Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)

(On Cable TV, June 2020) Ignore the “Dirty Dancing” title: Havana Nights is a follow-up/prequel/sequel (with a Swayze cameo) in name only—the film’s production history began with a spec script about the Cuban revolution that was transformed and turned into a teen dance movie where dancing erases all other difficulties. Setting a teen romantic dance musical in Batista’s Cuba is not an unpromising idea, but that’s presupposing that it’s executed with some faithfulness to the era. Alas, a low budget and contemporary music limit the period feel of the historical recreation even if the atmosphere tries to blend nostalgic with modern. But in focusing on a romantic plot and merely keeping the revolution in the background, Havana Nights ends up feeling very limited—something that the abrupt ending doesn’t quite satisfy. John Slattery pops up in a small role that suits him well; otherwise, the film belongs to leads Diego Luna and Romola Garai. But no matter how likable they are, Havana Nights is still a pale rethread of many characteristics of the original Dirty Dancing, even with the welcome Latin atmosphere. Even if you take it as a standalone film, it’s still disappointing.