Sundance 2022 Review: Cha Cha Real Smooth

Writer and Director Cooper Raiff stars in this dramatic comedy as Andrew, a college graduate trying to figure out his life. When the film begins, we meet a young Andrew at his Bar Mitzvah, where he falls hopelessly in love with his party starter. Unfortunately, Andrew gets his heartbroken because he’s just too young. 

When we meet Andrew 10 years later, he’s graduating college. His friends seem to have a plan for their lives, but Andrew can’t figure out what to do next. Forced to move home and take a job at a fast-food restaurant, Andrew decides to devote his time to his little brother David (Evan Assante). While escorting David to a rather lame Bar Mitzvah, Andrew gets the party started. There he meets Domino, played by Dakota Johnson, who is trying to get her autistic daughter Lola (Vanessa Burghardt) to have fun. As he fulfills his promise to get Lola on the dance floor, he impresses not only Domino but every Jewish mother at the party. 

Realizing he has a knack for getting a party started, Andrew is recruited as the designated party orchestrator. As each party passes, Andrew and Domino become closer, and their unexpected friendship leads to more. 

Cha Cha Real smooth is a warm, dramatic comedy that sometimes hits a little too close to home. Anyone who has just finished school and is unsure of what the future holds can relate. It’s a fresh film that shows what it’s like to fall in love with someone you can’t have. It’s also a love letter to parents and how hard it is to have a life outside of caring for another. 

There are many witty moments where you genuinely laugh out loud. The story gets a little clunky about two-thirds in but finds its footing in the final act. While she’s not in it much, Leslie Mann steals the spotlight, and I wish we could’ve gotten more scenes with her. Dakota Johnson is always a treat. As soon as she’s on-screen, her sly smile will captivate you into her character. And Cooper Raiff will charm you throughout the movie. 

Cha Cha Real Smooth is a crowd-pleaser. You’ll have a cheesy smile on your face from start to finish. And while it may run into a few issues, the party never dulls, and you will stay fully invested until the end.