The Backup Dancer (2016) User Reviews (6)

Is LA the real world?

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 22 September 2017]

Athena (Rose Leslie) lives in LA and wants to be a dancer. She shuns relationships. When her father in Florida calls with the news of cancer, she returns home to Florida after a three year hiatus and gets reacquainted with her father (Ray Liotta) and sister (Carmen Tonry). Her dad, who she calls Jack, has no filter. We get a glimpse of why Athena is how she is.

It was an interesting film, funny at times. Athena's issues are basically self imposed, so I never felt for the main character. Decent indie with a certain amount of quirk and humor.

Guide: F-word. Sex and nudity (Rose Leslie)

Great movie.

[jademcarroll · 10/10 · 27 October 2017]

I think this movie is highly underrated. It's a great movie about growing up in your early to mid twenties. I found it really meaningful. The dad kind of reminded me of my own, and the main character reminded me of myself. If you like indie dramas with a twist then you should try watching this movie and give it a higher rating so that other people try watching it.

Definitely deserves a better rating

[AlCapuccino71 · 9/10 · 8 July 2021]

The script was pretty good but I felt it was the performances that truly made it memorable. A masterclass in acting from Ray Liotta. I'm so used to watching him play badass gangsters that I sort of assumed he was one in real life! Here he plays a dying man trying to reconcile with his daughter in his last days. Needless to say, his character has a very different feel than the explosive intensity we've learned to love over the years..... except, of course, the one scene in the hospital with the yelling - brilliant stuff.

I'd recommend this for everyone - and I almost never like dramas.

I felt very well entertained

[DroogEditor · 18 July 2021]

... both on an intellectual and emotional level. There was evidently a lot of heart in this by all participants. Cast and crew. Well done!

If Hollywood does those terrible superhero crap movies so it can finance these little gems, it would be one of few redeeming values of those mindless blockbusters.

Slow paced and pretty

[vindstilla · 8/10 · 15 November 2016]

I was expecting something more. When I watched this movie it was rated 8,9(!). I had my doubts, and rightfully so. I would give it 7,5 if I could, tops. I have only a few reflections. 1. The twist is too late. When finally a point is made, I have already given up waiting. This leaves me somewhat annoyed. Like I'm waiting for hours for a break through and when it finally comes, the movie is over. The humor is also a bit dopey and somewhat annoying. Too much, in contrast to the serious theme. Why? And the characters weren't really likable to me. Yet, a sensitive coming of age story, with the hardships pictured of a young adults life. Even though the twist is late, it makes the movie worth watching. My advise is to stay patient.

Nice indie film!

[AnonymousFilmLover26 · 8/10 · 20 July 2022]

I've gotten away from indie movies recently, because some of the big blockbusters have caught my eye more. "Sticky Notes" (AKA "The Backup Dancer" in other regions) is a great film on a budget; and attracts both up-and-coming talent and proven actors. It reminds me, actually, why I like the indie genre so much. Rose Leslie is stunningly gorgeous, and not even a bad dancer, as a sulky 20-something who is called back home when her dad needs her. Ray Liotta plays her funky, good-cop dad with lots of snark.

Anyway, the cast is small, the budget is small...but this movie has heart without getting too sappy. It meanders in places, but it's a slice-of-life film...and 2015/2016 was right when subgenre was taking off, so this one flies under the radar.

Don't miss it.