Once again, fans of the voluptuous Aya Medel are treated to another flesh fest. She only appears topless for a couple of scenes, but spends a large percentage of the movie running around in a bikini. At one point, the bikini clad lovely is dancing on top of tables in a resort bar. The plot involving two estranged sisters is largely cliched: the good sister is a TV reporter, the bad sister (naturally played by Miss Medel) is a call girl who goes on the lam after witnessing the murder of one of her clients. Even though the sisters' bittersweet reunion is supposed to be dramatic, the scene is hampered by the fact that both shapely stars are in bikinis when they find one another after years of not speaking to one another. Added to this are the standard explosions and shoot outs that accompany your average action adventure movie. Not a movie for everyone, but Aya Medel fans will certainly enjoying watching their favorite starlet busting out of her tiny bikini.
Reviews
11 Reviews
Molata
(1999)
Strictly for fans of the voluptuous Aya Medel
4 July 2003
Like all Aya Medel movies, "Molata" is an excuse for the film makers to film the voluptuous star in a glorious, nude state. The story, which revolves around a village girl who seeks revenge against those who murdered her parents, is nothing spectacular. What will have all male viewers glued to the screen, however, is Medel's shapely body. She definitely looks HOT in this film. Undoubtedly, she is one of the most gorgeous starlets in the Philippines, way off hotter than Joyce Jimenez. If you're only interested in seeing Miss Medel in all her nude splendor, then this movie is for you. Otherwise, I recommend you watch something else.
Clase 406
(2002–2003)
Shamelessly exploitative teen series
4 July 2003
For the last few years, producer Pedro Damian has gone out of his way to promote himself as an individual who is interested in addressing teen issues in his telenovelas. His "Mi Pequena Traviesa," "Preciosa," "Amor Gitano" and "Primer Amor...Mil Por Hora" were all teen oriented sagas. Like his previous productions, Damian's "Clase 406" is supposedly a drama that deals with many of the matters that concern most Mexican teenagers. Unfortunately, like his previous "Primer Amor...," "Clase 406" turns out to be little more than a teen oriented drama that is shamelessly exploitative.
Since it is geared toward teens, you get plenty of shots of mini skirted, scantily clad girls. On this matter alone, the drama is hardly reflective of Mexican teenagers. Except for the attractively plump Carla Cossio, all the teenage female leads are pale-white, anorexia-fin girls. This is not to say that there aren't any lean women in Mexico, but in a country where 95% of the people have some Indian blood in them and where many women have the tendency to be chunky, Damian's teenage nymphs do not represent what the average Mexican teenage girl looks like.
Like "Primer Amor...," this series also tackles serious issues in a rather shameless manner. You get your doses of teenage pregnancies, spousal abuse, teenage prostitution rings, drug indulgence, and rapes. The rape and pregnancy of Gaby (Sherlyn, whose appearance in this series has made her the object of lust on many Mexican message boards) is grossly unrealistic. Gaby gives birth to the daughter of the gym teacher who raped her, yet the audience is not treated to any of the more grueling aspects of unwed teenage motherhood. Despite her mishap, Gaby continues to sing in a high school group, fall in love, and do all the little things that the average high school girl does. Being a teenage mother does not mean that your life is over, but the drama's failure to depict such events in a more appropriate manner only serve to weaken the perspective of the series.
One of the biggest problems of the series is the miscast of Iran Castillo as the antagonist Magdalena. Like Hirosue Ryoko in Japan, Iran Castillo came to prominence playing "good girl/girl's best friend" roles in "Agujetas de Color de Rosa" and "Preciosa." Her ability to play against this typecast was apparent in what is still one of her best performances, the Gothic outsider Ana in Emilio Larrosa's "Sonadoras." In many ways, Magdalena is an extension of Ana, and although Castillo does her best to play the "bad girl" role she has been given, her delivery comes off as being clumsy. Magdalena, as imagined by the writers, is supposed to be a street tough girl whose violence-plagued home life turned her into the nasty student who enjoys giving head butts to her chosen human targets. Unfotunately, Castillo fails to exhibit the toughness that is required for this role. She does her best, but in the end she is unable to convince us that she is this crass, crude antagonist. Her departure from the series after the initial six months is accompanied by the arrival of Anahi as the new villain. While Castillo's Magdalena could be sympathetic at times, Anahi is a total, conniving b***h who falsely accuses a teacher of attempted rape after he rejects her advances.
Sadly, the lack of any strong villains is among the shortcomings of "Clase 406." Fabian Robles as a sleazy pimp and Yessica Salazar as the ex-wife from hell are given a few good moments, but the overall quality of villains in this story is bad.
Among the redeeming factors of this series is the performance of Jorge Alberto Poza as the math teacher Francisco. One of the most underrated actors in Mexico, Poza delivers a fine performance as the teacher who simply wants to make a difference. While the role is somewhat cliched, Poza manages to turn it into something fresh and distinct. Undoubtedly, Poza is among the better actors to appear in recent years; in many ways, he is a more capable actor than the extremely overrated Gael Garcia Bernal. Eventually, like Castillo, Poza also departs after the first six months of "Clase 406." He is replaced by Cuban actor Francisco Gattorno, who gives life to Santiago, the teacher with the dark past. Gattorno isn't so much miscast as he is misplaced in this series. Known for playing leading man roles opposite the likes of Angelica Rivera and Daniela Castro, Gattorno comes off as being awkward and lost in this setting. Again, he does his best to pull off the role, but the overall nature of the role and the circumstances prevent him from succeeding.
As of this date, "Clase 406" has lasted exactly one year. Whether it is near its end is unknown, but at this point in the saga, it is all too apparent that "Clase 406" should have gone on vacation a long time ago.
Since it is geared toward teens, you get plenty of shots of mini skirted, scantily clad girls. On this matter alone, the drama is hardly reflective of Mexican teenagers. Except for the attractively plump Carla Cossio, all the teenage female leads are pale-white, anorexia-fin girls. This is not to say that there aren't any lean women in Mexico, but in a country where 95% of the people have some Indian blood in them and where many women have the tendency to be chunky, Damian's teenage nymphs do not represent what the average Mexican teenage girl looks like.
Like "Primer Amor...," this series also tackles serious issues in a rather shameless manner. You get your doses of teenage pregnancies, spousal abuse, teenage prostitution rings, drug indulgence, and rapes. The rape and pregnancy of Gaby (Sherlyn, whose appearance in this series has made her the object of lust on many Mexican message boards) is grossly unrealistic. Gaby gives birth to the daughter of the gym teacher who raped her, yet the audience is not treated to any of the more grueling aspects of unwed teenage motherhood. Despite her mishap, Gaby continues to sing in a high school group, fall in love, and do all the little things that the average high school girl does. Being a teenage mother does not mean that your life is over, but the drama's failure to depict such events in a more appropriate manner only serve to weaken the perspective of the series.
One of the biggest problems of the series is the miscast of Iran Castillo as the antagonist Magdalena. Like Hirosue Ryoko in Japan, Iran Castillo came to prominence playing "good girl/girl's best friend" roles in "Agujetas de Color de Rosa" and "Preciosa." Her ability to play against this typecast was apparent in what is still one of her best performances, the Gothic outsider Ana in Emilio Larrosa's "Sonadoras." In many ways, Magdalena is an extension of Ana, and although Castillo does her best to play the "bad girl" role she has been given, her delivery comes off as being clumsy. Magdalena, as imagined by the writers, is supposed to be a street tough girl whose violence-plagued home life turned her into the nasty student who enjoys giving head butts to her chosen human targets. Unfotunately, Castillo fails to exhibit the toughness that is required for this role. She does her best, but in the end she is unable to convince us that she is this crass, crude antagonist. Her departure from the series after the initial six months is accompanied by the arrival of Anahi as the new villain. While Castillo's Magdalena could be sympathetic at times, Anahi is a total, conniving b***h who falsely accuses a teacher of attempted rape after he rejects her advances.
Sadly, the lack of any strong villains is among the shortcomings of "Clase 406." Fabian Robles as a sleazy pimp and Yessica Salazar as the ex-wife from hell are given a few good moments, but the overall quality of villains in this story is bad.
Among the redeeming factors of this series is the performance of Jorge Alberto Poza as the math teacher Francisco. One of the most underrated actors in Mexico, Poza delivers a fine performance as the teacher who simply wants to make a difference. While the role is somewhat cliched, Poza manages to turn it into something fresh and distinct. Undoubtedly, Poza is among the better actors to appear in recent years; in many ways, he is a more capable actor than the extremely overrated Gael Garcia Bernal. Eventually, like Castillo, Poza also departs after the first six months of "Clase 406." He is replaced by Cuban actor Francisco Gattorno, who gives life to Santiago, the teacher with the dark past. Gattorno isn't so much miscast as he is misplaced in this series. Known for playing leading man roles opposite the likes of Angelica Rivera and Daniela Castro, Gattorno comes off as being awkward and lost in this setting. Again, he does his best to pull off the role, but the overall nature of the role and the circumstances prevent him from succeeding.
As of this date, "Clase 406" has lasted exactly one year. Whether it is near its end is unknown, but at this point in the saga, it is all too apparent that "Clase 406" should have gone on vacation a long time ago.
Truly Awful
16 November 2002
Undoubtedly one of the most awful comedies of the 1960s. Although Rosa Maria Vazquez is as hot as ever, her presence isn't enough to recommend watching this piece of trash. Unless you plan to scan through the movie and watch only the parts where Rosa Maria is hardly wearing any clothes, I would advise all to skip this movie.
Salomé
(2001–2002)
My reason for watching: YULIANA PENICHE
14 September 2002
Everyone in this telenovela played their part. Edith Gonzalez and Guy Ecker are perfectly matched. Sebastian Ligarde once again proves that he is the best whenever you need someone to play an extremely despicable and sleazy villain. Maria Rubio, Aaron Hernan and Patricia Reyes Spindola all turn in memorable performances. And even Niurka delivers an outstanding performance; her "reunion" scene with Gonzalez is undoubtedly one of the most heart breaking ever made for a telenovela. However, I only had one reason for watching this series, and her name is Yuliana Peniche (No relation to leading man, Arturo Peniche.)
As Ramona, aka Money, Peniche turns in a delightful performance. Like Yazawa Shin's Sumika in the Japanese drama "Oyaji," Money is the comic relief character that manages to steal every scene she is in. Throughout the second half of the series (Peniche doesn't appear until the second half of the story), Peniche's Money dons various costumes as she impersonates various figures: Joan of Arc, a charro (mustache included), Little Red Riding Hood, the Statue of Justice (blindfold included), Esmeralda from the "Hunch Back of Notre Dame," and Cleopatra. (WARNING: her "yellow face" makeup when she impersonates a Chinese woman will offend many as grossly racist.) Although this might be an exaggeration on my part, this role might very well be the break through performance of this up and coming actress. Hopefully, we will all see more of Yulian Peniche in the very near future. Her acting in this drama was memorable.
As Ramona, aka Money, Peniche turns in a delightful performance. Like Yazawa Shin's Sumika in the Japanese drama "Oyaji," Money is the comic relief character that manages to steal every scene she is in. Throughout the second half of the series (Peniche doesn't appear until the second half of the story), Peniche's Money dons various costumes as she impersonates various figures: Joan of Arc, a charro (mustache included), Little Red Riding Hood, the Statue of Justice (blindfold included), Esmeralda from the "Hunch Back of Notre Dame," and Cleopatra. (WARNING: her "yellow face" makeup when she impersonates a Chinese woman will offend many as grossly racist.) Although this might be an exaggeration on my part, this role might very well be the break through performance of this up and coming actress. Hopefully, we will all see more of Yulian Peniche in the very near future. Her acting in this drama was memorable.
RoboCop 2
(1990)
Where's Clarence Boddicker when you need him?
7 September 2002
When I first heard (shortly after seeing the original "RoboCop" during its initial theatrical run in the late 80s) that "RoboCop 2" was in the works, I began to speculate about the possible plot. Murphy, aka RoboCop, who was already showing signs of recovering his previous identity at the end of "RoboCop," would go in search of his family. Along the way, however, he would once again cross paths with Clarence Boddicker, who like Murphy, would be resurrected as a cyborg/killing machine. "RoboCop 2" touched upon these premises; Murphy does search for his family, but it doesn't go anywhere and this plot point is quickly discarded. As for the villain in "RoboCop 2," he pales in comparison to Kurtwood Smith's Clarence Boddicker; who can forget, "Take a look at my face, Dick. He was trying to kill me." The "RoboCop 2" villain is played by the same guy, if I'm not mistaken, who played the Red Dragon/Tooth Fairy in "Manhunter" (the original 1986 version of the soon to be released "Red Dragon"). The actor gave a much better performance as the Red Dragon, but in "RoboCop 2", he simply falls flat as the main villain. His villain is resurrected as a cyborg/killing machine, but again, I would have prefered that it was Boddicker, not this Cain guy. Overall, the movie is lame (especially where the little league is robbing the store) and filled with pointless violence. Instead of making a movie that would continue the story of the original movie, the makers of "RoboCop 2" chose simply to make a violent ladden piece of garbage. I guess they thought that they would get more of an audience if they simplified the plot and increased the violence. Where is Clarence Boddicker when you need him? He's now on "That 70s show" playing Red, and even though Smith is good in the series, his greatest performance is still Clarence Boddicker in the original "RoboCop." I recommend the original 1987 to anyone; forget about this awful 1990 sequel.
Atrévete a olvidarme
(2001– )
The series with no ending
14 March 2002
What went wrong? After the two week telenovela, "Mujer Bonita," Adriana Fonseca was finally given the lead role in this telenovela that seemed to have a lot of potential for success. (She was fired from her starring role in the children's telenovela "Amigos Para Siempre.") Jorge Salinas, straight from Lucero's "Mi Destino Eres Tu," and Alexis Ayala were to be the contenders for her love. The superb supporting cast included Ignacio Lopez Tarso (my favorite actor and one of the last surviving actors of the Golden Age of the Mexican Cinema), Juan Pelaez, Raquel Olmedo, Ana Martin, Jose Carlos Ruiz and Macaria. Juan Carlos Bonet (Nicolas Bravo in "La Antorcha Encendida") was cast as the villain. Everything seemed to be going okay when the plugged was pulled after only a month. A lot of the blame was placed on Fonseca, who was accused by many of being a poor actress. The gorgeous Adriana is nice to look at and I would classify myself as a fan of hers, but even I'll admit that she still needs a lot to learn before she can be considered at the same level as the actors who surrounded her in this canceled series. The story was okay, but whether it would have been excellent or bad will never be known since poor ratings doomed it.
One of the most horrible movies ever made in movie history
14 March 2002
This is one of the most horrible movies ever made in the history of motion pictures. Only MAX's "Give Me a Shake," (1998) from Japan might be worse than this. This is especially disappointing since the movie was supposed to be a follow-up to the entertaining telenovela "Alcanzar Una Estrella" and its superior sequel "Alcanzar Una Estrella II." Even "DKDA," which was criticized by many as being a rehash of the "Alcanzar Una Estrella" series, was far better than this piece of garbage. I won't go into either plot or characters since the movie lacked both. It was obviously intended to be a show case for the former Timbiriche stars, as well as to capitalize on the success of the successful telenovelas. If you ever have the chance, watch the two "Alcanzar Una Estrella" telenovelas. They are both extremely well done. I even recommend "DKDA." Skip "Mas Que Alcanzar Una Estrella."
La antorcha encendida
(1996)
Epic telenovela that chronicles Mexico's War of Independence
6 March 2002
Superb epic that recreates the turbulent events that led to Mexico's independence in 1821. While this is not the first telenovela to chronicle these events, the saga benefits from the presence of an excellent cast that includes Patricia Reyes Spindola, Aaron Hernan, Lorenzo de Rodas, Sergio Jimenez, Juan Pelaez, Enrique Rocha, and Maria Rojo.
The plot involving the Foncerrada family and the villainous Pedro de Soto is somewhat cliched, but this doesn't hamper the story. Juan Pelaez delivers an outstanding performance as independence leader Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, while Sergio Reynoso (who, prior to this, was largely known for starring in ultra violent action movies with his older brother, Jorge) portrays guerrilla commander Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon as a standard "movie tough guy." Enrique Rocha is perfectly cast as Spaniard viceroy Felix Maria Calleja, the primary enemy of Hidalgo and Morelos. Rene Casados gives a slightly melodramatic performance as Royalist Mexican officer Agustin Iturbide (he would later go over the top in his roles in "Tres Mujeres" and "Abrazame Muy Fuerte"), but he manages to restrain himself before going overboard. Roberto Ballestros and Humberto Elizondo, known for playing villains in telenovelas, are given the rare opportunity to play heroes for once: Elizondo plays Morelos' right hand, Hermenegildo Galeana, while Ballestros plays Vicente Guerrero, the last Morelos lieutenant that would help lead Mexico to independence in 1821. The only miscast is Ernesto La Guardia as Hidalgo's chief lieutenant, Ignacio Allende. Although La Guardia does his best to play the second-in-command, he seems to have some difficulty with the role.
The series succeeds in conveying the tragic irony of the war: rather than being a war between Mexican rebels and Spanish overlords, the struggle was a conflict between Mexican insurgents and Mexican troops that were fighting on the side of the Spanish crown. One interesting note is that the last episodes briefly include Francisco Javier Mina, the Spanish lawyer turned guerrilla fighter who was the only Spaniard to have fought for Mexico's independence.
The plot involving the Foncerrada family and the villainous Pedro de Soto is somewhat cliched, but this doesn't hamper the story. Juan Pelaez delivers an outstanding performance as independence leader Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, while Sergio Reynoso (who, prior to this, was largely known for starring in ultra violent action movies with his older brother, Jorge) portrays guerrilla commander Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon as a standard "movie tough guy." Enrique Rocha is perfectly cast as Spaniard viceroy Felix Maria Calleja, the primary enemy of Hidalgo and Morelos. Rene Casados gives a slightly melodramatic performance as Royalist Mexican officer Agustin Iturbide (he would later go over the top in his roles in "Tres Mujeres" and "Abrazame Muy Fuerte"), but he manages to restrain himself before going overboard. Roberto Ballestros and Humberto Elizondo, known for playing villains in telenovelas, are given the rare opportunity to play heroes for once: Elizondo plays Morelos' right hand, Hermenegildo Galeana, while Ballestros plays Vicente Guerrero, the last Morelos lieutenant that would help lead Mexico to independence in 1821. The only miscast is Ernesto La Guardia as Hidalgo's chief lieutenant, Ignacio Allende. Although La Guardia does his best to play the second-in-command, he seems to have some difficulty with the role.
The series succeeds in conveying the tragic irony of the war: rather than being a war between Mexican rebels and Spanish overlords, the struggle was a conflict between Mexican insurgents and Mexican troops that were fighting on the side of the Spanish crown. One interesting note is that the last episodes briefly include Francisco Javier Mina, the Spanish lawyer turned guerrilla fighter who was the only Spaniard to have fought for Mexico's independence.
DKDA: Sueños de juventud
(1999–2000)
Alcanzar Una Estrella III
26 February 2002
Uneven yet entertaining telenovela that chronicles the disintegration and rebirth of a fictitious rock group named DKDA. The melodrama intentionally makes analogies between the series' characters and many of the prominent celebrities in Mexico. DKDA is loosely patterned after the pop group Timbiriche, while diva Brenda's rise to Hollywood stardom and her contempt for her home country's masses is a satirical critique of Salma Hayek. Likewise, pop goddess Karla is a would be Shakira, while her sleazy husband Raul is depicted as a "Sergio Andrade" exploiter. The scenes involving the parody of Thalia's "Maria Del Barrio" are satirically amusing. One of the telenovela's minor flaws is the cast change involving Litzy's replacement by Andrea Torre. Part of the story involved the resemblance between the heroine Laura (Litzy during the first half of series) and villainess Brenda (Alessandra of the pop music duo, Sentidos Opuestos). Although Andrea Torre does a fairly decent job in her portrayal of "good girl" Laura, the context of the story is greatly affected by the fact that Torre looks absolutely nothing like Litzy.
Jan, Sharis Cid and the other stars who play DKDA give a "Mixed Performance": sometimes their acting is okay, but other times their acting is uninspired and wooden. Special kudos go to Luis Gatica (son of the Chilean singer Lucho Gatica), who manages to steal the show as the scum bag villain who never seems to get things right.
When this telenovela first aired, some critics said that it was too similar to the 1990 telenovela, "Alcanzar Una Estrella," which starred Mariana Garza (as the "good girl" heroine) and Eduardo Capetillo (as the "rock star" leading man). Overall, "DKDA" could be summed up as "Alcanzar Una Estrella III." (The 1991 sequel,"Alcanzar Una Estrella II," starred Ricky Martin and former Timbiriche singer Sasha.) If you enjoyed those two telenovelas, you'll probably enjoy this one. If not, I wouldn't recommend this for your viewing.
Jan, Sharis Cid and the other stars who play DKDA give a "Mixed Performance": sometimes their acting is okay, but other times their acting is uninspired and wooden. Special kudos go to Luis Gatica (son of the Chilean singer Lucho Gatica), who manages to steal the show as the scum bag villain who never seems to get things right.
When this telenovela first aired, some critics said that it was too similar to the 1990 telenovela, "Alcanzar Una Estrella," which starred Mariana Garza (as the "good girl" heroine) and Eduardo Capetillo (as the "rock star" leading man). Overall, "DKDA" could be summed up as "Alcanzar Una Estrella III." (The 1991 sequel,"Alcanzar Una Estrella II," starred Ricky Martin and former Timbiriche singer Sasha.) If you enjoyed those two telenovelas, you'll probably enjoy this one. If not, I wouldn't recommend this for your viewing.
School Mystery
(1995)
Superb movie
3 December 2001
Toire No Hanakosan is actually from 1998; the original 1995 version also starred Maeda Ai, although she played a boy in that version. The first version was intended more for an elementary school age audience and, although its premise and plot was more plausible than the 1998 version, it had an ending that was a major disappointment. The 1998 version is superior to the 1995 movie. Even though the premise of the 1998 version is a little less plausible, the pace and performances help to make it an exceptionally good film. Hopefully the 1998 version will be released someday with English subtitles so the U.S. audiences can enjoy this clever thriller.
Tell Your Friends