|
| Movie Review: Real Women Have Curves Story: Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding without
the Greeks or the sight gags. Add some powerful acting, a terrific script
and a surprisingly fresh look into the Mexican American culture of first
generation Latinos living in LA and you have Real Women Have Curves.
Masterfully directed by Patricia Cardoso, adapted from
a play by Josephina Lopez, we enjoy a slice of life
of a fast growing sector of America.
The traditional conflicts between mothers and daughters and the demands
and dreams of these generational schisms drive this film. Young Ana
is bright and wants more out of her life while her mother is holding
her back - not wanting her to have her own life. The old if it was
good enough for me, it's good enough for you seems to permeate
through all cultures. The men are surprisingly treated with reverence
even though this is clearly a film about women. Go see it and enjoy
the obvious love and hard work that went into its making. Let's hear
it for the big girls!
Acting: Kudos to young America Ferrera
in a powerful career making (if there are any of directors brave enough
to cast her) role as the defiant, Ana. She was a joy to watch on the
screen. And sombreros off to Lupe Ontiveros, as her
equally defiant Mother. Both actresses earned awards at this year's
Sundance Film Festival for their terrific peformances.
Critters: Some street dogs in cameo roles and two adored
parakeets.
Food: Flan has a big part.
Visual Art: Wonderful detail throughout the homes.
Blatant Product Placement: Apple Computers and Aquafina
Water
Soundtrack: Lots of terrific toe tapping Mexican tunes.
Opening Titles: Simple.
Theater Audience: Sparsely attended but those of us
that were there were very audible.
Predictability Level: High (at least I hoped it was
going my way of thought).
Oscar Worthy: The two lead actresses could get a nod.
That would be great.
Nit Picking: The middle dragged a bit.
Big Screen or Rental: Big, wide screen for sure to
match those big wide curves.
Length: 90 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 8 |