Razzle Dazzle: A Journey Into Dance (2007)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Darren Ashton

Writers:

Robin Ince (writer)
Carolyn Wilson (writer)

Release Date:

15 March 2007 (Australia)

Genre:

Comedy | Music

Tagline:

Who said saving the world can't be entertaining?

Plot Keywords:

Sexy Suit | Razzle | Sexy Dance

Awards:

7 nominations

Cast

Ben Miller	...	Mr. Jonathon
Kerry Armstrong	...	Justine Morgan
Shayni Notelovitz	...	Tenille Morgan
Denise Roberts	...	Barbara
Sheridan Rynne	...	Vanessa Deruvo
Kerry-Ann Thoo	...	Millie Simpson
Anastasia Dolan	...	Katie Jasper
Lauren Elton	...	Leanne Finlay
Taylor Anthony	...	Madison Thompson
Veronica Koprivnjak	...	Lorraine Horn
Becky Mamo	...	Emma Irwin
Samantha Hagen	...	Courtney Matterson
Shayarne Matheson	...	Olivia Ashton
Ivy Negre	...	Danielle Clark
Caitlin Rawnsley	...	Jenny

Also Known As:

Razzle Dazzle (Australia) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for some thematic material and brief mild language.

Runtime:

Australia:95 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:PG | Ireland:PG | USA:PG | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Movie Connections:

References Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Soundtrack:

Working in a Coalmine

Sweet and thought provoking

I watched Razzle Dazzle today not knowing much about it before hand, and therefore not having any great expectations. I love a good mockumentary, and if I had to compare it to any other, I would say it was in the same vein as "Drop Dead Gorgeous". But of course it had that Australian flavour to it which therefore meant the characters were a bit more relatable for me. Kerry Armstrong was wonderful as a pushy stage mother. This role could easily have gone into cliché but Kerry is such a good actress that she manages to get you to almost (only almost) fully understand her motives. Of course her daughter Tenille doesn't need to be pushed too hard, she wants it just as much. In contrast to Justine and Tenille, Nadine Garner's character of young Grace's mother is more of an interested outsider. She encourages her daughter, but it is Grace who is much more motivated and has the desire. The characters of Mr Jonothan and Miss Elizabeth are also complete contrasts - one is nurturing, the other a harsh task master. Miss Elizabeth also has the best cat's bum face I've ever seen. Denise Richards as Barbara the serial foster mother is a riot, while I didn't even recognise Tara Morice until the credits... but I did enjoy her rendition of "Gold".

Overall, the film was gently over the top, which I feel is the point of mockumentaries, while simultaneously making us feel for the characters. Razzle Dazzle is well written and very well acted. Good job.