A Million to Juan

I am somewhat of a fan of Paul Rodriguez, so when I heard about this movie, I couldn't wait. I thought it was going to be non stop hilarity. But, it was more. It wasn't constantly funny. But, It had alot of good moments and I liked them. It showed how it is for hispanics in America and how they are treated. I recommend to at least watch it once.

Juan (Paul Rodriguez) was born in the migrant fields of California but was taken back to Mexico by his mother when he was six. He has no documentation to attest to his U.S. citizenship and lives as an illegal in the Los Angeles area with his young son. Despite the fact that he has two roommates, making the rent is very difficult and he resorts to selling oranges near the freeway. One day, someone gives him a check for a million dollars, only on loan. He must pay it back in full when a month is up. However, just being able to show off the authentic check gets him credit at posh clothing stores, car dealerships, and more. Is his life going to be easier? And, what about the kind, pretty immigration officer who smiles at him quite frequently? This is one of those nice trips down a lesser travelled road. It's wonderful to view a story about the Hispanic population and their unique problems and opportunities. Rodriquez is a charming fellow and he has assembled a fine cast around him. Although the film was not made on a big budget, it is still a worthy choice for film fans who like to stray from the blockbuster path and watch something different. Those who like romantic stories, too, will want to seek out this movie as well.

A Million to Juan (1994) has been labeled by Paul Rodriguez himself his "Jurassic Park" due to the fact that he grossed over a million dollars in rentals from the movie's one hundred thousand dollar budget. The movie is a modern update of the Mark Twain story "The Million Pound Bank Note." Paul Rodriguez stars as Juan, a poor hardworking immigrant who lives in a rundown apartment complex with his son and cousins Jorge (Tony Plana) and Alvaro (Bert Rosario). He also has a mad crush on his social worker Olivia (Polly Draper) who's helping him with his case, one day he a stranger hands him a million dollar check that'll change his life forever.

I found the direction by first time director Paul Rodriguez to be adequate but the screenplay by Robert Grasmere and Francisca Matos to be too melodramatic and stereotypical. But the acting and charisma of Paul Rodriguez and his supporting cast manage to rise above the mediocre script. I enjoyed the movie and fans of Rodriguez's stand up comedy will enjoy the humor.

Paul Rodriguez is easily one of my favorite comics, which really makes this film kind of a departure from his usual antics. I mean, it was slow and serious? What was up with that? Anyway, I felt the story had a very compelling arc to it, considering he had to give up the money after just a month. While the story is really improbable, it does demonstrate a rather idealist mentality, saying all of our dreams will come true as long as we play by the rules. A strange film to say the least.

Wow, can someone explain to me why anyone would finance this tripe? If anyone deserved a kick in the can it would be that person. You have Paul Rodriguez over-emphasizing every syllable (Oh, it's Senorita Smiiiiiiiiiiiiith!), to making Polly Draper (who looks well over 50 years old in this "film") into some kind of sex symbol, and other nonsense. All I can say is poor Edward James Olmos & Cheech Marin.

Another important question I must ask, what businessman in their right mind would give Paul Rodriguez things just because he flashes a fake-looking check?

At least consider the fact that the audience has somekind of brainpower.