71
Metascore
32 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88New York Daily NewsJami BernardNew York Daily NewsJami BernardThis winning documentary about fifth-graders who learn ballroom dancing is one of those movies that make the world a brighter place.
- 88ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliIsn't just heartwarming and inspiring, it's a remarkable look at a group of children whose most noteworthy trait is that they are ordinary.
- 75USA TodayClaudia PuigUSA TodayClaudia PuigCharming and inspiring.
- 75New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickA crowd-pleaser of the first order.
- 70VarietyRobert KoehlerVarietyRobert KoehlerPerky and effortlessly smooth.
- 70Village VoiceLaura SinagraVillage VoiceLaura SinagraLike "Spellbound's" glimpse of the darker side of childhood competition, Mad Hot Ballroom--a look at New York City schools' fifth-grade ballroom dance program--is best when exploring issues of class and gender and definitions of success.
- 70The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasSome of the strongest scenes are candid front-stoop sessions in which the kids swap gossip and float some hilariously pre-sexual theories on romance.
- 70The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensMs. Agrelo and Ms. Sewell deserve praise for discovering and illuminating this delightful corner of an educational system that is often portrayed in the grimmest terms, but their execution falls a bit short.
- 70NewsweekDavid AnsenNewsweekDavid AnsenWhat Mad Hot Ballroom lacks in depth, it more than makesup for in charm and vibrancy.
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittAt heart this is a cuteness exploitation flick.