MovieChat Forums > Shall We Dance? (2004) Discussion > Horrible

Horrible

posted 19 years ago by Suzyq1084
50 replies | jump to latest

I had great expectations for this movie considering that two great actors were cast (Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon. This movie was completely disappointing in several ways. The movie was slow and boring. Yes, there were several funny parts but they could never make up for the terrible plot line. Ok, so the entire movie Richard Gere's character was actually in love with his wife and was drawn to this other woman he saw standing in a window because why? The entire movie I thought he was going to have an affair with Jennifer Lopez's character. On the topic of Jennifer Lopez, she did a terrible job in this movie. Her character was weird and overly serious. I am sad I paid to see this movie....

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] redbloodedlatin 19 years ago

everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including me, so let me just say i disagree.

this was a great romantic comedy and all of the actors did a great job with this movie.

take it for what is is: a simple love story with great dancing and some great characters.

if you take it for that, you might enjoy it more next time you see it.

"Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another"- Justify My Love by Madonna

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] just_claire 19 years ago

I agree with both Beverly and Redbloodedlatin. Of course this is not a great plot, but I think nobody would expect that. I loved this movie because I just enjoyed the music, the dancing and the simple and romantic plot. Too bad you were waiting for R. Gere to fall for J.Lopez. Fortunately this was not the typical movie and he simply realizes he really loves his wife. I almost fainted when he appeared with the rose for her. Isn't he absolutely cute??

[–] HarpGyrl 19 years ago

In response to the initial post:

Have you never been drawn to someone without having a torrid love affair? What he saw standing in the window was someone who was lost, and to Richard Gere's character that represented a kindred spirit. Maybe he thought she could help him figure things out. Maybe he was drawn to her, but not enough to completely betray his wife.

I am also surprised to hear that someone whose expectations were thwarted by a plot line would count that as a plot weakness in a film. Why go and see a movie if you already know what's going to happen?

On an ironic note... I never wanted to see this movie. I only went to see this movie because I didn't have to pay to see it. I was so pleasantly surprised by it, I would've paid to see it if I knew then what I know now. I guess things average out between the two experiences, Suzyq...

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] Green-Eyed-Girl31 8 years ago

Have you never been drawn to someone without having a torrid love affair? What he saw standing in the window was someone who was lost, and to Richard Gere's character that represented a kindred spirit. Maybe he thought she could help him figure things out. Maybe he was drawn to her, but not enough to completely betray his wife.

I am also surprised to hear that someone whose expectations were thwarted by a plot line would count that as a plot weakness in a film. Why go and see a movie if you already know what's going to happen?

This is a very late response to this thread, but having just re-watched the movie I want to commend HarpGyrl for their very astute comment. Couldn't have said it better myself and wish I had.

"You met me at a very strange time in my life"

[–] bruiserx 19 years ago

"Horrible" about sums up my thoughts on the movie as well. I'm not a J-Lo hater, I actually enjoyed "The Cell" and "Out of Sight" and thought that she did a good job in both. I'm not really a fan of Gere, but he did pretty well in "Chicago." But this movie...this movie is an atrocity. The characters were boring and stupid, the acting was mediocre at best (Sarandon being the best), there was no visual flair, the story (or lack thereof) was pathetic. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this movie. Sorry, I'm not trying to be a troll, but I hated this movie. Usually I steer clear from message boards of movies I hate, but this movie just inspired me to action.

-May guns rise to kill me.-

[–] jlovr22 19 years ago

I really don't agree. I think that BECAUSE they didn't have that affair is what made this movie different and great.

I bet right now, you don't know if you want to kill me... or *beep* me.
Jennifer Lopez; U-Turn

[–] aceofspades79 19 years ago

I don't think it matters whether or not they had an affair... I couldn't get past the awful casting! Did anyone really believe that Richard Gere was an unhappy shy loser? He's much too charming for that. The idea of him dancing again after "Chicago" must have had dollar signs floating in executives heads.

That, coupled with the lack of humour (strained at best) made it hard to sit through.

Fun dancing, but that's about it.

[–] fiatlux-1 10 years ago

"Horrible" about sums up my thoughts on the movie as well. I'm not a J-Lo hater, I actually enjoyed "The Cell" and "Out of Sight" and thought that she did a good job in both. I'm not really a fan of Gere, but he did pretty well in "Chicago." But this movie...this movie is an atrocity. The characters were boring and stupid, the acting was mediocre at best (Sarandon being the best), there was no visual flair, the story (or lack thereof) was pathetic. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this movie. Sorry, I'm not trying to be a troll, but I hated this movie. Usually I steer clear from message boards of movies I hate, but this movie just inspired me to action.

I agree with this entire post. This movie was horrid. I generally like Richard Gere a lot, and even he could not save this film. None of the actors looked like they even wanted to be in this movie, they acted more like film school students.

"I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus."
"Didn't he discover America?"
"Penfold, shush."

[–] despierto 19 years ago

Although I'm not a huge fan of j-lo, I thought this was a wonderful movie as well. I was very glad to see that hollywood turned out something that wasn't full of affairs and extramarital sex. The plot may not have been edge of your seat suspensful, but it was a feel-good romantic comedy that just made you want to go dancing, or at least have the courage to take up something new in your life. Susan Sarandon is a wonderful actress, and Richard Gere completed the cast. Of course I am a little baised, because absolutely love Richard Gere, and think that he is one of the sexiest men alive, despite his age. I definitely think this is a movie worth seeing a second time.

[–] ssuffert 19 years ago

If you saw it, you had the oportunity to see how Susan and Richard Gere acted in the same (low) level as J.Lo. Horrible Plot, some cute jokes, and nothing else. This is almost worst than Chicago. What Gere think he´s doing?!

Veryanon

[–] aceofspades79 19 years ago

As a test..... and I'm kind of a jerk....

Who remembers the characters' names?

No peeking!

I just think its really funny that they're all referred to as "Richard Gere was great" or "Susan Sarandon was terrific!" Shouldn't we at least TRY to disassociate the actor from the character? Or am I missing the point of ACTING?

[–] candycane2008 19 years ago

Yes I agree that this movie was horrible. Maybe people assumed the movie would be somewhat watchable because they're big Richard Gere fans or Susan Sarandon fans (or maybe even *GASP* jennifer lopez fans). I'm with the original poster in this when I say this movie really was terrible. And no one remembers the original names of the characters (without peeking) because the characters were extremely unmemorable and the performances were pretty boring.

[–] MassiveStripes 19 years ago

Well, I think that the actors weren't as good as some people say. They were just OK, or even regular.
The first half of the movie I was very bored, thinking "what's the point of this". But then, I started enjoying it. Although it's not a very good movie, I think that the message it gives is simple and somehow touching.
So, it is neither perfect nor horrible, just okay. They could've done a better work.

[–] queencat18 8 years ago

Richard Gere - John Clark
Susan Surandon - Beverly Clark
J. Lo - Paulina
Stanley Tucci - Link
Bobby Canavale (???) - Chick

As for the others, I don't remember who played them, but:
Bobbi (Link's partner in the end)
Miss Mitzi
Vern
Evan (the son)

Is that enough? I can go on, but I just went with the ones that I remembered the most off the top of my head. Feel terrible that I can't remember the PI's name, but I haven't watched the movie in quite a few months.

"Oh my God! You put a living room where the crack den used to be!"

[–] terri-48 19 years ago

MOVIE WAS GREAT. NVA EXPECT - JUST ENJOY!!!

[–] jeffberg79 19 years ago

This movie had a "CBS Made For Sunday Movie" feel to it. Great for those 50 and over. I do agree, very slow paced and J. Leno. did a horrible job of "acting", typical "Jenny from The Block"

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] pablo16 19 years ago

Well this was not horrible but I expected something better from 'a Richard Gere starring film' after Chicago and Unfaithful... Although, I must admit that Susan Sarandon( the best of the lot) dragged me to the theatre I was disappointed to see how little she had to do. J.lo's ambling about the screen-space(read: acting) was especially repelling, and she can dance much better than that!

This movie is lost when compared to Pretty Woman, etc. but what the hell, Stanley 'The Terminal' Tucci is one reason I can watch it again, er... and if someone else pays for my ticket.

[–] mariposarosa2 19 years ago

My thoughts exactly (in response to Pablo). This film was definitely not horrible. It was just the lift I needed, the day I went to see it. Delightful!!!

[–] Kurosaurus 19 years ago

being new to the posting process, I didn't see my message echoed in other postings.

as Gilda Radner said, "never mind."

[–] keith-298 19 years ago

before a friend lent me her dvd, i was told that this is a bad movie...i just watched the movie last nite, and i find it rather cute and coy...not much of a plotline though, but quite entertaining. i mean, we have seen sillier movies, but this is not one of them. it has it's light moments.

lisa ann walter reminds me of bette midler in the 70s!!! she is funny in most of her scenes!!! and i think anita gillette is so lively. not being disrespectful, but i can picture if they have marge champion or some one from that era for the role...

[–] kak122760 19 years ago

I thought this movie was quite enjoyable. When everything is special effects these days, how nice to see a movie that doesn't require them, and leaves you feeling good.

[–] kallia321 19 years ago

feeling good..?? it made me feel abit sick really.