Cuban Fury (2014)
7/10
Self-conscious Bruce Garrett (Nick Frost) returns to his childhood talent to shimmy his way into the arms of his new boss, Julia (Rashida Jones).
11 March 2014
Self-conscious office worker Bruce Garrett (Nick Frost) returns to the salsa talent of his childhood in Cuban Fury (2014) to shimmy his way into the arms of his new boss, Julia (Rashida Jones). Director James Griffiths' entertaining debut is set between Bruce's work place and the underground salsa club, with the negative environment of his blue office set against the bright club owned by his childhood salsa teacher, Ron Parfait (Ian McShane). As the 'bishop' to this 'cathedral' of salsa, Ron stands for the exotic world that the average worker dreams of belonging to. His strong English accent is comically ironic against his more 'foreign' appearance. The salsa club is vibrant in its design with peeling turquoise paint, antique wall lamps and cracked red leather sofas. This aging building is revived by the love of dance, much like Julia's influence on the downtrodden Bruce. Griffiths' use of religious symbolism as a representation for the passion of dance is not unique, but works in some way to add a level of depth to this otherwise straight-forward romantic comedy. Bruce conquers his childhood fear; he shakes off the bullies as he steps onto the dance floor again. 'Nick Frost-isms' are in abundance. The gags are reminiscent of the self-conscious Danny of Hot Fuzz (2007), aided by a brief cameo of long time comedic partner Simon Pegg, Shaun of the Dead (2004). Cuban Fury is an entertaining take on romantic comedy and dance genres that will leave you with a compulsion to sashay out of the cinema.
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