Dancing With the Stars bring the silver screen to the dance floor

After last week’s shocking elimination of Kristin Cavallari, which star should be quivering in their sequins after tonight? Let’s have a quick recap of the dances, and what the judges and I thought as Dancing With the Stars presents an evening of dances to memorable movie music.

Chynna & Tony, Mission: Impossible, Tango — Tony had to talk Chynna through the entire routine, which was painful at times. The music didn’t really seem to suit the dance either. Len liked the character but said they lost the dance. Bruno thought the characterization was slash-and-burn hot but Chynna lost the plot. Carrie Ann said she managed to keep her composure, and what she did do right was exquisite. Score: 21, better than I expected.

David & Kym, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Paso — Not the stomping kind of Paso that we’re used to, but still strong. Bruno loved the way David cracked his whip, but told him to work on his turns. Carrie Ann: David saves the day with new strength and charisma. Len said it was all “Temple of Doom,” too much stomping of feet (again, we’re watching completely different shows), never saw posture or the tight buttocks. Then the judges got into a fight (and they were pretty fiesty with each other for the rest of the evening). Score: 23

Carson & Anna, Pirates of the Caribbean, Viennese Waltz — When they waltzed, it was terrific but maybe a little too much extra stuff going on. Carrie Ann thought it was like being on the Disney ride but weirder, and Carson’s most butch performance yet. Len: No quality of movement, no technique but great fun and if he was at home he’d be voting for them. Bruno got the most bang for his innuendo buck with this dance, proclaiming Captain Jack Sparrow out of the closet, saying the sword fights turned into cat fights and … it was bonkers! Score: 20

• “Pirates are basically guys running around in tight pants, open shirts, looking for jewelry. Um, I think I can handle that.” — Carson, worried at first about portraying a pirate.
• “It’s like childbirth — terrible while it’s happening and a joy when it’s over.” — Len’s critique of the performance.

Nancy & Tristan, Flash Gordon, Paso — I thought Nancy finally showed a real intensity and attacked the dance (as best as she could) but muffed the end a bit. Len thought it was competent but not exciting. Bruno told Nancy that she needs to be a ballbreaker, to really go for it. Carrie Ann said the other judges weren’t giving Nancy enough credit, she had solid technique, but needs to connect with the audience. Score: 21

Hope & Maks, Toy Story, Fox Trot — Hope was confident, had good technique, and really had fun with the dance. Bruno said it was so lovely, and he loved it. Carrie Ann noted Hope’s amazing smile all the way through, making the dance light and fluid. Len told Hope she could go all the way, but chastised her to put in more rehearsal time to give her dances the needed polish. Score: 24

Rob & Cheryl, Superman, Paso — Rob was confident, and powerful-ish, but he is improving. Carrie Ann likes his moves, noting that he’s steady and manly. Len didn’t mind it, but said Rob walked aroind like a waiter, and was not powerful enough. Bruno said Rob moves well, has musicality, but needs to believe in himself. Score: 24

Ricki & Derek, Psycho, Tango — The music made this difficult for Derek to choreograph. For all the difficulties, it was amazing, sharp, precise, terrific. Len said Ricki was like the US Postal Service — she always delivers, predicted she’d be at the top of the leaderboard. Bruno procliamed it a blockbuster performance, and an immaculate tribute to the Master of Suspense. Carrie Ann had one thing to say — brilliance in the ballroom. Score: 29, first tens of the season (and at the top of the leaderboard as predicted)

Chaz & Lacey, Rocky, Paso – Chaz has moves and does much better in the faster dances that don’t require a lot of technical holds, but it was a little frenetic. Cher loved it. It was great to see her in the audience, and truly beaming and visibly emotional and proud of Chaz’s performance. The judges kept the critique to a minimum. Bruno said Chaz keeps getting stronger. Carrie Ann, crying, said Chaz always gets under her skin. Len said Chaz is getting stronger, and it was his best dance to date. Score: 21, and his best score so far.

J.R. & Karina, Pink Panther, Fox Trot — Very skillful, technically polished, great performance with nice touches of humor. Carrie Ann thought the technique was there, but the dance itself was just okay, and it didn’t need the humor. Len was agitated by Carrie Ann’s remarks, said it was the best male dance of the night, with great technique and holds, and he enjoyed the humor. Bruno said J.R. has great ability and versatility and can dance any dance, was great overall. Score: 26

So, for the second week in a row, Ricki & Derek are in first place, with Carson & Anna at the bottom. Three dancers are only one point ahead of Carson — Chynna, Nancy and Chaz — so could this be the last dance for one of these four, or will we have another shocking elimination from someone in the middle of the pack again? I would put my money on Nancy again this week to be the one to face Jimmy Kimmel after the show. Who do you hope stays and who goes home?

Clacked by Chuck Duncan
on Oct 11, 2011 @ 00:39 EST5EDT