amazed; rightly so), the tired plot where the kid with a scrappy background needs to win the overprotected girl despite her parents' opposition and her betrothal to a jerk... well, that's an embarrassment though using the Greek community as background gave the opportunity for a touch of novelty. The Greek music and dancing were well used.

Disappointed

[gbabbitt-94426 · 2/10 · 7 September 2020]

I was disappointed with this movie. The acting was horrible. Based on the movie title I figured they would have had better dancers. I think Robert krantz auditioned for Footloose or Cocktail and obviously didn't get the part. Instead he retaliated by finding a true story and made himself the main character. Harsh? No, the truth hurts.

Based on a true story

[richard-dietz · 8/10 · 18 January 2006]

Although Bob may feel that Father Chris is a stereotypical name for a Greek priest, that name was used because Father Chris is a real person. As a matter of fact Father Chris is my wife's uncle.

This movie is based on the real story of the friendship between Father Chris and Bob Krantz. While the events in this movie took place several years ago, and Bob and his family have since moved out of Chicago, he and Father Chris still are very close, and see each other several times a year.

The use of the Chicago Greek Community as a background was not intended to provide a "touch of novelty". That is the community in which the real story took place. Chicago's Greektown is less than a mile from the church where Father Chris serves as pastor.

Despite Bob's feeling that the movie was sophomoric, I can assure him that the people and places portrayed in the movie are real.

Exactly What We Need Now

[michaelbchadwick · 10/10 · 26 November 2020]

Absolutely adorable. So you wanna dance is a delightful, family friendly " feel good " movie .. Robert Krantz delivers an exceptional dose of positivity & nostalgia . It's exactly what we need now . Highly recommend

Well Intentioned but Sophmoric

[rwklimek · 1 March 1999]

I always find it encouraging and refreshing to see a film whose purpose is to uplift its audience and remind us that there is a lot of good and a lot of innocence left in the world. Having seen this film at a local festival (at which the author appeared), I was enthusiastic about the subject matter and the message. I also enjoy supporting the independent filmmaker.

For these reasons, the movie was all the more disappointing. Characters were superficially developed, and the messages, as well as the dialogue, seemed trite and simplistic. From time to time, these tendencies became so exaggerated that I felt a bit embarrassed for the actors. And despite his best efforts, I had difficulty shaking Robert Costanzo's (as Father Chris) history of portraying thugs and Mafia caricatures. Even the name "Father Chris" became distracting -- could we possibly have found a more stereotypical name for a Greek priest?

"Do You Wanna Dance" tried hard to bring a tear to my eye. Call me cynical, but the film only succeeded in bringing a smirk to my face.

A Fun and sweet film! A Perfect movie for those of us that enjoy a Greek inspired romantic comedy but can't handle watching my big fat Greek wedding for the 756 the time

[jessmacheff · 10/10 · 17 July 2021]

This is my second time viewing this film. I saw it a while ago because it was free on prime video. I was leary at first the first time watching this film because I saw on imbd that this was an almost unheard of film. Upon viewing I enjoyed every minute of it. The second time I enjoyed it all the more. This is a very en enjoyable hearted comedy. That being said ,for any easy freezy watch, this film has a lot going on in it's plot. It also has a nice message as well about not giving up on yourself or your dreams even when things are tough . I've always been fascinated by Greek culture. I've watched My Big Fat Greek wedding over and over again. So I enjoyed watching this film for that reason alone. On top of that, though I really thought it had a good story line. My favorite character of all was father Chris. He might be just a bit worldly . He might be a tad bit lazy. What he does do is display the compassion and love of Christ several times within the film which makes this otherwise silly comedy a heartwarming and unique viewing. I really hope more and more people will see and view this film because of Amazon prime.

Surprisingly good

[gjw · 8/10 · 26 September 2020]

I watched this movie only because I was locked down during the coronavirus crisis, and desperate for just about anything to watch on TV. Given the unknown (and mostly Greek-American) cast, plus the fact that I had never even heard of the movie, I expected the worst. And I assumed I would probably turn it off after 5 or 10 minutes. But the movie surprised me. It turned out to be very enjoyable, with just enough joyous dance numbers to add a little excitement, and an uplifting, human message (that didn't become obnoxiously obvious). All in all, a nice, little rom-com.

Fun movie with a message.

[mybeck-90908 · 8/10 · 6 January 2022]

I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. It caught my attention because I am a ballroom and swing dancer. I loved the dance scenes, the Greek cultural parts (especially the dancing) and seeing Father Chris stand up against the bullies. I could watch it again because there were no ugly scenes or language and the message was meaningful.