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Reviews
Quinceañera (2006)
Poignant yet uplifting story
This was my favorite movie at Sundance this year (2006). It involves a lovely yet troubled Mexican-American family in Los Angeles. Magdalena, 14, dreams of her upcoming Quinceanera (the dresses, the limo, her friends) but unfortunately becomes pregnant! She is kicked out of the house by her preacher father and ends up living with her uncle (a lovely elderly tolerant gentleman) and her gay, estranged cousin. This unlikely trio becomes a true family, helping each other through challenging times.I loved the message of tolerance, being non-judgmental, and creating community and family. I found myself laughing, crying, and giving a standing ovation for this lovely story and cast at the end of the film.
Right at Your Door (2006)
Disturbing but excellent drama
I saw this at the Sundance film festival a few days ago (Jan 2006) and while I found the acting and directing top notch, I almost regret watching it. The story involves a very much in love couple who live in LA. During her morning commute, a "dirty" bomb goes off in the city (some type of chemical/biological weapon). The husband is trapped in the house with only the radio to tell him what is going on outside. The city's inhabitants are warned that if anyone comes to their house, to not let them in as they may be 'contaminated' and keep sealed in their homes. Well, his wife makes it home and she was only a few blocks from the blast area. He is now faced with a decision, does he let her in, risking almost certain death? Or does he make her stay outside until help comes. There is even more to the movie and a big twist at the end. The dialogue and images are powerful and frightening. Just the right movie for our terrorist-obsessed culture!