From Mexico With Love (2009)

Good movie but grossly overrated

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

I'd heard that "From Mexico with Love" had been called the Mexican answer to "Rocky", so it went straight on my list of films to see. I was glad it did.Kuno Becker plays Hector, a cotton-picking teenager who makes a meager wage working for the cruel landowner Big Al (Stephen Lang). One day Hector stumbles upon Big Al's son boxing, and Hector gets in the ring. Throughout the film, Hector's boxing career grows with the help of his trainer Billy (Bruce McGill).FMwL brings nothing new to the tired genre of boxing, but its simple magic through actors like McGill and Becker that make it stand out as a fine independent addition. McGill is truly exceptional, showing us yet again that he is criminally underrated. Stephen Bauer and Stephen Lang turn in great performances as well, and Becker more than holds his own on-screen with actors like this.A very well-done drama that would make a fine Saturday-afternoon viewing with the family.

I loved this movie. It is a classic story, but I loved it. Usually you have to suspend reality a little bit for every movie, but this one seemed as real as a documentary. I grew up in south Texas ranch culture, and I felt like I was reliving my childhood. Everything in the movie is perfect, and believable. I never heard of either of the main actors, but I wish them great careers and many blessings. I seldom watch a movie twice, but I could see this one again. Makes me want to head for Laredo. It makes me sad that so often Hollywood downplays spirituality nowadays, or distorts it, but the spirituality of the Mexican workers is both inspiring and accurate. I also love that the movie is clean. I can recommend this movie to anyone without being embarrassed. I try to see a movie a week, and this is one of the top two for me this year. Now I want to check out Kuno Becker's other work. Usually, a movie makes you like the good guys and hate the bad guys, but I felt compassion for both sides. The movie-maker doesn't condescend to us by making one side evil.

Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to watch the unreleased version of From Mexico With Love. .. .and yes, I LOVED IT !!! It had a story to tell, emotions to be felt, and most of all, a way of thinking about life and the way we treat others, to walk away with. It's more than a exciting boxing movie, it's more than a love story, it's more than about immigration reform ... IT's all of the above! I can't wait to see this movie on the BIG SCREEN!! It is a GRAMMY hit !!!! I know both Mexico and American audience will love this movie. Anyone who has immigrated from one country to another will understand the meaning behind the story in the movie. And anyone who has a heart, will have a bigger heart, after watching this movie. What more can I say, but it will be part of my movie collection.

I was recently invited to a sneak preview of "From Mexico With Love", produced by Cinamour Entertainment, directed by Jimmy Nickerson. I was pleasantly surprised by a touching story of Latin immigrants and their struggle to survive. I felt Hector, portrayed by Kuno Becker, played a convincing role of a young man determined to make a difference for his people. The magic of Bruce McGill is evident in his performance of Billy, the trainer. There were some humorous scenes, where his style came through and showcased some of his musical ability. The cinematography was awesome, and the special effects brought it all together.A must see heart-warming movie!