Elieen Torres review of The Movie "El Cantante"

Eileen's Review

Thank you Jennifer Lopez! Thank you for putting your power behind this film. Of course it would take a Latina with name, money and Hollywood muscle to bring the name Hector Lavoe to the attention of the public. El Cantante is the story of Hector Lavoe, the legendary salsa singer known as much for his lyrical improvisation as for his habitual tardiness. It is the life of Hector Lavoe as seen through the eyes of his wife, Puchi. The movie is not perfect. There are inaccuracies. However the audience is taken back in time and given information to bring about an understanding of Hector's heart and mind, his journey to stardom and the poor choices that led to his demise. Jennifer's portrayal of Puchi reaffirms her right to be on top in Hollywood. It reminds us once again why she is a star. She brings a range of emotion to the role that gives the audience a glimpse of what it must have been like to be married to a superstar living with equal measures of glory and demons. She looks beautiful and glamorous and is truly believable. It doesn't matter that she is in nearly every scene. It's her movie.





Oprah is on every cover of O Magazine. Marc Anthony is marvelous. He demonstrates that he has what it takes to be on the big screen. He gives a soulful portrayal of a man who went from innocence to underworldly darkness. It was correct to have him sing Hector's songs in his own voice. Marc posses one of the finest voices today. He did justice to Hector's body of work. Salseros that experienced the Fania Era will be delighted to travel down salsa memory lane. The music is fantastic and accurate for the time. It was wonderful to hear the music of that era in the background. Music by the king of Latin Soul, Joe Bataan and Joe Cuba during the Boogaloo days befits the time of Hector's arrival in New York. Music by the Fania All Stars happily seeps in and out of the story. Ismael Miranda, also a singer with the Fania All Stars plays the role of Hector's father-and plays it well. Yes there will be detractors ready to tear this movie apart. Yes it shows a negative portrayal of Latin musicians and drugs. Unfortunately it is accurate for too many but certainly not all musicians. We must play up the positive and minimize the negative. Let's not forget the importance of this movie. There are too few vehicles for Latinos in front and behind the cameras. Jennifer gave scores of Latinos with too few possibilities for finding film opportunities the chance to work and express. Thank you Jennifer. Thank you Marc. Thank you Hector-you are alive in our hearts through your music. We love you and miss you terribly!