Dancing with the Stars – Recap & Review – Week 4

photo: abc

Dancing with the Stars
Week 4

Original Air Date: Oct 10, 2011

Annette: Associate Staff Writer
annette@thetwocentscorp.com

It’s movie night! Weird costumes and facial hair abound. We have an amped up band, but music is butchered anyway. Oh, and 10s! In week 4 – are you kidding?

Considering last week’s upset elimination, the stars really needed to bring their game because anything could happen. Unfortunately, save for a couple of our stars, it’s not a great night overall.

Chynna Phillips & Tony Dovolani – Tango
Movie: Mission: Impossible
21 (7, 7, 7)
Len said they got the character part of the dance right, but the rest of it went wrong. Bruno told her not to worry because she was hot but she lost the plot. Carrie Ann complimented her for not losing her composure and told her not to take it too seriously – it’s supposed to be fun.
She was not comfortable in this dance. She completely lost her place and she looked visibly frustrated a couple of times. But Tony dropping from the ceiling a la Tom Cruise was pretty cool.

David Arquette & Kym Johnson – Paso Doble
Movie: Raiders of the Lost Ark
23 (8, 7, 8 )
Bruno was very excited about the dance and then told him to work on his turns. Carrie Ann said he “saves the day!” She said she loved every minute of it. Len liked the entry and liked the attitude but after that it was all Temple of Doom.
It lacked the attack and precision that’s needed in the Paso, but he definitely gave it his all. Carrie Ann and Bruno were way over the top, I agreed with Len. After thinking Tony dropping from the ceiling was the coolest thing on DWTS, they have David swing onto the set a la Indiana Jones. That was pretty cool.

Carson Kressley & Anna Trebunskaya – Viennese Waltz
Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
20 (7, 6, 7)
Carrie Ann said it was weirder than being on the Pirates ride. Len compared his performance to childbirth – terrible while it’s happening and a joy when it’s over. No finesse, no quality of movement, but it was great fun. Bruno said he lost the steps a few times and it was bonkers but no one cares because it was fun.
I really liked the choreography Anna came up with though it seemed a bit much for Carson at times. His technique hasn’t improved much this week, but he’s very entertaining. The judges sure love him.

Nancy Grace & Tristan McManus – Paso Doble
Movie: Flash Gordon
21 (7, 7, 7)
Len called the dancing competent but not exciting and that it lacked expression. Bruno told her she needs to become a ball breaker. Carrie Ann said they need to give her more credit – that she’s doing a great job and her technique is good but she wants her to connect to the audience more.
The ending was a bit awkward – she stumbled or something and then popped up and started clapping – weird. Also, the music was horrible which I think it put them at a disadvantage. That and she was just boring.

Hope Solo & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Fox Trot
Movie: Toy Story
24 (8, 8, 8 )
Bruno called it lovely. Carrie Ann said it made her smile the whole way through. Len told her she could go all the way in this competition and lectured them both on their behavior in rehearsals, telling her to put more time in so she can get better.
This was a pretty good dance for her. She looked much more natural and relaxed this week. The dance was good, but it was a little boring.

Robert Kardashian & Cheryl Burke – Paso Doble
Movie: Superman
24 (8, 8, 8 )
Carrie Ann said she likes the way he moves – that he’s very steady and strong. Len said he didn’t mind it, but he wanted him to have more aggression. Bruno told him he does have musicality and moves well but he needs to become more assertive.
Superman and the Paso Doble do not go well together. It’s not a good fit. Cheryl did the best she could with the choreography and Rob performed well. He needed more precision and more attack. It was a little sloppy.

Ricki Lake & Derek Hough – Tango
Movie: Psycho
29 (10, 9, 10)
Len told her she was like the US Mail – you always deliver. He wants her to get a little more neck going, but expects she’ll be the top of the leader board. Bruno called it an immaculate tribute to the master of suspense. Carrie Ann called her “brilliant in the ballroom.”
That’s really bizarre music to have to dance to but Derek nailed the choreography and Ricki nailed the dance. It was the best dance of the night – but 10s? I’m not so sure.

Chaz Bono & Lacey Schwimmer – Paso Doble
Movie: Rocky
21 (7, 7, 7)
Bruno praised him for coming back and getting stronger. Carrie Ann cried and I still don’t know why. I think it’s because she’s inspired by Chaz. Len also said he was getting stronger and called it his best dance to date.
It had none of the aggression that’s needed for the Paso. The judges were impressed, but I really wasn’t. I think part of the problem was the tempo of the music was too fast and he couldn’t keep up that well.

J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff – Fox Trot
Movie: Pink Panther
26 (8, 9, 9)
Carrie Ann said it was OK – that the performance fell a little flat. Len told him he was the best male dancer of the night – great technique, lovely hold and just enough humor – fabulous. Bruno called him a dancer of great ability and versatility.
I don’t know where Carrie Ann was coming from. She said the dance didn’t need any humor – except it’s the Pink Panther. It’s all about the humor – does she not know the movie? I thought he was bloody fantastic. He’s got the technique and the performance. And props to J.R. for rocking pink tails.

Ricki and J.R. were superb tonight, but I thought everyone else just ranged from so-so to downright bad. This was definitely not my favorite night of dancing. Most of the music was awkward (particularly the Flash Gordon theme). I’m calling for an all out ban on any future use of Queen music on DWTS. They just butcher it and it makes me sad.

Back to the dancing: I thought Ricki was good and Derek brilliant, but I’m not sure if they really deserved 10s. Admittedly, I didn’t watch her footwork that closely. What’s your opinion? Was it 10 worthy? The leader board stands with Ricki & Derek at the top (again) and Carson and Anna at the bottom.

So is Ricki naturally good, or is Derek that good of a teacher? Could he potentially win a fourth trophy? Personally (and I thought hell would freeze over before I said this), I’m rooting for Karina to win her first trophy.

What are your thoughts? Leave me your two cents!