Puerto Ricans in Paris

I expected more from Puerto Ricans in Paris. But it didn't deliver like I hoped to. I like Luis Guzman, and he's the one in this movie that makes attempts to make you laugh, but apart of the occasional little grin there isn't that much to laugh with. There is also almost no action at all. It's one of those Sunday afternoon movies. Good enough for television, for everybody to watch, without anybody really paying attention to it. The story is just weak, two Puerto Rican cop buddies that try to solve the mystery of who stole the designer handbag. You don't even care about who did it because there is just not enough action, suspense or humor to keep you interested. Good enough to watch once on a boring day if you have absolutely nothing else to do.

Nice views of Paris and attractive French ladies, but there was basically zero story here. Enough visual candy for one viewing though.

This is not a film that everybody was looking forward. This something an unexpected film from the new crew, but the actors were somewhat known to us. They are mostly supporting cast from the mainstream films, but they played the main characters in this little film. A simple cop film that tells the story of two NYPD detectives who were hired to solve a case of stolen handbag in the Paris. So they pack their bags and land in the city of love. It's like a vacation for them, but they aware of their assignment and they begin working on their own way to find the thief. The rest is the small adventures filled with the decent comedies.

The film was short and there were no mega stunt sequences. Not because it was a small budget film, but it was aimed to keep everything simple. More like in the real society, but improvised it by adding some comedies. I don't know Luis Guzman ever did a lead role, but this is first of his for me and I enjoyed his part along with his partner. The praise must go to the effort, not for the overall film. Because I knew it won't be another 'Bad Boys', so I braced myself to watch it and then I found it better. It is a lot better than many craps from the recent time, so it is worth watching at once, but don't force yourself.

6/10

Puerto Ricans in Paris surprised me when I saw it at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. This is because Rosie Perez was on hand to discuss the movie...which was great. However, she was not a major character in the film! I loved seeing this youthful actress but I would have preferred seeing Edgar Garcia, as he was my favorite actor in this cute little film.

When the movie begins, Luis (Luis Guzman) and Eddie (Edgar Garcia) are both very successful undercover cops in New York who investigate cases involving counterfeit designer products. Because of this, the pair of Puerto Rican cops are asked by folks to come to France to help them investigate a case where some designer bags have been stolen before they are released to the public. In other words, unless the company pays ransom, the market will soon be flooded by knockoff purses. While it's not exactly believable that the French folks would ask these two to investigate instead of just having French police or private security films look into the matter, it doesn't really matter...this is just a nice fish out of water buddy picture.

Once in Paris, Luis is completely out of place. He's brash, a bit obnoxious and fancies himself a ladies' man. Unfortunately, he's a complete failure in the city of lights...and soon he's a bit jealous of Eddie. After all, although Eddie is happily married, there is a gorgeous model who adores him....so why can't Luis the bachelor get any of the ladies to look at him?! Perhaps it is because Eddie is just an incredibly sweet guy...the sort of character who loves his wife, loves his kids and is rarely seen in films. He's strong and likable...and his character certainly was a huge plus for the film. However, it's not all Garcia...the writing and directing are also rather nice. Plus, over time Guzman's character grows...and grows on you.

Will this film change your life? Certainly not. But while it's slight, it's also a film that is hard not to enjoy. A nice date film or a movie worth seeing if you want to see something a bit different. Plus, I can't help but admire a picture this enjoyable considering that it was shot in only 17 days...something that just seems impossible!

I'm a big Luis Guzman fan, and now a big Edgar Garcia fan too.

This is a fun romp around Paris - with two funny and kind guys.

NOT enough of Rosie Perez!

So if you need/want some laughs and don't want to have to think a lot, this is the movie for you!