Customer Reviews

Casi Casi

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A delightful picture made in Puerto Rico and in a league with many Hollywood productions, the writers/directors have managed to extract excellent preformances from the amateur teenage cast. Hollywood tends to use older actors in teenage roles who can look back at their adolescence and express what they felt objectively (Stockard Channing was 32 when she starred in Grease). Mssrs Vallés managed to get these teenagers to show all their angst, sexual frustrations and romantic aspirations even though they may not even understand them now. There was a true sense of discipline and professionalism in all aspects of the production. Although this movie is in Spanish, the mostly Anglo audience reacted effusively to the situations and even to the spoken jokes--this mainly due to the excellent subtitle translation and timing. The mix of suspense and comedy was enhanced by the excellent musical score that made the action seem like a choreographed ballet. The character of the school Principal, played by Marian Pabón (who is the only professional actor in the cast), was perfectly executed with time-bomb constrained subtlety as she tried to take control of the students while repressing her own sexual frustrations. The Valles Brothers affectionately remember their heritage with a subtle allusion to their grandfather, the late Mario Pabón--TV producer/director, in the form of a gingerly placed photograph. I'm sure he is proud.

Casi casi is a small budget movie that belongs to a very interesting and often unexplored movie genre: Latin-American teen flicks. But don`t be fool by the small budget or the teen flick parts. Although Casi casi was made by two first time directors, eight first time film actors in leading roles, and with only one digital camera, Casi casi comes through as a truly enjoyable film for young an old alike.

I recommend this movie mainly because it is a very well written story, something that unfortunately is seldom seen in Puerto Rican films. The narrative flows very naturally and very efficiently. The story captures the audience in its very first 15 minutes, making them totally forget that they are watching a digitally shot movie. Another important aspect of the story is that it departs considerably from the socio-political themes that heavily predominate in Puerto Rican cinema. Casi casi breaks new ground by being the first Puerto Rican movie in recent years to totally dismiss this in order to concentrate on an often forgotten demographic in the Puerto Rican entertainment business; 8 to 11 year olds, and preteens. It is, in essence, a very good family movie with a bit of adventure, a bit of action, a bit of comedy, a bit of romance, and lots of heart.

Although its sets and photographic value are generally average (the behind the scenes demonstrates why), the postproduction immediately raises eyebrows for its high quality. Casi casi is very probably the first Puerto Rican movie in a long long time to have its own classical score. Written by Peter Mills and performed by the New York repertory orchestra, the classical score fills many voids in the movie, making it the most notable part of the movie. I can say that without this score this would have been an immensely inferior production. The score is basically 50% of the movie. In addition to the score, Casi casi also pays homage to its tropical roots with its very own salsa score (done by Frankie Ruiz & Jerry Medina) that will surely stick to you for a while.

Almost all the main parts (excluding the adult characters) were first time teen actors. Except for some minor awkward moments with the main character's (Emilio's) tone of voice, the acting is very good. The acting in Casi casi can undoubtedly hold up to the professional actors from other Puerto Rican productions. In my opinion, there was nothing amateur in any of these kids' acting, except of course for the character of Ángel. He sucked, he was horribly bad.

Finally, I also recommend this movie because it is a very good movie. Lots of meat in its bones. It is a fun movie. If you want to see an interesting foreign fun film for the whole family, then Casi casi is for you.

The movie is a must-see for anyone who has ever been in high school and remembers those student council races. It's a film that makes you laugh from beginning to end, with the stereotypical, mean high school principal, unsuspecting teachers, and of course, your "group" of unforgettable friends. The film is clean and good for the whole family. The added bonus is great footage of the Island of Puerto Rico and a catchy musical score. I bought 10 copies for family and friends!

I ordered the film Casi Casi for use in my Spanish class for Non-heritage speakers, as another means of incorporating culture into my classroom. I watch all films beforehand, and I am so glad that I did, as there are several words (common amongst teenagers) that absolutely disqualify this film for classroom use. Unless you have a means of editing the film, I don't recommend it for the classroom.

High School Spanish teachers - this is the movie you have been waiting for - no sex, no violence - but high interest for kids! Buy it today!

In a foreign language classroom, nothing seems to bring the language into context like a good foreign film. The challenge for a high school language teacher such as myself, is to find films that are relevant, appropriate, and culturally affirmative for my classroom.

"Casi, Casi" is a delightful film that captures the wacky misadventures of painfully self-conscious and joyfully social teenagers at a Puerto Rican high school. The spirit of this film and its story connect with students drawing them into the language and culture without force. Students actually care what happens to the characters. Instead of showing students some "weird" different culture, it humanizes spanish-speakers, showing kids just like them, dealing with problems just like them, in a school just like theirs.

I loved the "accento puertorriqueño" and the inside view of life in a high school where they speak Spanish. My students had great discussions comparing their own group of friends to those of Emilio and wondering what crazy things they would get themselves into just because they like a girl.

I was hoping to show this to my high school students, but the language in the subtitles is awful. I think the language is much worse than a typical US PG-13 movie so be aware this is not PG material. (For schools, this can be a very touchy subject!) It is a cute movie and IF I could show it to them or find some way to bleep out all the bad words in the subtitles, my students would really enjoy it. As it is now, though, I'm the only one who is enjoying it.

Casi Casi is a very enjoyable movie. It brings back all the memories and angst of high school. The characters are well developed and performed, from the stern principal, students and teachers down to the endearing janitor.
Emilio & Jacklynne, the would be sweet hearts, are surrounded by a cast of classmates and one delightful interloper. With out spoiling the story, I can say that all ends well with some surprizing twists. Of course there are many hi-jinx along the way. The musical score, by Peter Mills, is excellent as is the Latin music by Frankie Perez. Tony Valles & Jaime Valles have outdone themselves on their first movie. The Chicago Latino Film Festival, the Philadelphia Film Festival and the New York International Latino Film Festival agree. The subtitles are so very well done that the movie flows along effortlessly. So treat yourself to a fun movie!

Teachers-- watch it first. I DO show this movie in my classroom, but I also know exactly when to stand in front of the screen "by mistake". There are only a few moments that I block (almost all involving swears except for one scene in which the main character refers to a girl as the "root of his sexual frustrations"... I just don't want to open up THAT conversation in class ). However, this is a very enjoyable film that makes my students laugh and opens up a discussion comparing our school community in California with the school portrayed in Puerto Rico. The actors portraying teenagers ACTUALLY ARE teenagers :) and my students warm up to them.

It was such a joy to watch this funny teenage caper. All of the acting done by these young actors is wonderfully rich. The story line is completely engaging and you can't help but wonder how things will turn out for the young hero at each plot twist. Well done! Perfect for teens.