Rate this Movie 
Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work
Reviews Counted:113
Fresh:95
Rotten:18
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: This heartwarming documentary will win audiences over, as the sheer charm of precocious, enthusiastic children learning to dance resonates from the screen.
Theatrical Release:May 13, 2005 Limited
Box Office: $7,899,271
Synopsis: Tango, foxtrot, swing, rumba, and meringue may seem to represent the last vestiges of a dying art to some, but director Marilyn Agrelo proves this is far from true in MAD HOT BALLROOM. Agrelo... [More]
Director: Marilyn Agrelo
Get This Movie
Rent DVD
Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.
Buy DVD
Reviews for Mad Hot Ballroom
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 3/4 |
A sweet, and utterly entertaining portrait of children learning about confidence, achievement, skill, and also understanding the game of the sexes at such a young age. Full Review |
||
|
B+ |
Charming, poignant and festive "Mad Hot Ballroom" is an inspirational documentary that shows the power of dance to invigorate self-esteem and ambition in young hearts. Full Review |
||
|
3/5 |
The dozen or so whom Agrelo and Sewell chose to emphasize are especially appealing, but nearly all of them are bright, thoughtful, confident and dedicated -- a heartening glimpse of the coming generation. Full Review |
||
|
3.5/4 |
In all its unscripted glory, it shows us pre-adolescence with an astonishing authenticity that should be the envy of a hundred coming-of-age movies. Full Review |
||
|
4/5 |
Cute, comical kids help make this ballroom dancing comp-romp a feelgood winner despite inexpert editing. Full Review |
||
|
|
Charming if slightly overlong. Full Review |
||
|
3/5 |
While Agrelo pushes a little too hard at times the attitude of the kids and the enthusiasm with which they perform dance makes it well worth a look. Full Review |
||
|
4/5 |
It's a tale of tears, triumph and tread-upon toes; it may wear you out, but it'll put a spring in your step too. Full Review |
||
|
3/5 |
... it's delightful to see the kids enthusiastically cheering each other on and they are terrific dancers. It'll make you want to take ballroom dancing lessons. Full Review |
||
|
3.5/5 |
For its length, it would have been nice to learn a little bit more about some of the children. Nonetheless, Mad Hot Ballroom is still an uplifting and inspiring tale. Full Review |
||
|
B+ |
[Its] heart shines through during conversational scenes with the candid children. Full Review |
||
|
4/5 |
A delightful documentary that shows how creative expression is a necessity in the lives of urban children. Full Review |
||
|
|
persuasively shows how these lessons help bridge the gap between boys and girls during that uneasy period when the sexes are still suspicious of each other. Full Review |
||
|
3/4 |
Only an icy hearted cynic could disparage this joyous, infectious documentary. Full Review |
||
|
3.5/5 |
There's not a sequin, an ostrich feather nor a miniature tuxedo in sight, and everybody who gets anywhere near the finals looks absolutely right. Full Review |
||
|
3.5/5 |
By the end we're glowing with pride just like their parents and teachers. Full Review |
||
|
|
Surprising, delightful and inspiring, Mad Hot Ballroom is an entertaining documentary about 11 year old kids finding a focus and pursuing their passion Full Review |
||
|
3/4 |
By turns funny, moving, and most definitely feel-good. Full Review |
||
|
C+ |
It is a bit like watching a home movie. Still, the kids are very cute, and I did get caught up in the drama of the competition, such as it was. Full Review |
||
|
3.5/4 |
ts title is deceptively adult. "Mad Hot Ballroom" actually is a mesmerizing story, of all things, about dancing fifth-graders. Full Review |
CommentLatest News for Mad Hot Ballroom
April 30, 2008:
Ferrera Searching for Agrelo's Invisible Sign 
During her summer hiatus from Ugly Betty, America Ferrera will star in a "coming-of-age drama" for Mad Hot Ballroom director Marilyn Agrelo. More...
April 06, 2006:
Critical Consensus: Take Or Leave This "Lead,: An Odd "Number," "Benchwarmers"
This week at the movies, we explore the joys of dance ("Take the Lead"), mistaken identity ("Lucky Number Slevin"), our national pastime ("The... More...
January 03, 2006:
Chicago Critics Announce Their Nominations
Thanks to Movie City News for sharing the scoop on the Windy City critics and their favorite flicks of 2005.The Chicago film journalists will announce their year-end winners on... More...
December 20, 2005:
Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics 2005 Awards
December 19, 2005 -- DALLAS-FORT WORTH FILM CRITICS NAME “BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN” BEST OF 2005. The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association voted the frontier romance BROKEBACK... More...
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox
Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.
Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.
The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.
Promos
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN RSS Feeds