lvillalt99

I have just seen "La Fonda Azul" (The Blue Diner) on PBS. Since I live in Massachussetts, and this film was shot in Boston, I had heard about it obliquely in the "Arts" section of the newspaper.

I am glad I took the time to see it. What struck me about it is that it presents the life of Hispanic immigrants in a way I have not seen before, it is not cliched in either direction (one being the R rated action movie treatment of Latinos, the other being the syrupy blandness of sitcom "Latino" families.)

It has characters that, in my eyes, reflect real struggles of cultural identity, and of living in the present without forgetting the past.

What I also found interesting about it is that other "fish out of water" can identify with the characters, not just Hispanics. (Just ask anybody originally from the deep South now living in New England, for example...)

I've read all the previous comments, after having seen the film. It is best to go to it without knowing much about it (obviously), so I refused to read anything until after watching the film.

I understand those people that did not like it. There are movies I do not care for and other people love; but I personally savored this film. To put it in perspective (so that you know where I am coming from), I enjoyed this as much or more than Unbreakable, and I personally liked Unbreakable more than The Sixth Sense. (Putting on my asbestos suit now).

For my taste, it had the right amount of thrills, chills, and engaging characters to boot. My wife could have used a little less thrills and chills. She complained of her back being sore for being so tense. Yet again, we care what happens to these people.

My recommendation is: If you have disliked ANY of M. Night's previous films, consult with a friend that has seen it and shares your sensibilities (and will not give the plot away...)

On my estimation, this movie maintained what made the first one a good family movie: fun for kids while bearable (maybe even fun) for adults. The feature also shines in its presentation of family, and how to work things out.

If you have seen the trailers, and read the reviews you have an idea of what is in it, so I will not dwell on that. One thing I have not seen elsewhere and I recommend is that you stay on your seat when the film appears to be over, there are quite a few extra treats during and after the credits.