Watch Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School

Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School from 2005 is a heartwarming romantic drama directed by Randall Miller. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Robert Carlyle, Marisa Tomei, Mary Steenburgen, John Goodman, Sean Astin, Sonia Braga, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny DeVito. The story is centered around Frank Keane (Robert Carlyle), a grieving baker who has lost his wife and is now stuck in a monotonous routine. While on his way to meet an old friend at a diner, he encounters a dying man from a car accident. The man's last wish is for Frank to attend Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School, a place where he believes his childhood sweetheart, Lisa, will be waiting for him. Frank reluctantly agrees to fulfill the man's dying wish.

Upon reaching the school, Frank is introduced to the charming dance instructor, Marienne (Marisa Tomei), who teaches him ballroom dancing. As Frank learns to dance, he is also introduced to a vibrant cast of characters, each with a unique backstory of their own. Amongst them are a widowed mother, Meredith (Mary Steenburgen), who is struggling to connect with her moody teenage son; a recently divorced man, Randall (John Goodman), who is trying to move on from his failed marriage; and a hopeful young couple, Kip (Elden Henson) and Allison (Camryn Manheim), trying to rekindle their love for each other.

As Frank forms bonds with these characters, he begins to heal from his own loss and finds solace in the dance floor. However, as the dance school prepares for the annual grand ball, Frank discovers the painful truth about why Lisa never showed up and is forced to confront his own past.

Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School is a beautiful homage to the power of dance and human connection. The film captures the essence of the ballroom dancing subculture with its intricate choreography, colorful costumes, and pulsating music. The movie provides a refreshing break from Hollywood's usual portrayal of romance, as it deals with themes of loss, grief, and redemption.

The cast of the movie is exceptional, with each actor bringing their own unique flair to their respective characters. Robert Carlyle's portrayal of Frank Keane is nuanced and heartfelt, capturing the essence of a man who has lost his way. Marisa Tomei's Marienne is the perfect foil to Frank's reserved personality, her infectious energy lighting up the screen with each scene she's in. Mary Steenburgen as Meredith is heart-wrenching in her portrayal of a woman grappling with the loss of her husband and the difficulty of being a single parent.

The film's soundtrack is also a delight, featuring classic ballroom hits such as "Moon River" and "The Way You Look Tonight," which add to the charm and nostalgia of the movie. The film's climactic ballroom dance scene is a visual treat and an unforgettable moment that showcases the power of dance as a unifying force that transcends age, race, and social status.

Overall, Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School is a charming and delightful movie that celebrates the human spirit and the healing power of dance. It is a movie that will leave you tapping your feet and your heart full of joy.

Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 104 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 40.