Iffy for 16+
Another singer self-destructs, to a Latin beat.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that even though J Lo is popular with younger teens, this isn't a movie for that age group. The characters abuse alcohol, engage in excessive drug use, curse frequently, and generally display self-degrading, suicidal behavior. Many scenes depict explicit drug use and sexual activity, mostly motivated by the mind-altering substances. Though the audience soon understands that there's little hope for Hector Lavoe and his family, the characters themselves seem unable to change their conduct, even at the risk of their own lives and the lives of loved ones. It's a non-stop downward spiral without a happy ending.
- Families can talk about the many celebrities who have struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. Why did Lavoe, who was talented and had achieved fame and had a loving family and friends behave in such a disastrous way? What traits might help someone famous stay grounded and be able to cope with stardom? Would those traits be helpful for the average person as well? How did the music, and particularly the lyrics, add to your understanding of the characters?
The good stuff
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Messages: Leading characters exhibit self-destructive behavior and are hurtful to others; women are treated as sexual objects and abused verbally; drug use shown to destroy relationships, careers, and family.
What to watch for
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Violence: Intense domestic verbal fighting with threat of violence; firearm used for purpose of intimidation.
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Sex: Adulterous behavior, sexual foreplay, and off-camera intercourse; seductive dancing; two adults in a provocative bathtub scene; no actual nudity.
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Language: Continuous use of cursing; "f---k" in all forms is used in almost every scene.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Both leading characters are drug addicts and are pictured high and/or incapacitated throughout; drugs are clearly ingested and injected in numerous scenes, and use is implied in others; frequent alcohol consumption leads to anti-social and cruel behavior.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
EL CANTANTE by Da Flash
The acting is great - a lot more than you would expect from Jennifer Lopez. What a performance!! And Marc Anthony is a pleasant surprise. But the music!!!! WOW. For any fan of salsa and for those who have no idea what this music is and how it stormed through New York and the nation in the 1970's and 1980's, fasten your seat belts for the ride of your life. We were enthralled. We had no idea what to expect - the picture opened and took off like a rocket. Absolutely, see it.
5
Jennifer Lopez - Oscar worthy performance by HilaryS
I saw this film yesterday and I was not that exited to see it but i changed my mind now... this is a great movie filled up with great music. but what i never could think that Jennifer lopez could act like that... she did a great performance and I think that she deserves an Oscar. Marc did a great job too but not that good as Jlo. I rate this movie 5 stars out of 5. One of the best films so far this year.
5
Perfect by Barbq14307
They absolutely did a wonderful job telling the story of Hector Lavoe. It was well portrayed. I felt absorbed by the movie.
5
Salsa Lives by neldy
Having lived the Hector Lavoe era I was quite impressed with the movie. I was taken back to the days of wonderful salsa nights,passion and true Salsa spirit. I forgot I was watching Jennifer and Marc Anthony. I was taken back to that incredible unforgettable time in our lives that will never come back. This this our time and thanks to JLO and Marc for bring this gift to us. May the bring back a rebirth of that great era. Young Latinos need to know this history. Drugs and all, all I saw was a great irreplacible talent.......Thank you Jennifer and Marc. Best to both of you. What is next for the NUYORICAN Productions.... I can't wait.
5
EL CANTANTE "GRAMMY AWARD FOR THIS MOVIE" by D3LYNNR
This movie was excellent it tells the story of Hector (Perez) Lavoe to the tee. Jennifer Lopez was the greatest in explaining the documentry of Hector's life and her acting I love it. Marc Anthony was greatest in everything in this movie as well as all the songs he sang just like Hector. I have seen this twice and would see again and again. I also went to the Pre-Screening and and it was excellent event, I enjoyed every bit of it at Cipriani's. They should definitely received an "Acadamy Award" or "Grammy Award" for this movie. I loved everyone in this movie they were all great. Also, my nephew played Tito very short a brief part the 7Yr old. PS:Marc and Jennifer you are a Great Couple, I love you both. EXCELLENT MOVIE
5
El Cantante by angiew
This movie was so good. Im so happy that we wacth it. thanks Marc and Jlo for making this beariful real history that only Marc can do it so good.
5
El Cantante by Latina Chica
Must see movie for all who partied to this music. I grew up listening and dancing to the nusic. It was not only entertaining, but it was educational at the same time. It was sad to see that drug addiction can consume and destroy lives. I always did wonder what happened to Hector Lavoe and the Fania All Stars. The music has been and still is a part of our culture.
4
"Norby's Review" by norbs414
This movie reminded how great salsa was back in the day. If you are an old school salsa lover and are a big fan of both Hector Lavoe and Marc Anthony - go see it! This movie is perfect for the new generation who haven't a clue as to what salsa meant to the Puerto Rican race back in the day; which was also considered the new sound of hispanic music. Both Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony played a great roll; however, Hector Lavoe's drug addiction was emphasized mainly in the movie but not how he touched the lives of millions with his music. All in all I give this movie two thumbs up for a great performance by both Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Norberto!
5
DO NOT DIGNIFY THE BAD REVIEWS BY CRITICS! GO SEE IT! OUTSTANDING! by dondiego8864
I was moved by the this entire film. Director Leon Ichaso did a tremendous job at bringing the viewer into the film, the era, the acting... It was warm, heart wrenching, powerful, and highly entertaining. At times it felt as if you were in a mini-FANIA ALL STAR SALSA concert. Marc Antony is phenomenally talented on all counts; singing and acting! And Jennifer? This had to be one of, if not the best acting performance she's delivered-ever! She was riveting, funny, and powerfully dramatic. The CRITICS who trashed the film have no clue what the true value and meaning of the film means for Latino's, particularly Nuyoricans who lived in the Lavoe era and in the 70's. If you are a Boriqua, it would be criminal not to see it. If you are not Puerto Rican you would be a richer person for seeing it, because you would be exposing yourself to a beautiful culture of music despite the reality of the tragedies it needs to portray. It was real, honest, endearing, and powerful. GO SEE IT!