Review of El Cantante (2006) by Paula B — 14 Aug 2008

I thought this movie would be worse in English than in Spanish (yes, you've been warned: don't EVER see this in Spanish; it's horribly dubbed), but it is actually decent entertainment. The music is particularly addictive, especially since much of it is kept close to the original versions sung by Lavoe, which in themselves were richly rhythmic and soulful. Marc Anthony is certainly no Lavoe (and even less of an actor), but, then again, who could ever fill Lavoe's shoes? I don't think anyone can. Besides, Marc Anthony does do one thing right: capture Lavoe's vulnerability, in both the singing and during brief moments of his acting.

In addition, there are some parts that are really beautifully performed and edited, such as the purification scene that Lavoe goes through, which is juxtaposed with a performance by Marc Anthony of the skillfully executed and wonderfully reimagined "Aguanile." However, much of it is either badly acted or rushed through. Jennifer Lopez has a decent performance here as Puchi, but there are places where she lets the strong and reedy Nuyorican accent go a bit. There were definitely missed opportunities here, considering that Lavoe worked with so many legends at Fania, and also the fact that his family life in itself was so complicated and turbulent, besides his relationship with Puchi (who is depicted more favorably here than she really was in actuality, according to Willie Colon, once one of Lavoe's closest friends).

Overall, this is an OK way to spend a couple of hours if you have it to spare. If you're a hardcore Lavoe fan, however, you might be a little disappointed.