Crossover Dreams (1985)

20% of users liked it
(49 ratings)

Ruben Blades stars in this low-budget independent salsa musical (filmed in Spanish Harlem at a cost of $600,000), chronicling the rise and fall of a salsa artist who wants to hit the big time. Blades plays Rudy Veloz, a salsa musician who grabs one-night gigs in Latino nightclubs. He idolizes Julio… More Ruben Blades stars in this low-budget independent salsa musical (filmed in Spanish Harlem at a cost of $600,000), chronicling the rise and fall of a salsa artist who wants to hit the big time. Blades plays Rudy Veloz, a salsa musician who grabs one-night gigs in Latino nightclubs. He idolizes Julio Iglesias and dreams of putting together a band that will incorporate a blend of musical styles so that Rudy can crossover to mainstream commercial success. However, he is warned by his mentor, Cheo Babalu (Virgilio Marti), that his music is garbage and that he should write from the soul. Rudy ignores him, pursuing his passion for middle-of-the-road success. Rudy is noticed at a concert by a record producer, who puts out a successful single of one of Rudy's tunes. The success of the single goes to Rudy's head, and he walks out on his loyal girlfriend Liz (Elizabeth Pena) and drops his long-time manager, Ray (Frank Robles). But Rudy can't match his hit single with another crossover tune and his producer drops him. Without support of the producer or his friends, Rudy falls back into obscurity. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Leon Ichaso
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 29, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Jun 14, 2005
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Ruben Blades reveals talent as both a singer and actor.

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Cast

            Ruben Blades as Rudy Veloz

            Shawn Elliott as Orlando

            Tom Signorelli as Lou Rose

            Elizabeth Peña as Liz Garcia

            Frank Robles as Ray Soto

            Joel Diamond as Neil Silver

            Amanda Barber as Radio D.J.

            Coco as Elegua Dancer

            Deborra-Lee Furness as Statue of Liberty

            John Hammil as Joe Liz's Husband

            Virgilio Marti as Cheo Babalu

            Claudia Sherman as Girl in Diner

            Art Vasil as Diner Owner

            Lorena Velazquez as Latin Club Groupie

            Yomo Toro Trio
            
            Ballistic Kisses
            
            Alex Bart as Diner Punk

            Keith Berger as Street Mime

            Peter Bogyo as Rudy's Rental Agent

            Phil Capotosta as Diner Assistant

            Cathy Carlin as American Photographer

            Lori Carson as Sherry

            Eddie Chea as Diner Punk

            Miriam Cruz as Liz's Mother

            Romeo Da Silva as Diner Punk

            Vince Fandollano as Detective

            Big Bobby Faust as Party Dancer

            Jon Fausty as Studio Engineer

            Carolina Mata Garcia as Orlando's Girl

            Natalie Gentry as Lawyer

            Neil Gold as Makeup Man

            Andy Gonzalez
            
            Ofelia Gonzalez as Ruby's Neighbor

            Carlos Linares as Store Clerk

            Lucille as Photo Assistant

            Lou Marina as American Sax Player

            Dante Medina as Latin Club MC

            Manny Oquenda
            
            Mario Pena as Liz's Father

            Jessie Ramirez as Club Bartender

            Marco Rizo as Pianist at Funeral

            Arlene Roman as Liz's Friend

            Ray Romero
            
            Juan "El Capitan" Valdes as Night Club Customer

            Javier Vazquez
            
            Izzy Zanabria
            
            Gloria Zelaya as Store Customer

            Shawn Elliot
            
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