I Love Miami (2006)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Film: B-

 

 

Alejandro Gonzales Padilla’s I Love Miami (2006) is an entertaining family comedy about three generations waiting for Castro to fall.  Well, at least the grandfather has a secret that he was possibly part of the overthrow of the Batista junta.  His grandson is being picked on and bullied at school and mother is trying just to keep it all together.  The idea is to deconstruct Castro, but it may be too lite in respect to history.

 

Of course, he is now ill and his brother is running Cuba, so some of the jokes have already dated, yet those who live the Cuban-American Experience will be amused at the knowing moments in the film and chemistry between the various cast members.  If only similar Hollywood product, independent or otherwise, was so competent.

 

The letterboxed 1.85 X 1 is nicely shot, but detail, color and definition can be an issue.  I liked the look and locations involved and they actually add to the fun.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has no real surrounds, is somewhat well recorded and has some fun scoring.  Extras are a few trailers, but this could have used more because the film is that interesting.  Give it a shot if you can get it.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo