John Clark is a real estate lawyer in Chicago but his life seems troubled by the constant work of his wife. Even though John loves his wife Beverly, John seems to feel he has misdiagnosed his wife. While returning home on a train every day, John noticed a beautiful young contemplative girl who often stepped out of a studio window of Miss Mitzi for dance dancing. She is Paulina, one of the coaches and dancer of the International Hall. John began to feel that he loved that girl and therefore began to learn mass dance lessons that could change his life forever.
There are so many appealing performers in Shall We Dance? that it's a crime the director, Peter Chelsom, and the screenwriter, Audrey Wells, haven't given them more to do.
Under the clunky direction of Peter Chelsom, while forced to mouth inane dialogue by Audrey Wells ... a swell bunch of troupers get mangled in a monsoon of clichés.
Takes a small, exquisite Japanese movie and turns it into a big, stupid American movie. Still, it must be said that as glossy and overproduced as the thing is, it's a good Big Stupid American movie.
Touches to make 'hip' what should be an unabashedly square story--such as the casting of Nick Cannon in a supporting role and an out-of-nowhere cameo by Ja Rule--more jar than gel.
Offers attractive, inoffensive characters and a smattering of broad laughs, but it fails to use its potential to explore weightier themes such as John's mid-life crisis.
