Recensioni de* critic*

Like Raiff’s prior feature Shithouse, this initially feels like familiar feel-good/underdog/comedy-drama territory (particularly reminiscent of The Wedding Singer), but the story introduces considerable nuance and complexity to winningly big-hearted effect.

Cha Cha Real Smooth may be too easily characterized as nicecore for some viewers, and it’s tough to say how sustaining Raiff’s vibe will prove in the long term, but in this moment, the tenor of his films is refreshing, cementing Raiff’s status as a filmmaker worth watching for those inclined to ride his particular wave of amiable earnestness.

Raiff's general ability to deal with ideas that many films would highlight as "issues"... with a lightness of touch is admirable,.. Although Raiff's desire to make sure everyone has their own version of a happily ever after means his film has at least three endings too many, you'll be hard-pressed not to come out of the cinema without a smile on your face and a hope that Raiff will make another film soon.

If [the plot] sounds like standard twee Sundance fare, rest assured — Raiff and Johnson’s performances turn [Cha Cha Real Smooth] into something irresistible and lovely.

A big-hearted and remarkably mature film... this delicate and unadulteratedly pro-romance film makes the ultimate statement on the idea of soul mates, mourning the tragedy of letting go of one with an abundant side of optimism.

There’s a slightness to this tale, and also a nagging familiarity in its exploration of twenty-something restlessness, but Raiff’s compassionate eye — paired with Dakota Johnson’s melancholy turn — results in a touching, understated affair.

[Cha Cha Real Smooth] shows a maturation in [Raiff] since Shithouse, but not in an ostentatious way. It's low-key and observational, and his Andrew is immature in all the right ways for a depiction of a 22-year-old. There's no self-indulgence in the part. Equally, Johnson is given real space to play with Domino's position as the "older woman" without ever falling into Mrs. Robinson tropes. There's no judgment here, just deep compassion for an impossible situation.

[A] good-hearted, low-stakes romantic comedy about life after graduation... Raiff has once again cast himself as a kindly but fumbling romantic lead, still trying to figure out what he wants from life and how to get it. But Johnson is the real star here, doing disarmingly funny work as she tries to gauge just how sincere Andrew’s feelings are.

Cha Cha Real Smooth might have come across less self-satisfied had it at least shown a real and concerted interest in any of the characters who are so overwhelmingly enchanted by Andrew... [But Raiff] is too enamored with his own character to realize that he’s often the least interesting person in the room.

For the runtime of Cha Cha Real Smooth, Raiff’s clever script, affable characters and naturalistic direction makes it painless enough to sympathize with someone who can’t moonwalk, but will nevertheless skate on by.

So many early-20s crisis films are about selfish pursuits of identity, but I admire the value Raiff puts in connection. He's also becoming a better actor and proven already to be a strong director of performance... It’s a smart film that ends up also being surprisingly moving.

it’s hard to find movies—no matter their scope—that grasp and depict the human experience with the kind of honesty and dexterity Raiff has committed to the screen so far. It takes real talent to transcend the demographic of his primary protagonists—to give inner life to the women, friends, and family members that make up his inner circle.