Sundance 2022

I really liked Cooper Raiff’s debut film “Sh!thouse” for Raiff’s authentic voice and similarly for his fearless vulnerability on display. With “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” he has managed to match (if not surpass) that authenticity and vulnerability. A recent college grad, Andrew (Raiff), has moved home with his family while he figures out what to do with his life. With a knack for showing people a good time and making everyone comfortable, he starts a side gig hosting bar and bat mitzvahs. He sparks a connection with one of the attendee’s mother, Domino (Dakota Johnson), and begins a (call it) mutual infatuation. However, being in two completely divergent seasons of life challenges both Andrew and Domino, and they’re forced to confront what it is that they want for their life….and what it is that’s best for them—and those might not be the same thing. Raiff has a disarming and likable quality that makes it incredibly easy to empathize with his experience. Dakota Johnson is Dakota Johnson. It’s a sweet, moving, coming-of-age drama that I’m sure will hit for anyone who can relate. It also features Leslie Mann as Andrew’s mom; she is excellent in her limited screen time. 

— 4. 5 / 5 ⭐