From the director of Waterboys comes a new drama-comedy Swing
Girls, and I'm a happy camper. I mean, what can go wrong with
combining Japanese Schoolgirls (drool?) and Jazz? Absolutely
nothing!
The premise and narrative is formulaic for this kind of "feel good
carpe diem" shows - a bunch of misfits are thrown together by
circumstance, to escape the dread of make up Math lessons during
the holidays, they enroll (not voluntarily at first) to form a Big
Band, face the great uphill task of getting funds for instruments,
rehearsing and getting their act together, before ending it all
with a cheery big bang.
But as always, it's the delivery that matters. And this show
delivers at all fronts. From the many comedic and zany moments, to
preaching "never give ups", the story is breezy and the pacing
comfortable. The main leads are rock solid good lookers, while the
supporting casts consists of quirky characters, like the rocker
chicks (huh? in a jazz band?! watch to find out!), gangster-ish
mechanic wimps, and a teacher-maestro wannabe, brings much laughter
even though at times their characters might seem one
dimensional.
What works is definitely the chemistry amongst the cast. It seems,
from the out takes, that they had tremendous fun in making this
film, and it shows in the end product.
One gripe you may have about this film is that the band, when they
finally get their act together, always seem to play the same old
piece, when you're craving for more. Well, that's what made the
finale work, by building the expectation, then surpassing it - it's
15 minutes of pure musical splendor, and it really made me wanna
stand up from my seat and swing along. Too bad I didn't do that,
cos I know the entire audience might just join along with me!
So if you're feeling down, and somewhat bored, give this movie a
go, and I'd guarantee, you'll be swinging and jazzing along when
you emerge from the theatre, craving for more.
