I Like It Like That

This film, written and Directed by black, female, Bronx native Darnell Martin captures a turbulent time in the life of a Puerto Rican couple in the Bronx, NY. What could best be described as a Latino version of 'Do The Right Thing,' the film tackles many issues such as masculinity, homosexuality, religion, race and capitalism. All wrapped up in the single half Puerto-Rican half Jamaican Lizette, issues of race abound at every corner with a mother-in-law who insists on her family coming from a pure Castillian lineage. The most thoroughly addressed topic is that of masculinity and what decrees a true man. Whether it be the misogynist and somewhat abusive father figure of Chino, or the homosexual 'Alexis,' who essentially rejects his masculinity in order to escape the trappings that Chino represents. This is a film that requires some thought and definitely some effort to go beyond the superficialities of Bronx vernacular and gay humor. This film addresses major issues found in the Latino community, from the perspective of a non-Latino. This is a very good film and if race movies interest you -such as Spike Lee Joints- this should not be missed.

A very true-to-life look at the urban Latino life in the North East. Anyone raised in those areas of NYC, NJ, MA, or CT, will tell you so.

It's so rich in story & the characters are so easy to relate to, I just wish it was longer. Everyone's performance was great, & very realistic. Lauren Velez, Jon Seda, Jesse Borrego, Lisa Vidal, Vincent Laresca, & legendary diva Rita Moreno, brought this lil' number to life. Griffn Dune was great as well. Along with cameos of music artists Barrio Boyzz, Jerry Rivera, Fat Joe, & Broadway "Rent" star Daphne Rubin-Vega (formerly of late 80's Freestyle Dance/Pop girl-trio, Pajama Party). This film is one of my fav's & I have seen & experienced very similar situations growing up in those areas, so it was kool, & can relate. I definitely recommend this film to everyone, especially the urban Latino audience. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for!

Lauren Velez makes a strong screen debut in this little flick about a "dis"-functional Hispanic couple married with kids in the Bronx. "I Like It Like That" is a not too serious charcter-driven, dialogue-intensive film which floats somewhere between sardonic comedy and visceral drama as it looks at the life of the Velez and Seda characters who spend most of their time sorting through a variety of woes with a yell first and think later strategy. An okay flick on most levels, this film tends to wear itself out after a while becoming a sort of monotonic drone of screaming, swearing, and throwing things.

"I Like it Like That" is one of those rare gems of cinema that portrays life for peoples of color with all of the absolute humanness so often lacking from more mainstream films. While I thoroughly enjoyed every actor's performance in this film, no one's performance was as effective and affecting as Jesse Borrego's portrayal of "Alexis", Lisette's (Lauren Velez) transvestite brother. This character offered a rare and realistic portrayal of an individual that is typically viewed only from a safe distance. While I definitely prefer Jesse Borrego as a man, his performance as "Alexis" showed a depth that few actors ever accomplish. In addition to his sterling performance as "Tudee" in "Follow Me Home", his portrayal in this film convinced me of his tremendous range. He is, without question, one of the most underrated actors of our time. I enthusiastically recommend this film to any and everyone.

Lauren Velez is great in a well-rounded role. Fresh and funny story of latino Bronx. Basic story of woman taking charge and getting ahead, but truly enjoyable and different from most of the "Lifetime stories for women" genre. Check out Rita Moreno as the mother-in-law!