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April 2, 2007: Movie Magic
I can’t go so far as to say it was an all-out theme night, but about half of last night’s celebrities got inspiration for their dances from movies. First Edyta took John Ratzenberger to a Valentino movie to get inspired for the tango. This seemed to work in terms of him getting into character for the dance. I was impressed with his facial expressions and intensity, but I think that was the strongest part of his dance. The judges pointed out that he needs to make some technical improvements, and it did seem like Edyta was working extra hard making big movements around him. He deservedly got one of the lowest scores of the evening.
Movie inspiration proved far more successful for one of the top scorers of the night (there was a four-way tie), Joey Fatone. While I wasn’t crazy about the Stars Wars theme music (I found it and the lights a bit distracting), I have to acknowledge that it was a really good tango. The fact that Joey is so into Star Wars gave his performance extra edge, and their costumes just completed the whole package. Likewise, Apolo’s homage to Pulp Fiction was spot-on with the hairstyles, costumes and signature dance moves. I thought it was refreshing to see a jive that was something other than a traditional bobby-sox performance. He got a pretty good score, but the judges were a bit too harsh in their criticism of him. Their footwork didn’t appear to be as sloppy as they made it out to be, and Len’s criticism of their onstage dance moves was odd: Many of the dances in this show start out like that.
As harsh as the judges were with Apolo, they were even harsher with Laila. She and Max did a sultry tango to a James Bond song, but she was chastised for having “pancake hands,” and then the judges came down hard on them for breaking the hold, which translated into breaking the rules. Suddenly I had déjà vu, thinking back to last season’s rule-breaking ballroom bad boys Mario and Joey. I hope we don’t have to go through weeks of that scolding again. The blame for this ultimately lies with the professional dancer, and I don’t think perfectionist Max was used to getting yelled at like that, so perhaps he won’t do it again. Tom and Samantha wouldn’t even let Max speak, as they were afraid he was going to just go off. (On a side note, how much fun was it meeting Max’s also-a-dancer brother during the practice scenes? If you closed your eyes, they sounded exactly alike.)
It seems to me that the judges are being stricter with early front-runners such as Apolo and Laila. How else to explain their unanimous praise of Leeza Gibbons? Now she didn’t use a movie theme, but her performance brought to mind for me an '80s classic: Mannequin. Whereas John had an intensity in his face, Leeza had a kind of plastic stiffness. But hey, the judges liked it. They said she did a proper tango that they called simple and basic. I would call it boring.
Also lacking some excitement was Clyde the Glide’s jive. But his warm, engaging smile goes a long way in making up for the lack of big movements in his performance (or his “procedure” as he referred to it backstage). Here the judges were correct in pointing out that he regressed a little: Instead of dancing big, he’s dancing small again.
In contrast to Clyde, some celebrities were able to follow the judges’ advice from previous weeks. Ian worked hard on improving his hip shaking, and the work paid off. His energetic jive was the best of the night, in my opinion, and the judges told him he “nearly got a 9.” Apparently, he had some missteps at the end of his performance, but they were difficult for my nonprofessional eyes to spot. (Also, what happened to the camera at the end of his performance? They were still dancing, but the camera fell or something; instead of seeing Ian and Cheryl, I saw some lights.)
Like Ian, Shandi displayed marked improvement from last week. She admitted that being in the bottom two humbled her, and that resulted in more effort from her. But there’s still room for improvement: The judges pointed out that she lets her free arm “flail,” and that was noticeable throughout her performance. Also noticeable: Billy Ray’s counting during his performance. Last week he was singing, this week he was counting. Yet there’s something endearing about that. The judges labeled him “still most improved.” The effort he’s putting in is admirable and welcomed by the judges. I’m not saying he’s going to make it into the finals, but for now, the strides he’s making are genuinely entertaining to watch. And he’s stretching — he danced to a non-country song this week.
Heather doesn’t seem to be stretching beyond the box of primary Crayola colors for her wardrobe choices (hello again, yellow!), but that’s sort of becoming a staple for her. And cartwheels are becoming her signature move (a “front walkover” instead of a back one this time). Carrie Ann made a good point in saying that she doesn’t need to overcompensate with those theatrical moves. I can understand how the inherent bounciness of the jive was a huge challenge for her, but she pulled it off remarkably well with a peppy, sneaker-clad performance.
So who’s going home Tuesday? I’m going to say the bottom two will be Shandi (because of her presence there last week, suggesting a small fan base) and Clyde (because of his ranking at the very bottom of the scoreboard last night). Let’s see if I’m 0-2.
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Apr 3, 2007 12:01 AM
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My favorite dancers tonight were Apolo, Ian and Laila. I have a feeling that Apolo and his partner will make it to the finals. I always love watching them dance together.
I thought Ian was a lot better this week. I didn't notice any missteps at the end of his performance either. Guess I must have blinked when it happened. I just really wish that Ian would shave off that stubble, he looks better clean shaven.
I was disappointed in Clyde. I thought he would do better this week. I think part of the problem is his partner is not a good choreographer.
I thought Joey was O.K. That Star Wars music was interesting. It sounded like the theme music to 'Dynasty'.
I thought Laila did a great job. I knew the judges would nitpick her dance because last week she got the highest score. The judges are always harsh on the front runners because they can't always give them nines. And this is only week three.
I thought Heather did a good job. I wonder if she was marked down for not wearing proper shoes. I was watching Access Hollywood this weekend and learned that the back walkover is not illegal if your partner assists you. If you do the move by yourself then it's considered illegal. I just hope Heather doesn't do cartwheels every week.
I thought Leeza did a good job even though she was a little stiff. But I wouldn't call her a Mannequin. LoL.
I think the bottom two are going to be Clyde and John. With John going home. I just hope it's Shandi that ends up leaving.
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Apr 3, 2007 3:49 AM
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I don't know what happened at the end of Ian and Cheryl's dance last night but I'm hoping they had another camera on them and they show it tonight. The way the camera when to the lights, I'm guessing one of them knocked over a cameraperson.
I agree that the bar is set high for Laila and Apolo but hopefully they will be okay for a while. I enjoyed both of their dances.
Shandi stepped it up this week but I still don't think she will be around long.
What was with the high marks for Heather Mills? I realize that they are judging her differently because of her handicap and the front walkover probably helped her scores but she wasn't that good.
I felt sorry for poor Clyde. At least he's trying so I'd like to see him stick around for another week or two.
My picks for who should go home tonight are Leeza or Shandi. Unfortuately, it will probably be John or Clyde.
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Apr 3, 2007 8:10 AM
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I think that Laila was robbed. She has such a wonderful presence and did such a beautiful dance. there is no way she should have gotten the same scores as shandi! I agree that leeza's dance was very boring too. I think Ian still needs to loosed up a little but cheryl continues to be an amazing teacher! Appolo and his partner have some really great potential as well.
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Apr 3, 2007 8:19 AM
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I was so surprised when instead of the end of Cheryl and Ian's dance I saw lights!  I still liked it. Cheryl taking Ian to a male revue was inspired. He, Shandi and Leeza need to loosen up and work those hips more! Watching them sometimes is painful. I know there is the stereotype that most white people have no rhythm but they just reinforce it.
Heather looked like she was stomping around a lot during her dance. Don't get me wrong I loved that she found a way to bounce on that leg and do those kicks but I also agree w/ocean, I hope she isn't going to do a cartwheel every week.
Depite the judges harsh critism, I loved Laila and Maksim's dance, especially the spins. It made it more dramatic to me.
Joey and Kym's dance was nice but the music was distracting. And I thought Apolo and Juliana was a little sloppy. Not to bad though. Tonight we will see who goes home.
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Apr 3, 2007 8:22 AM
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What the hell on earth is Mills is still in the running? She should be voted off long time ago!! She is using her handicaps as a pity factor to stay in the race!!!
Vote Mills off!!!
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Apr 3, 2007 8:33 AM
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Did anyone else notice how mad/upset Karina looked last night- she did not look like a happy dancer at the end of the show- or after the judges made their comments. I wouldn't vote for her because it looked like she had a bad attitude.
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Apr 3, 2007 9:02 AM
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I really enjoyed the dancing tonight. I must say I'm partial to the jive and I loved Apolo's dance. Heather shows that she has some real dance ability. I was expecting her to be dreadful but apart from the hairstyles & outfits she is not. But she desperately needs to get a new stylist. Joey and Ian continue to do well. Laila is outstanding but there seems to be a definite lacking of affection between her and her partner Maxim.
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Apr 3, 2007 9:06 AM
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i totally agree that joey and kym's music was distracting....
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Apr 3, 2007 9:07 AM
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I am trying to find Ian and Cheryl's dance on youtube and I can't find it. I want to see the end.
john_c11, the reason Heather is still on the show is this is a dance competition not a popularity contest and she is an inspiration to others with disability and to people who are able to put aside their pettiness and admit the fact that she can shake her grove thing. Compared to the other white women on that show she knows how to move her hips, (Hell, she knows where her hips are) and can shimmy like no ones business.
I may not like the persona the media puts out, but I have to give her my grudging respect. I even toss her a vote or 2 when she rocks it out. She earns it.
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Apr 3, 2007 9:07 AM
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Jerri,
I guess you and other people who vote for Mills would sympathesize an "HANDICAPPED" MURDERER because that murderer is handicapped!!
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Apr 3, 2007 9:10 AM
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What the H--- are you talking about? Murder?! You need help. Just who has she murdered?
I didn't mention anything about sympathy for Heather- I give her my respect. Because in spite of or maybe because of small minded people she has the guts to get out there in a public arena where people are going to judge her based on some media hype. And she still manages to be the 2nd best female dancer.
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Apr 3, 2007 9:20 AM
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Mills is an immoral person! She tried to destroy/murder someone reputation! Just because she could dance with one leg did not get my respect that all. You can give her your respect! it is your choice! But I am allowed to voice my "disgust" toward her!
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Apr 3, 2007 9:22 AM
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shandi and leeza are far worse dancers then heather. she might not be the best but she is more enjoyable to watch then someone who is too stiff or who has flailing arms......
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Apr 3, 2007 9:26 AM
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john_c11, you might want to learn to let it go. To hate someone you don't even know is just sad.
Move on. I am done with responding to you.
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Apr 3, 2007 9:33 AM
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