Popi

Out of all of Arkin's older films, this is always the one that pops into my mind. It's so simple, but so touching. I laughed and was also in tears. Arkin slips so well into the role of a struggling Puerto Rican father living in New York, who wants the best for his two boys. Watching it now, in the 2010's, it's an interesting look back at how low-income immigrant-life was back then in New York. The mentioning of prices of things (taxi cab rides, shoes etc.) is quite funny to hear now, considering that you'll never find a pair of shoes for $5 anywhere anymore. Rita Moreno's role was small, but a good one, and the little boys' chemistry with Arkin came across very naturally and believable. Arkin is though, undoubtedly, the driving force of the story. I highly recommend watching this one.

I found this movie completely by accident when I was about 15 years old watching TV late at night and this movie was on. I had always loved those gritty NY stories so this was a perfect setting for my sensibilities.

Anyway I caught the movie just after it started and I loved every minute of it. I thought that Alan Arkin played his role so beautifully! The comic irony of his very tough situation trying to make ends meet and caring for his two young sons was not lost on this 15 year old kid.

I remember crying at the very end of the movie just because after all the father went through to try to ensure his sons have a chance at making it out of their poverty stricken circumstances, it didn't matter because all the boys ever wanted was their father, whom they clearly adored! Anyway I just enjoyed this movie thoroughly and have always suggested it to people if you enjoy a warm, funny and sweet story about what matters most in human relationships!

I loved Alan Arkin in "The Inlaws", but here he plays a completely different part. In POPI, he is a widowed Puerto Rican father "Abraham" who can't wait to get his young sons out of Harlem. The sons are played by Reuben Figueroa and Miguel Alejandro; the actors playing the sons appeared in just a couple more projects after this one. The film opens with them attending the funeral in New York City. Then we meet the girlfriend, Lupe, (a 38 year old Rita Moreno, with long hair!). We see them trying to survive in the rough city neighborhood, working three jobs. His roof leaks, they try to break into his shabby apartment, but when they pick on his kids, he comes up with a plan to get away from it all. As of today, IMDb has this film rated as "G", but when Turner Classics showed it, it's listed "TV 14". There is some violence, at 23 minutes in. Also, at one point, Arkin turns and talks to the camera, which felt a little out of place at that point in the film. The first half is the setup, showing us how bad things are in the city, but the second half is the big adventure, which almost turns into a farce. A pretty-good, entertaining film, with some small tidbits of humor thrown in here and there. According to IMDb, this film was shown on NBC in 1977... they must have edited some of the scenes out to make it safe for TV. Directed by Arthur Hiller, who would direct Arkin ten years later in "The Inlaws". In 1976, it was made into a TV series for CBS, starring Hector Elizondo, but it looks like it only lasted one season.

Abraham Rodriguez (Alan Arkin) is Popi to his two young sons. The boys' mother is dead. The three of them and his girlfriend Lupe (Rita Moreno) live in the slums. He struggles with various odd jobs and surviving day to day. He notices that the new Cuban refugees have much better lives and comes up with a crazy idea.

I like the idea of the premise. I like the location. I don't like Abraham. I get that this is a satirical comedy. It has moments of humor. I never really get to like Abraham. I need him to show more love to his kids and his girlfriend. I get the idea of running after those neighbor kids is him worrying about his sons turning wild. It needs some setting up. The only time when that love is front and center is when the boys are out in the water. That is the best. Aside from that, Arkin is no Latino. Maybe he can pass but I know he's faking. Back in the day, it's business as usual. All in all, I like the originality of the premise more than the execution.

Alan Arkin is excellent as a Spanish Harlem father of two pre-teenage boys who decides that they'd be better off without him in a fresh start. Warm, winning, insightful, and wry, this movie never strays off course from its poignant objective. The music and location footage are also excellent. Rita Moreno is fine in a supporting role. The scheme Arkin plots also is eerily reminiscent of the Elian situation even though the movie is filmed 30 years before the incident!! John Harkins and Anthony Holland are also marvelous. See it.