Barnes & Noble

It's not really fair to expect this sequel to live up to the surprise 1987 blockbuster, a true sensation both in its original theatrical engagements and later during its home video rollout. But Havana Nights has considerable merit, not only in its exhilarating dance sequences but also in its depiction of Cuba in the days immediately prior to the 1958 revolution that swept Fidel Castro into power. Director Guy Ferland brings that turbulent period in the tiny island's history to life, replicating the settings and costumes with unusual accuracy. Romola Garai portrays American teenager Katey Miller, whose well-to-do family enjoys its stay in Cuba without really being aware of the turmoil that will soon lead to armed insurrection. A chance meeting with talented dancer Javier (Diego Luna), a local youth working as a waiter in a big hotel, inspires Katey to train for an upcoming dance competition at a Havana nightspot. Her overprotective mother (Sela Ward) objects, but a bigger problem for the young lovers is the connection of Javier's brother to the rebel uprising -- a connection that endangers his entire family. While Garai and Luna may not have the chemistry that Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey had in the original Dirty Dancing, they certainly look great in the big production numbers, which are well staged, inventively shot, and suitably sizzling. And that, after all, is what we really want from a movie like this one. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Not a sequel, not really a prequel, sort of a remake, more of a re-imagining, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights follows the blossoming love affair of young couple Katey (Romola Garai) and Javier (Diego Luna) against the backdrop of the Cuban Revolution in 1958. Katey is an American girl living in Cuba with her parents who meets Javier, a local. Javier takes Katey to a nightclub where he teaches her how to dance dirty Cuban-style. The two grow closer and closer, but when Castro takes over, Katey's parents decide to flee for the U.S., leaving Katey to make the ultimate decision. Tying the film together with the classic 1987 original is Patrick Swayze who reprises the role of Johnny Castle in a cameo. Matthew Tobey

Product Details

• UPC: 012236132035
• Source: LIONS GATE
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Time: 1:45:00
• Sales Rank: 10,819

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Dirty Dancing / Dirty Dancing Havana Nights

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