Andrew (Cooper Raiff) is twenty-two, charismatic, and passionate, and he’s trying to find his way in the world–and he’s recently become a party host for Bar Mitzvahs. One day he befriends Domino (Dakota Johnson) and her autistic daughter Lola (Vanessa Burghardt)–and his life now seemingly has purpose. However, life comes at Andrew fast, and the only thing he can do is continue to Cha Cha Real Smooth. As he fumbles with his values and works toward becoming the best version of himself that he can, Andrew is faced with a series of tests–and he’s pushed to his limits.
The dialogue is smooth, yet crisp. It’s incredibly honest–never veering from reality, and being as straightforward as possible. This creates something sentimental and approachable–it reaches viewers with ease, and the compassion that exists in each and every word is so wonderfully inviting. Cha Cha Real Smooth is presented to viewers in a way that makes viewers feel good. It’s as if every character says exactly what’s on their mind. That level of honesty doesn’t always exist in the real world, but it’s something that I wish did. Cha Cha Real Smooth, in many ways, holds a mirror up to the real world–and it begs the world to change. The dialogue is the most prominent proponent of that. It works wonders for the film, and it regularly reminds viewers of both the beauty and the pain that exists around us.
The soundtrack is brilliant, and it envelops viewers. Starting with Lupe Fiasco’s “The Show Goes On” and including other magnificent songs such as “Funkytown” by Lipps, Inc. and “fooly cooly” by boyband, every pivotal moment seems to be supported by just the best possible choice of music. I sat here tapping my foot every step of the way–and that bit of excitement allows viewers to appreciate Cha Cha Real Smooth on a series of levels.
Cha Cha Real Smooth is one of those films that makes you want to cry for an hour and forty-five minutes straight. You understand the pain that each and every character experiences throughout, and that brings you to tears, as you are given no choice but to relive those difficult moments in your life that you see playing out right in front of you. In the moments of happiness and bliss, tears, once again, play a pivotal role. These moments represent potential. Potential success, happiness, and more–and seeing those things depicted perfectly on screen gives viewers this unwavering sense of hope. Cha Cha Real Smooth isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s not for the people that want to sit down and escape reality. Rather it’s for those people that want to see their lives play out on screen, that want the hard questions to be answered, and that appreciate the simplistic difficulties of life.
Cha Cha Real Smooth is, in many ways, a simple film about life. It’s honest, down-to-earth, and a genuine treat in terms of allowing us to look both introspectively and externally. It finds ways to include life’s most important lessons in the narrative, it holds a mirror up to viewers everywhere, and it reminds the world to be truthful–not just to others, but to yourself as well. Johnson’s calming voice paired with Raiff’s unbelievable charisma brings a series of beautiful sentiments to life throughout Cha Cha Real Smooth. This is one of the best films of 2022, a testament to humankind, and a wonderfully emotional journey.
Written & Directed by Cooper Raiff.
Starring Cooper Raiff, Dakota Johnson, Evan Assante, Vanessa Burghardt, Leslie Mann, Brad Garrett, Raúl Castillo, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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