Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Injured dancer learns new moves in inspiring, trite tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Musical Chairs
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Mia (Leah Pipes) is training for a national ballroom competition until a tragic accident leaves her in a wheelchair. Crushed and despondent, she wallows in self-pity, convinced that her life might as well be over; and her dance partner and boyfriend suddenly is too busy to stop by to visit. Enter Armando (E.J. Bonilla), the custodian at the dance studio who's been nursing a secret crush on Mia. Armando helps her realize that life goes on, if only she'll choose to participate. And the key to motivating Mia is the upcoming ballroom dance competition for people in wheelchairs.
Is It Any Good?
MUSICAL CHAIRS is uplifting, but so very formulaic. Bonilla has charisma, and he can certainly move, but every step he takes seems lifted from the standard-issue overcoming-adversity script. Supporting cast of quirky underdogs? Check. Second-act complication that threatens to derail both romance and Mia's path to recovery? Check. Training montage? Yep. And a dramatic finale where the main characters, against all odds, manage to shine. What do you think?
Still, fans of dance movies and/or uplifting tales -- especially those on the younger side who aren't already jaded about this kind of story -- may find it an entertaining escape.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Mia's attitude. Do you think her reaction to her injury seems realistic? How would you feel if you ended up in a wheelchair? Do you think you might act like her?
Does Musical Chairs follow a standard "overcoming adversity" formula? Can you think of any films that are structured similarly to this one? Why is this kind of story appealing?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 23, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : October 27, 2014
- Cast : E.J. Bonilla , Leah Pipes , Priscilla Lopez
- Director : Susan Seidelman
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Dream Dance Films , Paladin
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts , Friendship
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, some sexual material and a brief drug reference
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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