Review of Bella (2006) by Ceph J — 14 Feb 2011

A sentimental film that appeals to Spanish-loving, culinary or romantic viewers. Me...I like good stories and this one falters towards the end. Not that it's terrible. Eduardo Verastegu (as Jose) is a soccer star involved in a terrible accident that changes his life. Tammy Blanchard is an unhappy waitress working at Josie's brother's restaurant. One day, circumstances drive them to spend a day together and each influences the other's perspectives.

Tammy Blanchard is very good as the waitress (Nina) but I wondered what the big deal was with her pregnancy. Eduardo Verastegui is a limited actor albeit good looking. Manny Perez as the brother Manny is actually the most interesting actor in the movie but he's not on screen enough and when he is, he's required to scowl and act frustrated. As a low-budget indie film, "Bella" has wonderful cinematography, is that the "beautiful" of the title. The editing is wonderful. The flaw is the screenplay which has an interesting concept but not fully developed and only ends up as a "feel good" movie.