Love N' Dancing (2009)

18% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(26,339 ratings)

A dejected English teacher and a former West Coast Swing dancer attempt to overcome the obstacles in their lives and win the world title in this romantic dance drama starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, and Billy Zane. English teacher Jessica has grown bored with her life. She's married to a workaholic… More A dejected English teacher and a former West Coast Swing dancer attempt to overcome the obstacles in their lives and win the world title in this romantic dance drama starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, and Billy Zane. English teacher Jessica has grown bored with her life. She's married to a workaholic who provides all the creature comforts one could want in life, but isn't able to be there for her emotionally. Meanwhile, Jake is doing his best to recover from his rocky relationship with former partner Corinne, who can't seem to decide whether she wants to stay or go. When Jake and Jessica meet, the sparks fly thanks to their mutual love of dance. Now, with the world title on the line, these two dancers will do their best to stay focused on the goal and come out winners despite their personal hardships. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 38 min.
Directed By: Robert Iscove
Written By: Tom Malloy
Genres: Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts

In Theaters: May 14, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Oct 20, 2009
Studio: Screen Media Films

Critic Reviews

Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies
I'd say Love 'n Dancing felt like an after-school special about overcoming disabilities and being the best you can be, but I fear I'd be doing a disservice to after school specials.
Ben Lyons, At the Movies
From the acting, to the music, to most importantly, the dancing everything feels amateur in this film.
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times
It is unfortunate when someone with a history of staging musical numbers and directing musical sequences can't make dialogue scenes flow.
Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
Seems more like a dance studio's infomercial than a romantic comedy.
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
The film starts out as an empowerment story, gravitates toward romantic drama, has bits of lame comedy, and, of course, there's the dancing. Something for everyone, presumably, just none of it very good.
Peter Debruge, Variety
Bland as its title, Love N' Dancing extends the cliches of the dance-and-romance genre -- so overplayed that it's targeted for a Wayans brothers spoof later this month -- to the world of West Coast Swing.
Sean Gandert, Paste Magazine
The bottom line is that a few pretty dances aren't enough substance to make for a fulfilling, or even moderately entertaining movie when the rest of the material is so weak.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
If you cut the extraneous parts of Love n' Dancing -- you know, all the ones except for the dancing scenes -- it might not be a half-bad movie.
Chuck Wilson, L.A. Weekly
Everyone moves beautifully, yet director Robert Iscove keeps such a coolly professional distance from the dancers that we never feel their heat.
Geoff Berkshire, Metromix.com
How did it wind up in theaters? Even as a limited release? That's a mystery far more intriguing than anything on screen.
Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
Instantly likeable, especially if you like dancing and this originally jazz-derivative but now pop/rock driven style

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

I am amazed at this movie. I had no idea what to expect, and I ended up really, really liking it. Betty White showed up for a minute, and had a one liner that absolutely cracked me up! Billy Zane was very funny and very charming. It has been a really long time since I have seen him in… More
I am amazed at this movie. I had no idea what to expect, and I ended up really, really liking it. Betty White showed up for a minute, and had a one liner that absolutely cracked me up! Billy Zane was very funny and very charming. It has been a really long time since I have seen him in a movie that he played that kind of character. That man is timeless. I dont think that he ages at all. The whole quality of this movie is really great.
Joseph E

I couldn't enjoy this "Energetic Filled Melo-Drama that isn't sure if it is Dumb Enough to be "Dirty dancing", or smart enough to survive as Original, Like" Save the Last Dance".
Angela A

The costumes and dancing were great, but the rest of the movie was pretty underwhelming.
d j

Another dancing movie but this one seemed to win me over..I am a big of Amy Smart...Billy Zane did a great job too.