Review of Spanglish (2004) by Gabi B — 20 Mar 2010

This is a movie where I could just shut up and enjoy it, taking it at face value, or I could totally use it in a discussion about the modern immigrant experience in the United States. Regardless, it's a good movie. It's a tad too long, and drags in places, but it's pretty solid nonetheless. The perferomances are terrific. Paz Vega steals the show in a career making (and difficult) role. Tea Leoni makes you hate her character, and thus also gives a successful performances. Sandler was cast before Brooks saw him in Punch Drunk Love, and like that movie, he does another really good job showing that he has chops, and can do something other than juvenille comedy films. As much as I used to like Sandler's funny movies, I think I enjoy him in these types of roles more. It's fun seeing Cloris Leachman in a key supporting role. She's got good comedic timing, and is one of the most likeable characters in the Of the children, Luna/Bruce are really good as a child torn between two worlds, and while Steele, and the little boy are decent, their characters are sadly underwritten. Steele has some great moments, but they should have done a bit more with the character. Had they done more though, they should have been careful not to deal with the character in too stereotypical of a way that is common with the character she plays. What I'm saying is that see needed more screentime, but thankfully what she does have is very nuanced and nicely done.

I've only now seen two of Jame L. Brooks's films, but I like him. His movies to me are very truthful. They have their moments of sentiment and whimsy, but don't shy away from hitting into some very human topics, no matter how painful or uncomfortable they may be. Some have called this movie mean spirited, and to an extent, yes it is, but so is life.

I applaud this film for having so much to offer, and for beng gutsy enough to tackle several tough issues all in one film. And not only that, but for succeeding at it.