Movie Review: Billy Elliot Story: Put on your dancin shoes and go see this delightful British import. Forget the awful movie trailer on this one (whoever did that should be fired) and get thee to your local (probably an art house) theater. This film has great acting, a good story, a perfect length and it gives you things you didn't expect. What more could you ask for $9.50? It is 1984, in a Northern English mining town where Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's tactics have caused strikes and redundancy all over England. There is anger, despair and frustration (sound good so far)? In the midst of all this we find 11 year old Billy Elliot, who lives with his dotty Grandma and striking coal miner father and older brother. Billy discovers his love of ballet quite by chance. He is nurtured, fights the obvious prejudices, odds and problems of boys doing ballet and ultimately triumphs. Yes, it is reminiscent of Girlfight (which I also liked) and Flashdance but it is so entertaining it doesn't matter. First time film director Stephen Daldrey has made a remarkable leap from his career as a stage director. Working with Lee Hall's borderline sappy screenplay the film rises above what could have been some eye rolling moments. The cinematography and brilliant editing add much to the richness of the film. This is an English film so of course there is the added element of class and socio-economic turmoil and differences. These elements are handled brilliantly. Bravo to the many small things in this film that give it such strength. Acting: Jamie Bell is simply extraordinary as Billy Elliot. The camera adores him and so did I. He captures that indefinable quality that a 12 year old has between still wonderment at his surrounding world and explosive action. He was a joy to watch. Gary Lewis (My Name is Joe) has little dialogue but can hardly contain the powerful acting force within as Billy's father. Julie Walters (Educating Rita) is perfect as the nurturing ballet teacher who discovers Billy. The entire supporting cast is just right and adds the perfect amount of color and texture. Pets: Some horses and an off screen barking dog. Visual Art: Too poor to have any, but there was some wonderful wallpaper. Soundtrack: Exceptional Titles: A sometime category has been upgraded to a standard category. The 'titles' sequence sets the tone for the whole movie and allows one's mind to clear and prepare itself for the upcoming story. If the title sequence is good it is an indication that someone was paying attention to the details. These titles were great! Theater Audience: A few male ballet dancers and a mixed bunch who all seemed to enjoy the film as much as we did. I sat a seat apart from my friend as I still had my cold. Sappy Factor: 2 Quirky Meter: 4 Tissue Usage: 2 ( but remember I had a cold). Oscar Worthy: Yes Nit Picking: Some of the dialogue demanded subtitles. You got the drift but it was hard to hear. Length: 110 perfect minutes (under the 2 hour LOBO rule) LOBO HOWLS: 9