Review of Spanglish (2004) by Abdurahman M — 07 Oct 2008

Stellar. Excellent performances on all sides.

I will say, Adam Sandler, as a serious and hearthbroken character, is not just an underrated but exquisite talent. Tea Leoni is always watchable and at a strangely understated nutiness this time around. The children were all just about perfect; I think any parent would love children so well behaved. Vega was a showstealer for more than just her looks and pouty lips; an internal strength and grace that can only be true and not acted was everpresent. Leachman, as ever, was a positive delight, gifted with some of the best quotes of both the dramatic and comedic kind.

The situation itself was near on palpable and quite believeable, and likely to both sides of the represented cultural divide. Concerns over parenting, identity, self-worth were all brought up beautifully and intelligently. The writing was great, the premise was solid, and the presentation was innovative.

Touching and clever, without ever being overwhelming; a fine film.