A Rock and Roll Pioneer
Added 1/30/2010
Lou Diamond Phillips plays the legendary 1950s rock and roll pioneer Ritchie Valens in this musical biopic. Lou Diamond Phillips gives a wonderful performance of a the singer who turned a new generation onto the influential Chicano rock music that inspired other Tex-Mex rock artists such as Los Lobos who preformed the title song, Santana, Los Lonely Boys and countless others. He was successful at a time when there were very few Latinos in the American Rock/Pop scene... He is considered the first Latino ever to successfully crossover into Rock mainstream.
Ritchies' musical talents were encouraged by his mother and brother, although his brother would become envious and jealous as he rose to fame. Rosana De Soto plays his loving mother who is supportive of her sons' musical aspirations. His older brother, Bob was a malicious ex-con, who loved his brother but he was jealous of the attention his mother gave to him. Esai Morales gives a very good performance as his unhappy, alcoholic brother who grows extremely bitter as Ritchie rises to stardom.
The soundtrack also includes songs sung by Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, and Jackie Wilson. If you enjoy late 50's movies, you will like this movie that is suitable for the entire family. I'd like to see a remake where they include a music CD of all the songs he made popular during his short eight-month career.
4 ½ STARS
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The story of rock 'n' roll performer Ritchie Valens, who died in a plane crash in 1959, along with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. This movie is one of the best biographical movies ever made. Every part of movie is perfect: The acting of Lou Diamond Phillips and Esai Morales is amazing. The writing, directing, and visuals are all great. The story gives you eveything you need to know about the the life of Ritchie Valens, his rise to fame with his music, and his tragic death. You realize in so many way's why Ritche became a legend. I highly recommend this movie to everyone. I guarantee you will not be dissapointed after seeing it.
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A triumph and a legacy
Added 6/29/2009
I don't recall how many times I've viewed "La Bamba," or even if it's a true depiction of Valens' life, but it never fails to move me. The brilliance of the performances and direction aside, Ritchie's story, as told, the film never fails to move me and inspire respect for the pioneers of 50's rock. If you are not moved by this brilliant film and all it stand for, I can only wonder. with regret, when you, not Ritchie, died. Essential viewing, a classic -- timeless and a cinematic wonder.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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"Lou Diamond Phillips' BEST role ... WOW
Added 6/2/2009
While the star of this story IS Richie Valens, the actor that created the persona ... is Lou Diamond Phillips ... ... this is a GREAT performance of a very tragic story ... "WE" ALL lost part of our culture when this young man died... His songs told stories that EVERYONE knows personally ... "Labamba isn't rock & roll" ... "It is the way I do it" ... YES!~!!!!! IT IS!!!!!!!!!
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Love that song!
Added 3/27/2009
I liked this film; sad that one so talented and so very young had to have his life ended in such a tragic way.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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A Rock and Roll Pioneer
Added 1/30/2010
Lou Diamond Phillips plays the legendary 1950s rock and roll pioneer Ritchie Valens in this musical biopic. Lou Diamond Phillips gives a wonderful performance of a the singer who turned a new generation onto the influential Chicano rock music that inspired other Tex-Mex rock artists such as Los Lobos who preformed the title song, Santana, Los Lonely Boys and countless others. He was successful at a time when there were very few Latinos in the American Rock/Pop scene... He is considered the first Latino ever to successfully crossover into Rock mainstream.
Ritchies' musical talents were encouraged by his mother and brother, although his brother would become envious and jealous as he rose to fame. Rosana De Soto plays his loving mother who is supportive of her sons' musical aspirations. His older brother, Bob was a malicious ex-con, who loved his brother but he was jealous of the attention his mother gave to him. Esai Morales gives a very good performance as his unhappy, alcoholic brother who grows extremely bitter as Ritchie rises to stardom.
The soundtrack also includes songs sung by Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, and Jackie Wilson. If you enjoy late 50's movies, you will like this movie that is suitable for the entire family. I'd like to see a remake where they include a music CD of all the songs he made popular during his short eight-month career.
4 ½ STARS
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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The story of rock 'n' roll performer Ritchie Valens, who died in a plane crash in 1959, along with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. This movie is one of the best biographical movies ever made. Every part of movie is perfect: The acting of Lou Diamond Phillips and Esai Morales is amazing. The writing, directing, and visuals are all great. The story gives you eveything you need to know about the the life of Ritchie Valens, his rise to fame with his music, and his tragic death. You realize in so many way's why Ritche became a legend. I highly recommend this movie to everyone. I guarantee you will not be dissapointed after seeing it.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
A triumph and a legacy
Added 6/29/2009
I don't recall how many times I've viewed "La Bamba," or even if it's a true depiction of Valens' life, but it never fails to move me. The brilliance of the performances and direction aside, Ritchie's story, as told, the film never fails to move me and inspire respect for the pioneers of 50's rock. If you are not moved by this brilliant film and all it stand for, I can only wonder. with regret, when you, not Ritchie, died. Essential viewing, a classic -- timeless and a cinematic wonder.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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