Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot is the tale of a working-class lad and his love of ballet—yep, something we’d normally avoid like a Lord of the Dance marathon on PBS. But this kid’s a charmer, and we have to admit that the flick’s actually pretty well done. Yes, there are some moments of excessive sentimental slop (a visit from the dead mother, the occasional father-son embrace, etc.). And we can’t help but think that pirouetting down the street of a coal-mining town that’s littered with police and striking union workers would probably get a guy’s ass kicked. But the many genuinely funny scenes save this film from complete wussdom.

So, if you’re out to impress a date with some of that “sensitive-guy” crap, Billy Elliot’s a golden opportunity to do it without vomiting. She’ll laugh, she’ll cry—you’ll reap the benefits and might even enjoy it—just don’t admit that to any of your friends…ever.