Gringa

Your daughters will love you for sharing your time with them. Steve Zahn steals this movie in this beautiful and touching coming of age story featuring a breakout role for newcomer, Jess Gabor. This is a coming of age story of a teenager in search of her lost Dad. She finds him lost in life as well on a beach in Mexico. For parents and children alike, don't forget the kleenex because your eyes will be tearing as they form a new relationship between themselves. Movies like Gringa are few and far between these days. With beautiful performances by Zahn and Gabor, you will find yourself captivated by the stunning cinema photography of the Mexican shoreline. Don't forget the popcorn because Gringa is pure entertainment.

Greetings again from the darkness. When a 16 year old girl has self-esteem issues, it can be painful to watch. As adults, we know it's likely to get better, although it's also possible things get worse before they improve. And 'things getting worse' is exactly what happens to Marge in this film co-directed by Marny Eng (long time stunt performer and coordinator) and EJ Foerster, and written by Patrick Hasburgh (writer and creator of TV series "Hardcastle and McCormick" and "21 Jump Street").

Marge (Jess Gabor, "Shameless") and her mother (Judy Greer) are both having a hard time. Mom is a California realtor who seems to go through men faster than she sells houses, and Jess is a self-described "fat and slow" bench-warmer on her soccer team, while also battling bulimia and her unpopularity with classmates. It's at about this time when the "getting worse" part happens for Marge, and soon she's crossing the border in search of her dad, who left home when she was two years old.

Jackson (Steve Zahn) is a former soccer star-turned alcoholic-surfer, and is no more prepared to be a father now than when Marge was born. It's an awkward reunion since neither father nor daughter know the other, but they agree to spend a month getting familiar. It's fun to watch these two bring out the best in each other. Dad promises to stop drinking and treat his girlfriend (Roselyn Sanchez, "Without a Trace") better, and Marge cleans up her diet and magically improves her soccer skills while subbing for the local team her dad is coaching.

Mr. Zahn has been a familiar face and dependable performer since the early 1990's, and was recently seen in season one of "The White Lotus." In this role, he gets to flash some of his trademark goofiness, while also showing some depth as a man-child trying to get his act together. Zahn's connection with Ms. Gabor is what makes the film click. While not familiar with her previous work, I was impressed with Gabor's range her and realistic portrayal of a teenager in pain - slumped shoulders and plate of tacos, etc. Ms. Greer has a limited role here, and supporting work comes from Jorge A Jimenez, Valentina Buzzurro, and Nico Bracewell. It's not really a comedy, although there are some slightly comical moments, and the first two acts are well done, though the poor sound mix and muddled final act don't end things on a high note. It may seem formulaic at times, but noticing new talent is always a welcome development.

In theaters and VOD beginning April 21, 2023.

The good- The cast is great. First rate acting. Not a terrible story plot. A well filmed first rate quality made movie. Good scenery. Personally, I did not care for the music but can't say it was terrible. The bad- not that realistic. I wish Mexico (and the U. S.) and people were this nice and friendly. I'm afraid the world is a much more dangerous and harsh place. If you live in some imaginary fantasy world all this could be possible. But it doesn't drag the movie down too bad. After all, that's why people go to movies- to imagine a world the way they wish it was and not see the world as it is. Anyway- a decent happy fantasy movie. The great cast carries the poor writing.

This movie was really good. It had a good amount of lessons that everyone can use. It was also funnier than expected. The actors and actresses did a great job. I usually dont write movie reviews but I felt compelled to do so for this movie. The story line of the movie was very inspring and it spoke to what we need to teach our kids in Amercia- the gift of want, taking risk, bet and believe in yourself, dont do the popular thing, do what is right for you and dont be a follower.

Looking for a good family movie with a great story, this is it. Do yourself and family a favor and watch it together. Great job to the team.

Steve Zahn is perfectly cast in his role as hapless expatriated misfit looking for nothing in particular in all the right places. Gringa is rich with dark comedic gems and boasts a stellar ensemble performance led by Mr. Zahn and the wonderfully talented somewhat newcomer Jess Gabor (of Shameless fame) who by the way epitomizes that of an angsty teenager looking for her way in the world. I have to say I found myself thoroughly enjoying this film...From the well rounded performances, to the soundtrack, I even found myself wanderlusting for much of the movie and its beautifully shot locale. If you are the type to enjoy a movie with substance and great writing then there's plenty for you to see here. All around Gringa was a real kick in the pants!