This movie, based on a true story, hit me in all the right places. I once watched a stand up comedy TV show with George Lopez and, as a true Latin, I despised him for cashing in on the already erroneous and stereotyped notion about Latinos, instead of using his gifted creativity and wit to come up with a script that could help improve such perception.
But, with this movie, my opinion of George Lopez, as an actor, a producer, and as a Latin representative has been vindicated. He delivers an extremely human, warm, touchy, and easygoing performance, convincing the viewer that he is immersed in his own character.
Then there is the story and the way in which it was told: real, heartwarming, funny, attuned with how teens nowadays express, dress, behave, and, more importantly, how an exciting challenge is what we all need to remain sane, focused, grounded and on the good side of life.
Marisa Tomei and Jamie Lee Curtis add credibility to the cast but are the boys who steal the movie by carrying their roles with passion, commitment, and an extraordinary connection to their Latin roots that conveys a clear and much needed message: we all can be what we aim to become!
This Lionsgate / Televisa partnership on this movie is proof that a good film can be made without spending zillions of dollars. All is needed, is an incredibly well delivered story!