Cha Cha Real Smooth

As a neurodivergent and depressed 30 year old who cries and was an adult too early I really felt represented by the leading trinity, so much so that it’s a struggle to not see this as, like, the crying boy’s version of a power fantasy or wish fulfillment - when really it’s that these roles are just so rare in media. Soft, gentle, funny, and poignant; I really loved it.

This is a good drama film, with interesting characters and a good plot. I enjoyed it. It's not especially outstanding or greatly memorable but it could have been duller. It was interesting to see how the parents responded to the main character, Andrew, though I was somewhat surprised when he told them that he's only 22 - he seemed a bit older than that I'd have thought, though I see the actor is only 25 (born in 1997), so I guess it wasn't far off (I'm rubbish at guessing peoples age).

A sweet indie movie that is elevated by some nice camerawork and a great performance from Dakota Johnson.

Typical Sundance indie in many ways, but elevated above most by Raiff’s disarming, genuine style - both in his filmmaking and performance. Dude is not afraid to seem corny and I really appreciate that. Aside from that it’s just a really funny movie and full of killer supporting performances, especially from Johnson and Burghardt.

Although Raiff is pulling triple duty here (with his slightly uneven performance actually working for the film), Johnson is the one who puts the film on her back acting wise. While the plot beats have been seen over and over, Raiff adds an honesty and refreshing lack of cynicism to the writing that really made it work for me. The first half is cheekily funny, the second half is poignant, and the result is I'll definitely watch what Raiff does next.

If nothing else, this new nice-core film from Cooper Raiff continued to reinforce my appreciation for Dakota Johnson. Her performance is really genuine. The rest of it gives off strong 500 Days of Summer vibes, which is something I ate up in 2009 when I was in my mid 20's. Now, I have trouble believing that this guy can do and say some of things which such naivety. It just doesn't ring very true. It looks incredibly slick and I will definitely be looking out for whatever Raiff makes next.

I can give props to the triple duty that Raiff pulled but it's uneven. His performance was a little too busy, while still hitting some emotional beats when needed. The script is a little busy, but less so than his performance, and I thought it was well written as a whole. Some of the parts hit me hard on a personal level so I felt it challenging. Johnson was wonderful though, through and through. I did quite enjoy it but it's not without its flaws.

I liked this. Fun.

All the main characters are super understanding, as if no harm will ever come to Andrew by them or when they are with him (even Joseph), and that has damaged the whole film and kept it small. Of course I envied his tiny American coming-of-age problems but such simple plot twists rarely lead to an unforgettable piece of art.

An unconventional film in many ways and I was instinctively going to call it flawed because of that, but I think the flaws are better described as endearing and unique qualities that make this film stand out.

Quand un film est capable de te montrer un préservatif rempli de sperme, sans que ce soit gênant ou vulgaire, c'est que c'est forcément un bon film. Dakota Johnson est dans son meilleur rôle, un mystère de femme très attachante. Le film parle de solitude, de dépression, du temps qui passe.. autant de thèmes sérieux que d'illustrations ambiguës et tendrement naïves.

Kind of reminiscent of the self-written/directed/starred indies that Josh Radnor was doing in the early 2010's. Not totally a bad thing but a bit of a shame considering how convincing and well written Shithouse was. Cha Cha is charming in spots, but a bit idealistic and half-baked on the whole.

I respect that a Gen Z perspective on coming-of-age as a genre puts some gentle but definite judgement on the genre's inherent ego, the protagonist of reality so burning with desire that his success is above all. By defying the expectation of traditional happy endings as we typically see them, Raiff reveals two different people in two different stages of life allowed to come of age in their own way. The maturity of letting go, of letting them go, of diving into adulthood with no parachute.

Cooper Raiff's "Cha Cha Real Smooth" is a delightful and heartwarming film that captures the uncertainty of young adulthood with humor and relatability. While there are some minor technical flaws, the talented cast and Raiff's writing and direction make for an enjoyable movie that reminds us of the importance of connections in life.

Ilovehim-heroftentoo+companyofanemptyroom-letsherscratchback< 3+ilikehowitparalleledhisbro'sfirstkissrelationship-"a"soulmate-robertbaronedroppedguy

Good drama. Impressive for how young the director is.

Cha Cha REaLATABLE

Admirable as the second work!! sweet character in standard screenplay + stadard cast&crew's performance = Simple Humble Movie!!

Is cooper raiff the first zoomer director?? If so salute to a zoomer carrying the neo-mumblecore torch (hilarious that I can even say something as asinine as neo-mumblecore kill me). Interesting to see what he was able to craft with a decent budget. Maybe he doesn’t exactly have the firmest grasp on real emotive cores but it was still pretty sweet

Not as penetrating or insightful as Shithouse, but the same kind of melancholic portrayal of suburban ennui is there and Raiff shows that off so well. One of the most exciting up and coming american directors. Although, I will say he doesn’t quite have the acting chops to keep up with even a kind of middling, but professional, Dakota Johnson. Nice to see Brad Garrett in something these days.

Could be titled "The Inner Life of the Party." Uses a familiar indie template very effectively to explore the feelings and somewhat bewildering relationships of a character with Big RA Energy.

Cha Cha Real Smooth is a very sweet and heart-warming film that tells the story of a recent college graduate looking for his future and his place in life, which begins when he meets an engaged woman, in an extremely sweet, emotional, heartbreaking and funny way. Cooper Raiff, Dakota Johnson and Leslie Mann was awesome. I really loved it.

Though a notch or two finer than a product of the Zach Braff/Josh Radnor school of indie filmmaking, Cha Cha Real Smooth has a similar attachment to overwritten banter and make-me-a-mixtape needle drops, all in service of a work seemingly crafted to burnish its maker’s image.