It's been a long time since I've seen this movie but it brings back some fun childhood memories of sing-along's to the cassette tape of the soundtrack on my walkman during a long road trip from WI to FL. This introduced me to Los Lobos, a rock-blues band that goes way beyond their cover of Ritchie Valens' song La Bamba. Great band, check out their CD Collasal Head, you won't be dissapointed. Anyway, back to the moive review - I used to have a crush on Lou and was jealous of the chick who played Donna. ;) Esai was/is one smokin' hot spicy Puerto Rican! FYI, it sucks that Ritchie died so young (and in WI). He had so much talent, I heard that during the final tour leading up to his death him & the rest of the guys touring were treated AMAZINGLY poorly by their management. I can't remember if the movie gets into that aspect but I've read about it. Sad times... yes, I cried at the end!
It's an OK movie with fair performances, but I just can't watch it when the guy who plays Ritchie, who was supposed to be 16 in the movie, is actually 25 years old! Also Donna's actor is 21 years old. It throws off their characters completely, and it's just annoying that Richie's actor actually isn't that good, surely they could have found a 16 year old to play the part?
Ritchie in the movie is a goody-goody kid who just records music again and again. His story is really boring, and if it wasn't for his brother Bob, I wouldn't be able to watch it until the end.
The movie was good, on the life of Richie Valens. The only true actor that gave an outstanding performance was Esai Morales, who portrayed Richie's brother. Very dramatic and real, and the ending was emotional, I cried. :( Not to mention he sings a song called "Donna"! LOL!!! Ok, I'm a sap! :P
Richard "Ritchie" Valenzuela (Lou Diamond Phillips) becomes singing superstar Ritchie Valens meets & falls in love with Donna Ludwig (Danielle von Zerneck) who wrote a song that became a number one hit. Ritchie's relationship with his mother (Rosanna DeSoto) & half-brother Bob Morales (Esai Morales). Bob sired with Ritchie's ex-girlfriend, Rosie (Elizabeth Peņa). Ritchie's fear of flying aince he loss his bestfriend when he was a child. Ritchie has to go on tour with Buddy Holly (Marshall Crenshaw) & The Big Bopper take off in an airplane under a snow storm for their fateful flight on 2/3/1959.
Un film per me particolare. Mi ricorda della volta in cui lo diedero in tv, io ero piccolo e solo in salotto e mi appassionai alla vita di Ritchie Valens. Ora sono cresciuto e aspetto con ansia di guardare Control, il film su Ian Curtis.
This is one of those movies you never forget. I saw it when I was younger and more recently when I was older. It is such a touching film that is about family, dreams and tragedy. No matter how many times I see it, it brings me to tears (or at least pretty close.)
"February made me shiver, with every paper I delivered"
I loved this movie. I'd never heard of Ritchie Valens before, and I had no idea he was going to die so tragically. The music he created was fantastic, and Lou Diamond Phillips portrayed him really well, although he actually didnt sing the songs.
This movie was awesome, I recommend it to anyway who likes good rock n roll music and a great storyline.
not bad, not bad at all - Esai Morales is great in this but i felt this movie had the potential for something more. I don't know - maybe i'm expecting too much. Definately worth a look though.....
I liked this musical bcause it is based on something that really happened.The music was wonderful and the cast did a fine job in making their chacters believeable to people who saw this musical.
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