Cha Cha Real Smooth Review: Growing Up is Hard

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we transition from child to adult. Many cultures celebrate this coming of age with Bar Mitzvahs, Quinces, Sweet Sixteens, etc. And then there comes a time when we realize we’re an adult, but only like technically. Cue coming of age #2.

Cha Cha Real Smooth explores both transitions with an instantly charming look at a pair of brothers, Andrew (Cooper Raiff) and David (Evan Assante). David is in the first stage, hitting the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit as many of his classmate’s turn of age.

Andrew, on the other hand, is a fresh college grad that moves back home while he’s figuring out his next move. His longtime girlfriend has just gone abroad to continue her studies, and he’s working and saving up the cash to reunite with her in Spain.

At its core, Cha Cha Real Smooth is a story of how we come to better know ourselves as we age. Through Raiff’s writing and direction, the story is told through the lens of an older brother embracing you throughout the transitions.

If there’s one thing to take away from this film, it’s that it is okay to not know what you want, even when you’re in your 20s.

The third leg of this coming-of-age tripod belongs to Dakota Johnson’s Domino. While we never really get her actual age on Cha Cha Real Smooth, we do know that she’s considerably older than Andrew and old enough to have a 13/14-year-old daughter.

Domino’s journey on Cha Cha Real Smooth is one of the most compelling, brought to life by Johnson’s stunning performance. While Andrew is at the very beginning of his “figuring it out” phase, Domino is at the end of hers.

For all of her erratic decisions throughout the story, she’s actually the most secure in what she wants — commitment. And even though she has electric chemistry with Andrew, she knows that they’re not right for each other.

Altogether, Raiff paints a sweet portrait of self-discovery. While the writing and directing are sublime, Raiff’s portrayal of Andrew is so effortlessly charming that it steals the show.

I don’t blame Andrew for being drawn to the enigmatic Domino. Johnson has an energy about her that pulls you in. On the other hand, I can’t fault Domino for succumbing to Andrew’s puppy dog eyes and just general sweetness, even if she’s engaged.

One thing that Cha Cha Real Smooth really nails is the brotherly relationship that Andrew has with David. Andrew’s innate caregiver energy also extends to Domino’s autistic daughter Lola (played by newcomer Vanessa Burghardt).

So much of the film has Andrew interacting with kids 10 years his junior, keeping him within the clutches of adolescence. It works so well in the film because it reinforces the central thesis; Andrew is still transitioning to full adult even at 22.

While that turns out to be a deterrent in his relationship with Domino, it ultimately works to his advantage. It’s fitting that he finally finds a career path that works to his strength — in the non-profit world, working with young people.

I applaud Raiff for giving Andrew so much emotional depth. Even though we don’t get too much background on his mom’s (the delightful Leslie Mann) bipolar disorder or her relationship with Stepdad Greg (Brad Garrett), the two share a handful of beautiful scenes.

It seems like we don’t get to see young men cry enough in film or tv, so it’s refreshing in a way that Andrew is so in touch with his emotions. And even more so, able to speak freely about them with his younger brother. A good role model indeed!

I also have to applaud Cha Cha Real Smooth for the inclusion of an actor on the autism spectrum instead of casting someone to “act the part.” Vanessa’s Lola was a breath of fresh air, and look forward to seeing her in additional projects.

Sure, it’s hard to buy Dakota Johnson as the mother to a teenager, but the mother/daughter dynamic between Johnson and Burghardt is as warm as the rest of the movie.

The one thing Cha Cha Real Smooth could have expanded on a bit was the Jewish tradition of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. There’s one scene that romanticizes the event in a hazy glow of cut scenes, it could have been interesting to hear more about the significance of the event, especially from the perspective of the kids experiencing it.

I’ve been David, I’ve been Andrew, and I’ve known my fair share of Dominos. More than just being incredibly relatable (and maybe it’s sentimental) but there’s something to be said about the film’s stance on soulmates. 

The people that come into our lives at various times, and for various lengths, that have a lasting impact on who we become, are all our soulmates in some way. And yeah, maybe some of us have more of those connections than others do.

It’s hard not to smile throughout the entire film. From Andrew’s quirky charm and Domino’s flirty banter, to Lola’s wit and even Jerry the Hamster, Cha Cha Real Smooth is skyrocketing to the top of my favorite comfort films list.

Dakota Johnson was already a Hollywood star before this, but Cha Cha Real Smooth marks one of her first producer credits through her company, TeaTime Pictures. If this is the type of film she continues to champion, we have a bright future ahead of us.

And mad props to Cooper Raiff who is carving out his own spot on the dance floor. In my book, Cha Cha Real Smooth is a triumph, so I’m excited to see what moves he makes next, as an actor, writer, and director.

Stray Thoughts:

• The soundtrack of this movie slaps. And the score was put together by Este Haim of Haim herself!
• I appreciate that Joseph wasn’t like weirdly aggro about Andrew’s relationship with Domino. It could have been bad considering how Andrew came onto his fiance, but he handled it like a mature adult.
• The jokes at the expense of Stepdad Greg were A+. And what a redemption for that guy in the end!
• It’s a nice “healing your inner child” film when you think about it. Andrew was so influenced by the party starter he “fell in love with” at 13 that he wanted other kids to be just as excited in those situations.
• “Your memories don’t go anywhere.” Oof hit me right in the heart man.
• “Goodnight to you too Jerry” is my favorite little Andrew-ism.
• Criminally too little Odeya Rush in my opinion, but a nice juxtaposition between her and Domino as well. Andrew trying to claw his way to adulthood via a relationship with Domino while with Macy he ends up reminiscing a lot.

What did you think of Cha Cha Real Smooth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Cha Cha Real Smooth is now streaming on Apple TV+

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