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Mad About Mambo

  • 2000
  • PG-13
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
2.2K
YOUR RATING
Keri Russell and William Ash in Mad About Mambo (2000)
Theatrical Trailer from USA Films
Play trailer1:36
1 Video
18 Photos
ComedyDramaRomanceSport

A Catholic high-school student trying to perfect his soccer timing by practicing dance falls in love with his dance partner.A Catholic high-school student trying to perfect his soccer timing by practicing dance falls in love with his dance partner.A Catholic high-school student trying to perfect his soccer timing by practicing dance falls in love with his dance partner.

  • Director
    • John Forte
  • Writer
    • John Forte
  • Stars
    • William Ash
    • Maclean Stewart
    • Tim Loane
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.9/10
    2.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • John Forte
    • Writer
      • John Forte
    • Stars
      • William Ash
      • Maclean Stewart
      • Tim Loane
    • 21User reviews
    • 8Critic reviews
    • 41Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Mad About Mambo
    Trailer 1:36
    Mad About Mambo

    Photos18

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    Top cast37

    Edit
    William Ash
    William Ash
    • Danny Mitchell
    Maclean Stewart
    • Mickey
    Tim Loane
    • Brother McBride
    Russell Smith
    • Gary
    Joe Rea
    • Spike
    Brendan Morrissey
    • Referee 1
    Inge Dorman
    • Hockey Goalie
    Julian Littman
    • Rudi Morelli
    Daniel Caltagirone
    Daniel Caltagirone
    • Carlos Rega
    Alan McKee
    • Frank Mallin
    Terry Byrne
    • Gaelic Teacher
    Aingeal Grehan
    Aingeal Grehan
    • Mrs. Mitchell
    Gavin O'Connor
    Gavin O'Connor
    • Seamus Mitchell
    Brian Cox
    Brian Cox
    • Sidney McLoughlin
    Rosaleen Linehan
    • Mrs. Burns
    Kelan Lowry O'Reilly
    • Graham
    Keri Russell
    Keri Russell
    • Lucy McLoughlin
    Theo Fraser Steele
    Theo Fraser Steele
    • Oliver Parr
    • Director
      • John Forte
    • Writer
      • John Forte
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews21

    5.92.1K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    7AriArnold

    Such a sweet film

    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).
    carolyn-31

    Soft about Samba?

    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.
    cremedelaranja

    Mambo is Brazilian? Since when?

    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.
    7Babayara

    Not that bad

    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.
    Cheddar

    Sweet...

    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.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Was the last film to be released by Gramercy Pictures.
    • Goofs
      In a bedroom scene, a cutaway to Spike shows him glaring up at Danny but wide shots show him concentrating on a drum he's banging.
    • Quotes

      Lucy McLoughlin: We're just dancing partners, okay?

    • Soundtracks
      Digee Dime
      Written by Steven Delopoulos

      Performed by Burlap to Cashmere

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    FAQ17

    • How long is Mad About Mambo?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 14, 2000 (Spain)
    • Countries of origin
      • Ireland
      • United Kingdom
      • United States
    • Official site
      • PolyGram
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Perfect Timing
    • Filming locations
      • Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
    • Production companies
      • First City Features Ltd.
      • Gramercy Pictures (I)
      • Phoenix Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $65,283
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $32,432
      • Aug 6, 2000
    • Gross worldwide
      • $65,283
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 32 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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