Quinceañera (Echo Park, L.A.) (2006)
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86% of critics liked it
(94 reviews) -
54% of users liked it
(17,756 ratings)
Magdalena is the daughter of a Mexican-American family that runs a storefront church in Echo Park, Los Angeles. With her 15th birthday approaching, all she can think about is her boyfriend, her Quinceañera dress, and the Hummer Limo she hopes will carry her on her special day. But, a few months… More Magdalena is the daughter of a Mexican-American family that runs a storefront church in Echo Park, Los Angeles. With her 15th birthday approaching, all she can think about is her boyfriend, her Quinceañera dress, and the Hummer Limo she hopes will carry her on her special day. But, a few months before the celebration, Magdalena falls pregnant. As the elaborate preparations for her Quinceañera proceed, it is only a matter of time before her religious father finds out and rejects her. Forced out of her home, Magdalena moves in with her great-great uncle, Tomas, an old man who makes his living by selling champurrado--a Mexican hot drink--in the street. Already living with him is Carlos, Magdalena's cousin, a tough cholo who was thrown out by his parents. Carlos does not disguise his disapproval of Magdalena's arrival. The back house rental where Tomas has lived happily for many years is on a property that was recently purchased by an affluent white gay couple--pioneers of gentrification in the neighborhood. Inevitably, worlds collide when they become entangled in the lives of their tenants. As Magdalena's pregnancy grows more visible, she, Carlos and Tomas pull together as a family of outsiders. But, the economics of the neighborhood are turning against them. Ultimately, this precipitates a crisis that threatens their way of life.
- Rating, Runtime
- R, 1 hr. 31 min.
- Directed By
- Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
- Written By
- Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
- Genres
- Drama, Art House & International, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Aug 2, 2006 Wide
- On DVD
- Jan 9, 2007
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Classics
Critic Reviews
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Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
The setting and the people in it make Quinceanera a party worth an RSVP.
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Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic
It feels awkward, both in the pat screenplay and the uneven direction.
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Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You realize that, while pretending to break ground, Quinceañera is ultimately stuck in familiar Hollywood formulas.
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Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
[Has]courage to look realistically, instead of idealistically, at some dubious civic practices; and second, honesty about the painful feelings of kids coupled with their desperate need for love and guidance and their ultimate desire to do the right thing.
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Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
Sweet, formulaic and forgettable.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Cast
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Emily Riosas Magdalena -
Jesse Garciaas Carlos -
Chalo Gonzalezas Tio Tomas
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Jesus Castanos-Chimaas Ernesto -
Johnny Chavezas Uncle Walter -
J.R. Cruzas Herman
Photos
