CUBAN FURY (2014)

Genre: Comedy
Director: James Griffiths 
Cast: Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd, Ian McShane, Kayvan Novak, Wendi McLendon-Covey
RunTime: 1 hr 38 mins
Rating: NC-16 (Some Coarse Language and Sexual References)
Released By: Shaw
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 10 April 2014

Synopsis: In 1987 a 13-year-old, natural-born dancer with fire in his heels and snakes in his hips is working himself up to explode all over the UK Junior Salsa Championships. But when a bullying incident on the mean streets of London robs him of his confidence, our young hero finds his life diverted down a very different path. 22 years later, an adult Bruce Garrett finds himself out of shape and unloved, trapped in a downward spiral of self-pity, repression and Nando's take-outs. Only Julia, his smart, funny, gorgeous new American boss, gives him reason to live. But she's out of his league. Luckily for him, she also has a secret passion. Thus, Bruce is once again brought face-to-face with the darkest and most powerful of his inner demons. Somehow, someway, Bruce must learn how to unshackle his dancing beast, regain his long lost fury and claim the love of his life...and he's going to do it all on the dance floor.

Movie Review:

The writer associates Nick Frost with the following: British accent, comedy and roly poly. The last of the three has a jolly connotation, and anyone whose body is “roly poly” should be pretty popular with the masses. Just look at the 42 year old English actor, what do you not like about him? The guy is dead funny (no pun intended) in Shaun of the Dead (2004), fast talking hilarious in Hot Fuzz (2007) and a macho hoot in The World’s End (2013). His latest role in James Griffiths’ movie is funny as well, but the more this reviewer thinks about it, the more the tinge of sadness he feels creeping up his veins.

You see, this writer isn’t the fittest human being, and after seeing this movie, he fears what is in store for his future years. Frost plays an under confident individual working in the corporate world. It doesn’t help that he is out of shape, overweight and emotionally inert. Yup, he is single. Things weren’t that sad to begin with though – the oversized man was once a natural born salsa dancer when he was young. Things took on a different, and unfortunately, sad path when a bullying incident went awry.

Every man has the right to love, and his comes in the form of his boss. Eventually, our protagonist will pick up his feet (no pun intended again), rid his path of bullies and win the girl of his dreams by doing what he does best – salsa dancing.

The premise of this romantic comedy is rib tickling. The screenplay written by Jon Brown (with an original idea by Frost himself) puts a fat man in an outlandish context to have audiences laughing their hearts out. It is not hard to imagine the Essexborn Frost dressed in sequin, sashaying across the dance floor with his partner in hand. You’ll chuckle and tap your toes to the catchy music. Ultimately, you’re enjoying this because of Frost’s engagingly sincere charm and charisma. How can you not root for a guy who seems to have nothing to look forward to (read: L-O-S-E-R) except salsa dancing?

Frost is a winner in this 98 minute movie. The actor delivers a very likable performance that reminds you of the best friend you’ll pour your heart out to whenever your other half upsets you. Yup, Frost is perfect in playing that friend you’ve often taken for granted.

Our leading man is joined by Rashida Jones (The Social Network, The Muppets) as the rather bland female lead character, Chris O Dowd (Bridesmaids, This Is 40) as his rival in love (watch out for the very well executed dance showdown between the two) and Ian McShane (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Snow White & the Huntsman) as his mentor. The funniest bits come from British actor Kayvan Novak’s performance as an outrageously flamboyant salsa mate.

The movie’s pacing is breezily enjoyable, and while there is nothing hysterically funny, it is amiable enough to have you smiling throughout. But why does that make this reviewer worry? As he stepped out of the theatre, he could only wonder how he can ever impress any girl with his increasing waistline and zero knowledge on salsa dancing. 

Movie Rating:

(Nick Frost’s winning charisma and likable charm makes this movie a breeze to sit through)

Review by John Li