Not Remakin' It

The dirty word has it that Patrick Swayze mambos with the rich; star-crossed lovers practice their moves in the water; and the leading lady has some serious parental issues. Deja vu? Despite a similar title and plotline, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (Feb. 27) is not a remake or a sequel — so says director Guy Ferland. ”It’s a reimagining,” he stresses.

Whatever. It’s Dirty Dancing! Not that that’s anything to scoff at: The 1987 original has grossed more than $170 million worldwide, thanks in part to heavy video and DVD sales. Lions Gate and Miramax hope to bank more Dirty money with its reimagining geared to teenyboppers and nostalgic women. ”The younger females love Diego [Luna] and the music,” boasts Lions Gate Releasing’s Tom Ortenberg. ”And we’re trying to capitalize on the slightly older females’ love for the first [film].” But Baby love may not be enough to sustain Nights’ life. Remember December’s Can’t Buy Me Love wannabe Love Don’t Cost a Thing? Didn’t think so.