Cuban Fury (2014)
Certified: 12
Duration: 98 minutes
Directed by: James Griffiths
Starring: Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd, Olivia Colman, Ian McShane, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Alexandra Roach, Rory Kinnear, Kayvan Novak
KRS release
Despite the title, Cuban Fury is all British in its attitude, setting, humour and the way it views life through gooey eyes. It is a delightful escape into a fantasy world where some sport or other hobby – in this case, salsa dancing – can imbue such meaning to the universe, to change the course of history and happiness will flourish.
At the film’s centre is Nick Frost who gives an endearing performance. He is Bruce Garrett, a former salsa-dancing champion, who abandons his favourite pastime after being bullied. Today, he works in a firm where he is the brunt of all possible jokes of egocentric Drew (Chris O’Dowd). Bruce yearns for more and when he meets his new boss, Julia (Rashida Jones), he falls hopelessly in love. When it turns out that she loves salsa, Bruce returns to the dance floor.
Directed by James Griffiths, the picture is a mix between a romantic comedy and a dance movie. It has all the usual clichés, including a final dance showdown, but it has such energy and groove that it is very difficult not to be swept by the proceedings.
What raises it above the genre’s limitations is the fact that it is so well made and has so much personality.
Frost is full of energy and swagger, and is not just a laughing stock punching bag, but he also delivers the humour. His Bruce is one to gain respect and not be humiliated, one to laugh with, not at. Seeing him twist and shimmy on the dance floor is superlatively inspiring. The actor gives his character a sheen of vulnerability and insecurity that makes the character loveable and very easy to associate with.
Jones also has a lovely screen presence but the real star supporting turn comes from McShane of Deadwood fame. Here he plays the trainer who must get Bruce back into shape. He is simply hilarious as he comes off as a sort of cross between Yoda and Mr Miyagi of the salsa dance floor. Kayvan Novak as a dance class fellow student is simply hilarious and every scene he is in is ticklish funny.
This is a Rocky crossed with Dirty Dancing, Footloose and every existent Kevin Costner sports movie, and the result is a delightful British concoction.