Reviews

I have just seen "La Fonda Azul" (The Blue Diner) on PBS. Since I live in Massachussetts, and this film was shot in Boston, I had heard about it obliquely in the "Arts" section of the newspaper.

I am glad I took the time to see it. What struck me about it is that it presents the life of Hispanic immigrants in a way I have not seen before, it is not cliched in either direction (one being the R rated action movie treatment of Latinos, the other being the syrupy blandness of sitcom "Latino" families.)

It has characters that, in my eyes, reflect real struggles of cultural identity, and of living in the present without forgetting the past.

What I also found interesting about it is that other "fish out of water" can identify with the characters, not just Hispanics. (Just ask anybody originally from the deep South now living in New England, for example...)

I've read all the previous comments, after having seen the film. It is best to go to it without knowing much about it (obviously), so I refused to read anything until after watching the film.

I understand those people that did not like it. There are movies I do not care for and other people love; but I personally savored this film. To put it in perspective (so that you know where I am coming from), I enjoyed this as much or more than Unbreakable, and I personally liked Unbreakable more than The Sixth Sense. (Putting on my asbestos suit now).

For my taste, it had the right amount of thrills, chills, and engaging characters to boot. My wife could have used a little less thrills and chills. She complained of her back being sore for being so tense. Yet again, we care what happens to these people.

My recommendation is: If you have disliked ANY of M. Night's previous films, consult with a friend that has seen it and shares your sensibilities (and will not give the plot away...)

On my estimation, this movie maintained what made the first one a good family movie: fun for kids while bearable (maybe even fun) for adults. The feature also shines in its presentation of family, and how to work things out.

If you have seen the trailers, and read the reviews you have an idea of what is in it, so I will not dwell on that. One thing I have not seen elsewhere and I recommend is that you stay on your seat when the film appears to be over, there are quite a few extra treats during and after the credits.

This movie was nominated to the Best Foreign Film Oscar alongside Cinema Paradiso. It is a different kind of movie, yet deserving of that honor. This movie showcases Puerto Rican Film, by presenting performances by actors that are mostly known for TV work that show their range.

I would call it the antithesis of a "coming of age" film. It presents in Santiago, the main character, how life can begin again at any age.

This is one of the funniest movies I have seen. I watched it on DVD, and the disc does not have any special features, or even a menu, but that is not necessarily what I care about.

I tend to judge movies on a case by case basis, depending on, among other things, if it is a big studio production or a smaller film. This is a smaller film and I am willing to forgive minor things. That said, I believe it has one of the most imaginative and original title sequences that I have seen.

I enjoyed the acting of all of the major players. I especially enjoyed Til Schweiger and Alan Arkin. Alan Arkin has most of the funniest lines. The character portrayed by Claire Forlani might come across as unrealistic to some people, but I have personally known real people with emotional problems that very readily look at life's decisions as her character does. That helped me pick up the nuances where her hurts could come out through the veneer of her humor.

This is not a movie for children, obviously, but it does NOT engage in gratuitous sex and nudity. There is quite a bit of adult language, though, but it can sometimes be very funny. (In particular, Alan Arkin's character, who can't even swear correctly.)

Also watch for the cameos from known character actors.

I watched this film with my children and they enjoyed it immensely. It captures what a child's imagination would look like if it were "real".

Some enjoyable acting by Dean Cain, Talisa Soto, and Miguel Sandoval.

This is a film for the whole family.

This movie was an attempt to portray actual events, but it fictionalized the story and the locales so much that it detracts from the movie. In addition is what I perceive as the pro-nationalist slant of the script.

All in all, the movie presents great examples of early work by Andy Garcia, Lou Diamond Phillips, Kevin Spacey and also has Robert Duvall.

If you can stand the inaccuracies, watch it for the cast of then future stars, and for Robert Duvall in a solid supporting role.

My wife and I enjoyed this film a lot. The actors come across like real people, and the script is funny at times, serious at times.

The movies adult subject matter is constrained to adult language, and some adult situations.