Resurrection Blvd.

Resurrection Boulevard (RB) is not about boxing, romantic love and sex, gangbangers and crime, Mexican/American culture, or life in an East L.A. barrio though all are components. RB is about a family.

RB is not a soapy melodrama or silly sitcom or a gritty docudrama about a downtrodden underclass. RB is, however, a serious though somewhat sanitized attempt to show the day-to-day struggles of an all adult family and the ties that bind them; loyalty, love, heritage, and religious conviction.

Perhaps the most refreshing and satisfying aspect of RB is the way it avoids the cheap, cheesy, trite and proven ways of maintaining audience interest. There are no cliff hangers, no phony happy endings, no schmaltz or tear jerking, and no melodrama. There is, however, a staunch adherence to the true character of the shows principals and a sense of integrity and noble purpose.

The makers of RB should be commended for gambling that the transcendent humanity of the series would bridge the culture gap and satisfy the appetites of the viewing public at large sufficient to be successful. Let's hope their efforts are not in vain.

This outstanding series gives PBS's "American Family" a run for its money as the finest series about a typical, all-American family. Superbly acted across the board, from proud, tough-love Patriarch Roberto (the excellent Tony Plana), struggling sister-in-law Bibi (Elizabeth Pena - why isn't this woman a star?) and her loving son Tommy (the underrated Douglas Spain) to always-reliable veterans Rita Moreno and Glynn Turman... this series strikes gold on all counts, from the fine acting and directing to the smart scripts and warm designs. Let's hope Paramount resurrects seasons two and three on DVD in the not-too-distant-future. It's impossible not to fall in love with these characters. Bravo!

I love this show! The actors are enjoyable, the acting is well done, and some of the situations remind me of growing up in East Los Angeles.

There have been shows that try to get across ELA living, most do not come close (esp. the one on currently which is badly acted on KCET). What "Resurrection Blvd." has to offer is what I saw growing up in Boyle Heights, and the ELA experience in a nutshell. This is a familia in my hometown, and I honestly feel like they could have grown up next to me.

The endearing characters is the Santiago family itself; they are close, but far apart in the generation between father and son. Boxing is the main issue, but in reality, it's all about family. In reality, that's my life as a kid and adult - family. One sacrifices for the family, and it's normal. One of my favorite characters is Miguel - he could be doing almost anything, but his character is almost the glue. He is the middle of the generations and holds them together, doing whatever he has to for the sake of family.

This a a program that was worth my time watching every episode. It would be hard to accept if you did not grow up in ELA, but maybe opening up your mind, you can see a bit of social circumstances that are just like anyone else, regardless of class or ethnicity.

I enjoyed Resurrection Blvd's first episode a great deal! Not only is it a rare drama about a Latino family, but it seems so real and refreshing! Yes, it contains all the soap-opera/drama elements, but there's more... a darker/more truthful side. No details here, as it could spoil the show for someone. There's a whole family of interesting, realistic men and women who just seem to grow on you too quickly. The production values are excellent, the acting above average and the casting is out of sight! A little patience may be necessary as it will certainly take a little while for the actors to iron out all the wrinkles in their characters, but it will be a reward to see this show grow!

A very good cable TV drama about a Latino family in Los Angeles and a father who wants two of his sons to become boxers. The film is about being Latino, family, boxing, etc. The show looks good and all the acting is good--espeially Nicholas Gonzalez as Alex. He's, more or less, become the center of the show. He's very handsome, in good shape and one hell of an actor. Worth seeing.