Resurrection Blvd.

The characters in this show are likable. This series tried to resist racial stereotyping and ended up making Latino culture palatable for a wider audience. Although some scenes were paced more slowly than I would have preferred, dramatic suspense is well managed, and the acting in this mini-series is generally excellent. It would be fun to see a full-length feature film using this cast. I like the fact that the lead characters are not in the economic bracket of those who have necessarily "made it" financially, but represent likable, hard working people (such as the woman who owns her own restaurant and works there constantly and her husband who comes in for an occasional drink,) who talk to each other about their goals and aspirations. This show reminds me somewhat of the Novellas that appear on Telemundo and Univision, but of course the primary language is English. Nevertheless, occasional lines in Spanish add to the realism and local flavor of this production, which caused me to wish that the show were still in production. The struggles that these characters go through are compelling, such as a foster child learning to forgive his foster father and a family learning to deal with the loss of the patriarch of the family to prostate cancer. I liked the fact that substantial issues were being addressed in a way that made me like the characters and want to invite them into my living room.

If it is true that Latino culture has a vitality that is sought after and needed in the United States, then this show offers what could be a glimpse into what that is all about. Characters that are coming to terms with their own shortcomings and learning to embrace each other and celebrate their heritage form a nice platform for the diversity one expects in a blended minority family. For this reason I was willing to forgive occasional awkward moments when the dialog seemed to lack that special spark that would have been needed to make the show into a masterpiece, or when the occasional sub plot fizzled out without sufficient development to give it a firm place in the story line, as well as I was able to forgive the occasional lack of character development on the part of some of the minor characters.

I enjoyed Resurrection Blvd's first episode a great deal! Not only is it a rare drama about a Latino family, but it seems so real and refreshing! Yes, it contains all the soap-opera/drama elements, but there's more... a darker/more truthful side. No details here, as it could spoil the show for someone. There's a whole family of interesting, realistic men and women who just seem to grow on you too quickly. The production values are excellent, the acting above average and the casting is out of sight! A little patience may be necessary as it will certainly take a little while for the actors to iron out all the wrinkles in their characters, but it will be a reward to see this show grow!

I love this show! The actors are enjoyable, the acting is well done, and some of the situations remind me of growing up in East Los Angeles.

There have been shows that try to get across ELA living, most do not come close (esp. the one on currently which is badly acted on KCET). What "Resurrection Blvd." has to offer is what I saw growing up in Boyle Heights, and the ELA experience in a nutshell. This is a familia in my hometown, and I honestly feel like they could have grown up next to me.

The endearing characters is the Santiago family itself; they are close, but far apart in the generation between father and son. Boxing is the main issue, but in reality, it's all about family. In reality, that's my life as a kid and adult - family. One sacrifices for the family, and it's normal. One of my favorite characters is Miguel - he could be doing almost anything, but his character is almost the glue. He is the middle of the generations and holds them together, doing whatever he has to for the sake of family.

This a a program that was worth my time watching every episode. It would be hard to accept if you did not grow up in ELA, but maybe opening up your mind, you can see a bit of social circumstances that are just like anyone else, regardless of class or ethnicity.

Resurrection Boulevard (RB) is not about boxing, romantic love and sex, gangbangers and crime, Mexican/American culture, or life in an East L.A. barrio though all are components. RB is about a family.

RB is not a soapy melodrama or silly sitcom or a gritty docudrama about a downtrodden underclass. RB is, however, a serious though somewhat sanitized attempt to show the day-to-day struggles of an all adult family and the ties that bind them; loyalty, love, heritage, and religious conviction.

Perhaps the most refreshing and satisfying aspect of RB is the way it avoids the cheap, cheesy, trite and proven ways of maintaining audience interest. There are no cliff hangers, no phony happy endings, no schmaltz or tear jerking, and no melodrama. There is, however, a staunch adherence to the true character of the shows principals and a sense of integrity and noble purpose.

The makers of RB should be commended for gambling that the transcendent humanity of the series would bridge the culture gap and satisfy the appetites of the viewing public at large sufficient to be successful. Let's hope their efforts are not in vain.

March 16, 2006 We have watched the entire series on DVD. We are movie buffs. This has to be one of our all time favorites. The writers were able to bring the very best of the Hispanic culture to the screen, along with other aspects of the culture which can bring heartache and sorrow to the family. The actors were all cast well and did an excellent job of bringing their characters to life. The family was able to show their unity and love for one another, while struggling with problems within the community and within the family structure. We laughed and cried with so many moments. BeBe and Carlos were my favorite characters. Thank you for bringing a wonderful series which not only moved us but allowed the viewers to experience the ups and downs of the American Hispanic culture. LOVED this show......and did not want it to end.