Raising Victor Vargas (2003)
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96% of critics liked it
(107 reviews) -
79% of users liked it
(5,724 ratings)
Victor (Victor Rasuk), a horny teenager living on Manhattan's Lower East Side, has an afternoon rendezvous with a girl known as "Fat Donna" (Donna Maldonado). When his sister, Vicki (Krystal Rodriguez), finds out about it, she spreads word throughout the neighborhood, severely damaging… More Victor (Victor Rasuk), a horny teenager living on Manhattan's Lower East Side, has an afternoon rendezvous with a girl known as "Fat Donna" (Donna Maldonado). When his sister, Vicki (Krystal Rodriguez), finds out about it, she spreads word throughout the neighborhood, severely damaging what Victor thinks is his reputation. Then he and his best friend, Harold (Kevin Rivera) visit the public pool, where Victor spots the lovely Judy (Judy Marte), known locally as "Juicy Judy," and he decides to salvage his good name by pursuing her. While Judy is standoffish, Harold has better luck with her friend, Melonie (Melonie Diaz of Double Whammy). Judy's shy younger brother, Carlos (Wilfree Vasquez) agrees to help Victor get close to Judy if Victor will introduce him to Vicki. As Victor clumsily, but doggedly pursues her, Judy decides to let Victor think he's her boyfriend, in the hope that his presence will discourage neighborhood boys from harassing her all the time. Victor's strict grandmother (Altagracia Guzman) is furious when she learns that Victor introduced Vicki to a boy, and she also worries about his influence on his goody-two-shoes younger brother, Nino (Rasuk's real-life brother Silvestre). Writer/director Peter Sollett's feature debut is an expansion of his original short, Five Feet High and Rising, which featured many of the same actors. Sollett had his mostly non-professional cast improvise much of their dialogue. Raising Victor Vargas was shot by Tim Orr, who also lensed David Gordon Green's feature debut, George Washington. Raising Victor Vargas was shown at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and at New Directors/New Films. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi
- Directed By
- Peter Sollett
- Written By
- Peter Sollett
- Genres
- Drama, Art House & International, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Mar 28, 2003 Limited
- Studio
- Fireworks Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
A marvel of closely observed, intimately captivating moments.
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Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
It is throughly involving, depicting the real and recognizable frustrations of teenagers and the grown-ups who have responsibility for them.
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John Anderson, Newsday
Real, sweet and often really sweet.
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Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
In Raising Victor Vargas, everyone has feelings.
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Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
The narrative is thin, but the little-known cast (who helped writer-director Peter Sollett develop the characters) bring an element of realism to roles that defy stereotypes and pigeonholing.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Victor Rasuk
as Victor Vargas
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Judy Marte
as 'Juicy' Judy Ramirez
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Melonie Diaz
as Melonie
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Altagracia Guzman
as Grandma
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Silvestre Rasuk
as Nino Vargas
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Krystal Rodriguez
as Vicki Vargas
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Kevin Rivera
as Harold
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Wilfree Vasquez
as Carlos
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Donna Maldonado
as Fat Donna
