La Bamba
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.95 You Save: $10.00 (67%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.74 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of La Bamba
Movie Review: Biopic of 50's rocker
Summary: 4 Stars
Ritchie Valens was on the cusp of becoming a big star when he was tragically killed on February 3, 1959 along with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper in a cornfield in Iowa. The day is infamously known as the day the music died and Valens was a mere seventeen years old. The film is quickly paced and all involved give spirited performances. Lou Diamond Philips plays Ritchie and he gives a solid performance. The real star of the film is Esai Morales who gives an explosive performance as Ritchie's brother Bob. While Ritchie seems to have it all, big talent, a beautiful girlfriend and the love of his mother, Bob is the opposite. Shiftless, with no sense of direction, Bob becomes jealous of Ritchie and his anger is palpable. While Ritchie is riding high, he faces the pressure of being Latino in the lily-white 50's. His girlfriend is white and her father forbids her to see him which helped produce Valens' lone top ten hit "Donna". The ubiquitous Joe Pantiliano shows up as the producer who signs and records Valens and rockers Brian Setzer and Marshall Crenshaw play Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly respectively. The real star of the film is the brilliant soundtrack recorded by Latino rockers Los Lobos. The title track hit number one in 1987 as did the accompanying soundtrack.Movie Review: La Bamba
Summary: 4 Stars
`La Bamba' tells the life story of Ritchie Valens who burst onto the rock n roll scene, shot to the very top and then left us just as fast. This was Lou Diamond Phillips' debut film and he puts on a solid performance throughout. It shows how Valens rose from being a migrant fruit picker, to performing with an amateur band, before getting signed and finding stardom with such hits as 'Donna' and 'La Bamba'. This also looks at his fraught home life and stressful relationship with is alcoholic brother. This film has some great music and tells the story of Ritchie's short life in a rich and engaging way. It feels a little dated now, but still makes for just under two hours entertaining viewing and it makes you appreciate Valens' music all over again. If you haven't seen this yet, this is well worth snapping up and adding to your film collection.
Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.
Movie Review: EXCELLENT BIO! RITCHIE VALENS!
Summary: 4 Stars
"La Bamba" is a very good bio that has a lot of character development and by the time the doomed young Valens meets his fate,it hits home just how sad and tragic this infamous plane crash was! Introducing Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie, he takes the role seriously and plays the part well. Even though he does not do his own vocals, it is an excellent performance. The movie is a tale about two brothers as much as it is a story about the young rock star's quick climb to stardom and fall from the sky. Esai Morales plays Ritchie's half brother with gusto and it is this relationship that makes the film really shine. Ritchie's half brother is the opposite of the goodie two shoes Valens,but he is not really evil. It is a very interesting story. The DVD transfer is very good and the soundtrack is rocking!Movie Review: The day the music died, lives here........
Summary: 4 Stars
(Instead of reviewing a film you probably already know, I stick to DVD special features)Those Exras:
Commentary: Very impressive job. TWO tracks are available, one with director and cast, one with producer and music supervisor.
Making of: Fine job with everyone reflecting back, plus original on-set moments, like the dramatic image of Ritchie's real life mother and sister sitting in the crowd as the La Bamba moment is recreated on stage by Phillips.
Music Videos: Would've been a sin not to include them. Not just the title diddy, but "Lonely Teardrops" as well.
Overall: Satisfying package for fans, though some deleted scenes and outtakes would've been nice.
Movie Review: VIVA LA BAMBA
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one of those timeless classic movies you can watch over and over again. Brillant acting, and moving performances. This picture not just captured the life of a fallen up and coming rock star, but harnessed the love and support of latino families. Valdez not only recreated the simpler times of the american fifties, but also showcased the pitfalls and dangers of the unexploited destructive paths the rebel without cause choose. Heartwarming, historical, with enjoyable and riveting performances. It had to be in order to pull off a Filipino acting like a mexican-american in the 50's. This film will stand the test of time.