reviewed by Carissa Horton
     

John Clark (Richard Gere) is a reliable family man. He commutes to work every day, comes home faithfully every night. He has a wonderful wife, Beverly (Susan Sarandon) and two teenage children. What man could be happier? Well, apparently to John Clark most men are happier. He knows he should be grateful and even joyful for the gifts he has, but finds himself wanting more. Every night as he rides the train home, John gazes upward through the window and spies a dance school under the management of a Miss Mitzi (Anita Gillette). A nameless young woman is always sitting in the window and with each passing day his heart grows more restless. Finally, he makes his decision. Mr. John Clark, respectable and bored to tears, is going to take lessons for ballroom dancing.

He's off to a somewhat rocky start, for his interest stems more toward the lovely teacher Paulina (Jennifer Lopez) than a serious desire for dancing lessons. And the young woman knows of his interest, so manages to steer clear of him, until one evening when Miss Mitzi is unable to teach the ballroom class and therefore Paulina steps in as substitute. They clash briefly, where she accuses him of joining the class only for his interest her. Ashamed that she may be right, John is determined to prove to himself and her that he really is interested in dancing. He finds to his amazement that he does enjoy this new sport he's undertaken for its own sake. Now, how to break the news to his wife.

This movie would have been a lot more enjoyable without the constant homosexual geared innuendo. I guess you can't have guys dancing with guys without such talk, but still, it was inappropriate. One guy talks about how his style of dance would be a lot easier if he were homosexual, but he's not. Another seems to be interested in dancing just so he can attract women, but it turns out later on that's not the case. His interests lie in other directions. A Homosexual bar is also shown, albeit briefly during the end credits. Then there's the element of John being attracted and dancing quite vigorously with a woman who is not his wife. They do a very energetically sensual Latin number together. However, nothing ever occurs between them, which thrilled me to no end. Language is at a minimal, most of it is innuendo, although the F-word does make an appearance a few times. One of the female dancers is also quite offensive in her usage of language.

On the plus side, nothing untoward occurs between John and Paulina. He discovers that what he wanted the most is what he already had. A loving wife, two adorable children, and a happy life. The love affair he has with his wife is beautiful and so touching. It really warmed my heart. The dance sequences range from elegantly inspiring to emotionally disturbing. However, these dancers are highly talented, and I have never before been so impressed with Richard Gere's abilities. Since I love dancers like Gene Kelly, it was wonderful to watch new styles. And just as wonderful to discover that some actors today can still dance nearly to the caliber of previous generations.  The acting is excellent, with believable characters and a refreshing family unity for the Clark's. Whether it's from inviting Dad to meet a girlfriend or clipping the hedges together, they at least talk, which is more than many modern families can say.

How I wish that the content hadn't reared its ugly head, but it did. Not a film for children, many adults would probably find it entertaining. Will I watch Shall We Dance? again? Yes, most definitely. But I also know that it's on my "to have edited" list of films. Such a great movie shouldn't be overtaken with this kind of immoral trash.