Customer Reviews

I Like It Like That Aka Blackout [VHS]

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"I Like It Like That," written and directed by Darnell Martin, tells the story of Lisette (Lauren Velez), a young Latina living in the Bronx. When her husband, Chino (Jon Seda) gets into serious trouble, Lauren must support their family. Her attempts to find self-respect and economic stability bring her into conflict with Chino, with her scheming, materialistic mother-in-law (Rita Moreno), and with a white record company executive (Griffin Dunne). Along the way, she gets advice and moral support from Alexis (Jesse Borrego), her sibling, who is a male-to-female transsexual.

"I Like It" is a film that is full of life. Through his characters, director Martin offers thoughtful insights on ethnicity, gender identity, family ties, economic pressures, and other issues. The Santeria religion is an interesting backdrop to some of the plot. And the film as a whole is well complemented by a diverse musical score: I heard such elements as R&B, rap, and salsa.

The film is enhanced by excellent performances by the mostly Latino cast. It is especially fun to see Latina icon Rita Moreno playing the role of the arrogant mother-in-law (who boasts of her family's "pure Castillian blood") with gusto. Tomas Melly is impressive as Lisette's young son, who faces the temptations of the street. But perhaps the most memorable performance is delivered by Jesse Borrego as the transgendered Alexis; he is alternatingly bitchy, nurturing, witty, and heartbreaking, but always with a core of dignity. I give this film an enthusiastic recommendation.

I LOVE this movie. It's terribly funny, brutally honest and as fine a movie on Nuyoricans as you will find. Lauren Velez is extraordinary as Lissette. Her relationship with her son "C" will bring tears to your eyes. Jon Seda is slammin as the philandering husband who's a whore, but one with a heart who loves his wife and kids. This movie manages to do what most other "minority" movies do not; be funny while tackling serious issues, and honest without resorting to base stereotypes. I pray that Darnell Martin gets more play because of this wonderful debut.

"I Like It Like That," is a film will fascinate mostly anyone interested in Latin culture in the United States. Lissete Linares (Velez) is a homemaker, mother of three young kids, and wife to an unfaithful husband. After a sudden change of events (her husband is arrested for looting) Lisette finds herself out to fend for her and her kids in the gritty, tragic world we know as the South Bronx. Director Darnell Martin, who was a protege of Spike Lee, brings the cast alive utilizing realism and humor, and the spporting cast, especially Jesse Borrego as Lisette's transvestite brother are scene stealers due to their versatility in performing both comically and dramatically. Students of Sociology, Anthropology, and Hispanic Studies should watch this film to understand the true status of Puerto Ricans who in the United States and the effects the economic diaspora of the early 20th Century brought to their development. Viewwers should pay careful attention to the main character's views on welfare, religion, and family to understand that although many Puerto Ricans live in poverty they have what many Hispanics who are successful don't have : happiness. Feminists and Women's Studies students should also take time to view this film to view the essence of Latina sexuality and machismo in Latino culture, and also to see the emergence of an empowered, financially-independent woman from the shackles of male servitude. AN EXCELLENT FILM THAT SHOWS THE POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT!

This high energy and spirited look at a Puerto Rican community in the Bronx provides a wonderful little slice of New York life that is thoroughly enjoyable. I could watch this movie repeatedly and continue to be completely entertained. Not bad, considering it's the director's first feature! Not bad at all.

I had this movie on vhs years ago. My cousin borrowed it and never gave it back. I always wanted to make sure this movie was in my collection. I grew up in the Bronx and I know this is one of the few movies that tell a real story.

The plot is centered around a semi-dysfunctional family in the Bronx. The leading lady's character "Lisette" begins this film totally dependent on her husband for survival and happiness. Her husband "Chino" is a macho latin man, but he finds himself in a position where he can not be dependened upon. They have three children, they're in a run-down apartment in the Bronx, she has suspicions of him being unfaithful, they're out of money, and their marriage is suffering. With all of these things in the plot this could be a serious dramatic film. But this movie takes a lighter approach to viewing this family's troubles. You watch them as they struggle with poverty, infedelity, trust issues and raising children as they're still trying to mature themselves. However, the movie never preaches or judges it simply keeps an affectionate eye on this family and keeps you completely engaged with their story. Throughout this film you'll be rooting for Lisette to come into her own as an independent woman.

Although the movie is energetic and has a fun tone... it is still rooted in the real problems facing this family and there are scenes in this movie that will truly move you. Its these scenes that make the film worthwhile.

There are a couple of veteran actors in this film such as Rita Moreno, and Jesse Borrego that make this movie worth buying. Jesse Borrego's character "Alex or Alexis" is the gem of the film and almost steals the show. The acting is superb and the music is excellent. The twists, sub-plots, and classic New York stories all shown in an imaginitive and fresh way; are what make this movie a winner.

I like it like that is a film like no other, it is as real as it can get. This movie brings me back when growing up in a Spanish Harlem. It is realistic, from the beginning to the end. Each character in this movie is some one we know out there, they are so believable, that one could swear they've come across some of them at some point in their lives.

The plot of the story is very realistic l, from the financial difficulties and struggles that some Latin people in New York City come bypass very day, to the love and romance in the two individuals feel for each other. It's a true example to how every day is a struggle to survive and make ends meet on top of all the discrimination that some go through out in the real world.

Over all, this film will make you cry, laugh and re-think about the struggles that some people have to go through to get to where they are or they want to be.

As a Lauren Valez fan I would have loved this film even if she just came on screen and recited the alphabet. This is a sweet film about the trials of relationships when you have friends and family involved. Jon Seda is great as a tough working father whose wife and family is his Achilles heel. Lauren Valez is the young mother who has to think fast when her husband ends up in jail. Fans of either actor would like this film, it's from the early 1990's, and you can see that their acting skills were still being honed at this stage. I really did like the film though, especially the ambiguous ending. Not bad for a Friday evening treat after a hard week at work.

Lauren Velez gives a perfect performance. The movie feels honest and sincere, and has a "rough around the edges" quality about it that makes it feel genuine. Excellent acting and story. Highly recommended.

This movie is a great portrayal of the difficulties of young latino marriages. I am latina and can relate to every aspect of this movie. I think John Seda and Lauren Velez have a great chemistry which makes this a great film.