Name: Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance
Genre: Family, Comedy
Released: 2022-09-02T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Keslee Blalock, Madison Skye Validum, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lidya Jewett, Garfield Wilson

The opening scene of Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance is a microcosm of the film’s entire ethos: two mischievous girls, Ivy and Bean, huddled together in a ballet studio, their faces contorted in horror as they realize they’ve signed up for a recital. It’s a moment that captures the spirit of childhood rebellion and the universal dread of performing in front of others. Directed by Elissa Down, this 2022 family comedy is an adaptation of the beloved children’s book series by Annie Barrows. The film stars Keslee Blalock as Ivy and Madison Skye Validum as Bean, two best friends who find themselves in a pickle when they’re enrolled in ballet class by their well-meaning but clueless mothers. The premise is simple: Ivy and Bean must navigate the world of tutus, pirouettes, and stage fright, all while trying to find a way out of their ballet-induced doom.

What sets Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance apart from other family comedies is its commitment to authenticity. Down’s direction is grounded in the everyday chaos of childhood, capturing the nuances of friendship, fear, and the awkwardness of growing up. The film’s humor is derived from the girls’ attempts to escape their ballet commitments, which range from hilarious to downright ridiculous. Blalock and Validum have a natural chemistry that makes their friendship feel genuine, and their performances are filled with the kind of energy and enthusiasm that only children can muster.

The supporting cast also brings depth to the film. Jesse Tyler Ferguson shines as Monsieur Joy, the flamboyant ballet teacher who is equal parts inspiring and exasperating. His scenes with Ivy and Bean are some of the most enjoyable, as he tries to instill a love for dance in the reluctant duo. Ferguson’s performance is a standout, bringing a blend of warmth and humor that elevates the film’s more whimsical moments. Lidya Jewett as Nancy and Garfield Wilson as David add layers to the narrative, providing both comic relief and emotional support. Marci T. House as Charlotte and Jaycie Dotin as Katrine offer additional depth, portraying the mothers who, despite their good intentions, inadvertently cause the girls’ predicament.

The film’s exploration of themes such as friendship, self-expression, and overcoming fears is handled with a light touch that makes it accessible to young audiences. The narrative arc of Ivy and Bean learning to embrace their fears and find joy in ballet is both heartwarming and relatable. However, these themes are not always seamlessly integrated into the story. At times, they feel like afterthoughts rather than organic developments, which can make the film’s emotional beats fall flat.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to capture the essence of childhood friendship. The dynamic between Ivy and Bean is the heart of the movie, and their shared adventures are filled with moments that will resonate with young viewers. Their attempts to outsmart their mothers and escape ballet class are both creative and entertaining, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of children.

However, the film is not without its falters. While the humor is often spot-on, there are moments where the jokes fall flat or feel overly simplistic. The pacing can also be uneven, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary. Additionally, the film’s attempts to tackle more serious themes sometimes feel tacked on rather than organically integrated into the story.

The cinematography is functional but unremarkable, relying heavily on close-ups and medium shots that do little to enhance the narrative. The soundtrack, while cheerful, lacks the memorability needed to elevate the film’s emotional beats. The dance sequences, though well-choreographed, sometimes feel more like obligatory set pieces than integral parts of the story.

In comparison to other family comedies, Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance holds its own but doesn’t quite reach the heights of standout films in the genre. Its strengths lie in its authentic portrayal of childhood and the chemistry between its lead actors. However, it lacks the depth and originality that would elevate it above more conventional family fare.

The film is clearly aimed at a younger audience, particularly children aged 6 to 12. Parents and guardians will likely appreciate the film’s positive messages about friendship and overcoming fears, while children will enjoy the humor and adventure. However, older viewers may find the film’s simplistic plot and predictable resolution less engaging.

In the end, Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance is a charming but flawed family comedy that will likely resonate with its target audience. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it offers a delightful and entertaining experience for young viewers.