The Netsationals, a 60-and-older hip-hop dance
troupe, are featured in “Gotta Dance.”
Gotta Dance and N.B.A. Entertainment
Rhythm in Retirement
By Neil Genzlinger
It would be easy enough to build an argument that “Gotta Dance,” Dori Berinstein’s documentary about the 60-and-older hip-hop dance team that performs at New Jersey Nets basketball games, is actually furthering the ageism it condemns. Making a big deal out of the not-very-rigorous wiggling and jiggling of some older folks — several of them younger than Paul McCartney, who is currently rocking arenas across the country — only reinforces the stereotype that 60 is when the vast majority of people cease to be interesting.
Yeah, it would be easy enough to make that argument. But “Gotta Dance” is so enjoyable that you don’t want to bother.
The film documents the initial season (2006-7) of the New Jersey Netsationals, 12 women and one man chosen at open auditions to perform at home games. Ms. Berinstein follows the group from early rehearsals to its triumphant debut and subsequent wave of national publicity. The dancers are prone to feel-good sound bites, but Ms. Berinstein also takes the time to draw out their back stories, making for a sweet group portrait of ordinary folks who found a late splash of fame.
Produced and directed by Dori Berinstein; director of photography, Leo Lawrence; edited by Adam Zucker; music by Craig Sharmat; released by Mitropoulos Films. At the Beekman Theater, Second Avenue at 66th Street. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes. This film is not rated. [rc]
Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company
August 1, 2009
USA: Rhythm in Retirement
.
NEW YORK, NY / The New York Times / Movies / August 1, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW
Gotta Dance
The Netsationals, a 60-and-older hip-hop dance
troupe, are featured in “Gotta Dance.”
Gotta Dance and N.B.A. Entertainment
Rhythm in Retirement
By Neil Genzlinger
It would be easy enough to build an argument that “Gotta Dance,” Dori Berinstein’s documentary about the 60-and-older hip-hop dance team that performs at New Jersey Nets basketball games, is actually furthering the ageism it condemns. Making a big deal out of the not-very-rigorous wiggling and jiggling of some older folks — several of them younger than Paul McCartney, who is currently rocking arenas across the country — only reinforces the stereotype that 60 is when the vast majority of people cease to be interesting.
Yeah, it would be easy enough to make that argument. But “Gotta Dance” is so enjoyable that you don’t want to bother.
The film documents the initial season (2006-7) of the New Jersey Netsationals, 12 women and one man chosen at open auditions to perform at home games. Ms. Berinstein follows the group from early rehearsals to its triumphant debut and subsequent wave of national publicity. The dancers are prone to feel-good sound bites, but Ms. Berinstein also takes the time to draw out their back stories, making for a sweet group portrait of ordinary folks who found a late splash of fame.
Produced and directed by Dori Berinstein; director of photography, Leo Lawrence; edited by Adam Zucker; music by Craig Sharmat; released by Mitropoulos Films. At the Beekman Theater, Second Avenue at 66th Street. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes. This film is not rated. [rc]
Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company
The Netsationals, a 60-and-older hip-hop dance
troupe, are featured in “Gotta Dance.”
Gotta Dance and N.B.A. Entertainment
Rhythm in Retirement
By Neil Genzlinger
It would be easy enough to build an argument that “Gotta Dance,” Dori Berinstein’s documentary about the 60-and-older hip-hop dance team that performs at New Jersey Nets basketball games, is actually furthering the ageism it condemns. Making a big deal out of the not-very-rigorous wiggling and jiggling of some older folks — several of them younger than Paul McCartney, who is currently rocking arenas across the country — only reinforces the stereotype that 60 is when the vast majority of people cease to be interesting.
Yeah, it would be easy enough to make that argument. But “Gotta Dance” is so enjoyable that you don’t want to bother.
The film documents the initial season (2006-7) of the New Jersey Netsationals, 12 women and one man chosen at open auditions to perform at home games. Ms. Berinstein follows the group from early rehearsals to its triumphant debut and subsequent wave of national publicity. The dancers are prone to feel-good sound bites, but Ms. Berinstein also takes the time to draw out their back stories, making for a sweet group portrait of ordinary folks who found a late splash of fame.
Produced and directed by Dori Berinstein; director of photography, Leo Lawrence; edited by Adam Zucker; music by Craig Sharmat; released by Mitropoulos Films. At the Beekman Theater, Second Avenue at 66th Street. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes. This film is not rated. [rc]
Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company
