El Cantante - Review

The people who dont like this movie are crazy!!!!! I have seen it like 3 times and I now own the DVD. This movie is one of the realest movies Ive seen. Marc & J-Lo did and EXCELLENT job portraying the characters. You may not have agreed with their life style, but it was still on point. It doesnt seem like people who left the negative comments are Boriqua, at least not a real boriqua straight from Puerto Rico, or a ghetto eating arroz con habichuelas....lol. You got to be a surving, been through the struggle, lived in the ghetto, corner bodega shopping, alcapuria eating Puerto Rican to appreciate this movie. I guarantee the people who left the negative comments are not REAL puerto ricans, thier the stuck up kind. Ya tu sabes!? Anyway, dont hate...appreciate!

Yeah, Yeah we all know that Jennifer isn't the greatest of actresses but give her a break. Let's face it, she must be doing something right if she's getting paid millions of dollars just to fart. So stop with the ridiculous and asinine negative criticism, because we all know if you were offered the amount of quid she makes, you too would've took on the role, whether you knew how to act or not. Please stop the madness already and continue on with your simple existences and stop wasting your precious energies on such nonsensical things. Who cares if the movie wasn't depicted as it should've been. The fact of the reality is that it's HOLLYWOOD and movies now a days are just trying to make money so they'll exploit whomever they please to make their millions. For all those "haters" out there, GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!!!!! I too am hispanic (Puerto Rican and Dominican) and to be frank it really hurts to see our people get teased, mocked and scrutinized by those that deem themselves superior. If you are Puerto Rican you are automatically assumed to be on government help, you consume and distribute any and all types of drugs, you're a lowlife etc., but GUESS WHAT???..........we do it to our damn selves and you know why because we don't stick together like a unit. We are all over the place. Jewish people stick together and how often do you see them in street corners asking for 10 cents to go buy liquor or drugs? You stop to think that we are the ones that create these ridiculous stereo types. I mean really. Read a book for once. TV is full of SHIT. Unless you are watching a movie it isn't worth it. Movies are fantasy, fiction, whatever category you want to place them in and we know that. Commercials make you impulsively buy and look into things that in reality are not necessary. The news is only good for the weather because everything else they talk about is overly exaggerated and they make a blackout sound like we are being invaded by other worldly manifestations. There so much I could go on for days. Anyhow we need to stick together as a people and stop dwelling and wasting valuable energy on BULL SHIT! All that energy could be put into reading a book, studying for a test etc. instead of wishing you were JLO and hating her because of her bad acting. Who cares, maybe you should've thought twice before renting, buying, downloading or going to the theater to see her movie.

I know nothing about this music (anglo, older) but watched it twice because I'm studying Spanish. It's not clear to me why so much time was spent on the relationship at the expense of the music and career- maybe the studio wanted more drama, sex, drugs, etc, maybe Puchi had some rights in the matter? For those of us who knew nothing about salsa and Hector Lavoe, we're not any the wiser, and that's a shame. Too much time was spent covering the same material re the marriage. I thought Jennifer Lopez did as good a job as I've ever seen her do, and she's certainly beautiful, as it seems Puchi was, but she's such a huge star and sucess (in so many venues) and has had so much exposure, that it's hard to suspend belief and forget it's her. I thought Mark Anthony's acting, singing and the music were excellent. Not bad at all.

To me, the question is how can it be possible to have people like JLo, be actors, and singers and have any sort of success at all in the first place. Isn´t it obvious! When I heard she even appeared in the Actors Studio - with James Lipton... I mean, this lady hardly even knows how to express herself decently .. Man! WHAT´S HAPPENING. This movie is an insult to the memory of a real genius, Hector Lavoe.

Though I am not a Lavoe expert I absolutely loved this movie. Contrary to what many others may think Lopez did an amazing job potraying the complex character of Puchi, though I'm sure her character was glorified in this flim. She portrayed the epitome of a hard talking American born Puerto Rican, and you couldn't help but love her even for all her faults. For those that criticize this movie for being too much about Puchi, one must realize that this movie was meant to show the turbulent love story between Puchi and Hector. I can understand though that for die hard Lavoe fans that may not have been enough. Marc played Lavoe amazingly, from his beginning as a somewhat innocent and wide eyed newcomer to NewYork, to the defeated man in the end of the movie, and everything in between. This movie truly does show the good and bad that went on throughout Lavoe's life. One of my favorite parts of the movie is Puchi remarking on how she and Hector had "real love, not that new age soul mate shit". I feel like that line perfectly sums up the movie as well as Puchi and Lavoe's relationship.

Second, Ms. Lopez is no Rosita Dolores Alverío (Rita Moreno). I have more respect for Rosie Perez..... She wasted all the momentum she gained following an amazing portrayl of "Selena"..... She's now the token "spic" whenever the hollywood types need one.....
"Amazing Portrayl of Selena?" I can count on one hand the number of lines she had in Selena. A majority of the movie was Selena concerts and her great music. Lopez pulled it off because for most of the movie, she just giggled and danced. I am not a Lopez fan at all, but she hardly plays the token spic in movies. Most of Lopez' portrayls are of caucasian women; furthermore, how many other latino actors out there are type cast as token "spics?" Plenty. Most of which are like Lopez and don't speak spanish. You don't have to speak spanish to look like a hispanic.

these gentlemen were conductors, musicians, opera singers, and master of ceremonies all at the same time...... The motivation to be accepted and loved was evident in there styles...And for that they sacrificed their health, relationships, and families....

For all the praise out there about Hector Lavoe and the injustice the movie did for his true character, you would think there would be hundreds of web sites and literature to support these claims. An earlier post compared his achievements to that of Ray Charles and the depiction of Ray Charles in the movie Ray. Yes, Ray suffered the same ailments as Lavoe with drugs and family hardship, however, he did not let it take over the rest of his life. He overcame a handicap to become one of the worlds most renowned musicians, he did not allow the drugs to ruin his life and went on to do many great things. Did Lavoe take a stance for civil rights? did he give back to his community as a humanitarian and not just a musician as did Ray Charles? this is hardly a comparison.

This movie was an insult, although it was made for good reasons, it was nowhere near depicting Hector Lavoe. His story is so deep that this movie should have had oscar caliber content, but sadly there was none. There are actually people from (you guessed it) Puerto Rico who want to make another movie based on his life with none of the actors in "El Cantante" except Ismael Miranda and all the other Salsa greats who had no idea this movie would be portrayed in such a horrible way. Look for it in the future.

Human,
As a Puerto Rican THAT was a racist and dumb comment. Who cares about large numbers of "Latinos" when that number is inflated by illegals and people that are not PUERTO RICANS! I am only concerned about Puerto Ricans. Plus, this is not some competition with African Americans for crumbs off of massa's table. Hell, African Americans paved the way for all of us minorities so to act like our slight surpassing is a one up is ridiculous. We need to worry about economic empowerment not numbers. The Asians has the smaller population of both groups, yet they are more econmically empowered than both Latinos and African Americans. Get a clue and move pass your "largest minority ( oxymoron) obsession.

I digress.....

Now I saw this movie and I think that it skipped about too much. Marc Anthony was great, Jennifer I could have lived without seeing in it. Just like someone said , in the movie Ray they showed the good and bad. It is what it is. This did not have any less respect for Hector Lavoe. He was one of the most awesome salsa singers of our time.

i can honestly say that this movie is probably the worst movie ive ever seen. its worse than stigmata, disturbing behavior, giglio. etc. i am upset that j-lo would even have a clean conscience to say that she produced this film. it had no plot, poor acting... in a nut shell it was such a horror that not even steven king could ever match. i feel they shouldave left that poor man resting peacefully in his grave, than to ever put out such hot garbage of a film.

The movie was about JLO not the Greatest Salsa Singer.

JLO's main focus was to show off that she is self centered.

If JLO would have really wanted everyone to see what Hector was made off, she would have made the movie without her.

I support Latinos who really can act and sing and honor family values.

The biggest mistake was casting JLo in the movie. She sucks and has always sucked. And for the puto who hinted every latino/a artist uses drugs you are full of it. There have always been many who have not used drugs (eg Celia Cruz). This stupid movie overly concentrated on drug use instead of his music THAT'S why we don't like it.

I'm in the same boat as most posters.....I'm old enough to know there was a trend in Salsa.....old enough to know it was local but that it would spread eventually....

Looking back all latin artists fought racism, sexism, and bigotry..... These struggles came across ironically in the most upbeat rythms and tempos of Salsa..... Disco was party music...... But Salsa was poetry, history, and self expression put to music.....

I will not see the movie "El Cantante".......

First, "Marc Anthony" is an entertainer.....he's a homeboy from the Bronx that's been polished off and made appealing to everyone..... he makes a mockery of true pioneers by claiming he's a true Puertoriquen Salsa singer.....Please, housemusic, to R&B, to whatever pays the bills....
"Marc Anthony" is no Ruben Blades....

Second, Ms. Lopez is no Rosita Dolores Alverío (Rita Moreno). I have more respect for Rosie Perez..... Neither Ms. Perez nor Ms. "Moreno" "prostituted" their heritage in the name of the mighty dollar.... She wasted all the momentum she gained following an amazing portrayl of "Selena"..... She's now the token "spic" whenever the hollywood types need one.....She has time to turn it around....She has the connections.....She just needs to stop selling out with the fake accents... Learning Spanish would help her cause as well....

From what I can remember and from what I've been able to research, Mr. Lavoe ranks as high as Frank Sinatra in popularity...... these gentlemen were conductors, musicians, opera singers, and master of ceremonies all at the same time...... The motivation to be accepted and loved was evident in there styles...And for that they sacrificed their health, relationships, and families.... So the concept behind
"El Cantante" is not a novel one..... It's sad that egos blocked the path of a true Oscar worthy tribute and produced a "Razzy"..... What's hollywood going to say when funding is sought for Ms. Cruz's film..?

Andy Garcia, B. Del Toro, Selma Hayeck, Raul Julia (RIP) would have pulled off a better performance.....

For those that keep insisting Latinos "support each other" or "help prop each other up" or whatever....

What the heck are you talking about......The Hispanic population has surpassed the African American in size.... Hispanics are gaining ground in every segment of education, economics, music, you name it......

Here's a better idea..... Stay in school.....get a degree....invest money.....donate and volunteer....clean up your neighborhood.....Pull your pants up.....don't be afraid of peer pressure if you get good grades in school.....and support those politicians that will advance the human agenda not just the American or the Latino..... I don't give two bits if the shirt, car, or movie is "Hispanic".... Quality, that's the bottom line..... Read up on Japanese culture...... Then talk about support..... Hispanics are the worlds best kept secret .....only limited by our own insecurity and fear of success......

Wonder why Sharpton and Jackson preach on about blacks?......because they don't have real jobs.....A black man has a shot at running for president...and he may even run for vice-president.....racism? yes it's everywhere you step on the planet.....overcome and adapt.......or step aside and let the next generation through!!!!!!!!!!!!

I grew up in the late 1907-s 1980's to the thrilling salsa music of the fania label. I was, and still am, a huge fan of the genius-musicians of that era: Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Johnny Pacheco, etc. etc. What lyrics! What rythm, what sound! It made you dance, it made you laugh, it made you cry. I have found that the salsa of the 90's and post millenium is a far cry (with some noteable exceptions) from what it was. To this day I my heart races with the building tension in the music and cynical multi-layered interpretation of "Periodico de ayer", the propelling dance beat to the tragic, yet uplifting (somehow he does it) "El dia de mi suerte". Hector Lavoe is a part of the american pantheon of great artists and singers along with his musical colleagues of that great era.
I often wondered why there was so little published about Hector Lavoe's life or, as a matter of fact, salsa as a musical art form as important as any other. I was thrilled to hear that two well-known musician artist's would be bringing Hector's story and artistic accomplishment to the screen. What was it that gave him that lyrical ability, that fire, that ability to connect with people in the face of all of his personal problems?
I also wanted to hear the music, feel what it might have been like to be a part of this musical movement; some insight.
I saw the movie even after reading the mediocre to negative reviews. I was sorely dissapointed in this movie, and do believe it is a tabloid style that showed many of the negatives relative to the positives of Hector Lavoe's life and music. The disjointed narrative and lack of focus on Lavoe's character and the constant, ever present camera panning to Ms. Lopez was a massive distraction and ultimately, an annoyance. I was hoping to feel the fire of the scene; I'm talking about the thrill of creating this amazing music. That is mostly missing from this movie that could have been a fascinating window into a timeless music moment and a fascinating biopic as well. I do think Willie Colon's comments on his website do speak the truth, although I must admit I wish the Lavoe/Colon collaboration could have kept up as I think they were the best salsa duo ever. Would have like to seen more about that.
Go to the store and buy original Lavoe recordings and Colon's music and be blown away by a musical rythm train interpreted by lyrical genius. See some of the original videos and see why these people were so popular and remain salsa icons. They are sheer talent. The movie fails to translate this and ultimately fails. My only hope is that more people will become interested in the original Fania music!

Does any one knows if they are going to show this movie in OHIO

As a Puerto Rican i think this movie was awesome, I commend J-Lo and marc for trying to do something different, they didnt want to make it like every other biographical movie, They made it as unique as Hector was by telling the story through someone elses eyes, and who better to tell the story than his main lady. The music was great, anyone could see that hispanic or not. I do believe though that the movie was more for the hispanic palate, and thats why its getting so many bad reviews from the non hispanics. Say what you want about me but this movie was one of the most unique , well put together movies ive seen in a long time, and if you dont agree, then u are lying!!!!!

i haven't seen the movie, but i feel proud that talented people like jlo & marc made a movie about our great singer hector lavoe. everyone criticize the movie, i respect that, but before the movie, nobody cared to know, understood or even talked about hector like is happening now. even my son, who is nine, now sings hector's songs. (never did before, eventhough i play my tapes on sundays) i believe these two "puertoricans" brought "life" back to hector's music, his legacy, our culture as puertoricans, latinos and salseros. instead of hating and stepping on our own people, let's support one another. Most of our great artists have used drugs, have been irresponsible, etc. however, are still remembered for their great talents and artisitc achievements. i believe that is the message jennifer & marc want to get across. no matter all the wrong doing & the turmoil of his life, hector was and still is a el cantante de los cantantes!!!!

After reading many of the comments from this webpage I can tell that the movie was not about Hector (Lavoe) Perez. I don’t care too much about the movie because I don’t consider JL as an actress or Mr. Marc Anthony a salsa singer or actor. The movie is about the life of El Cantante. Does the movie show who this guy was? What was so special about his way of singing? The word Salsa was nothing but a new commercial way of calling the Afro Latino music. Fania Records some how came up with this name. The real name is Guaguanco. Hector was great because he could sing in the way that was easy for the people to follow the songs along with him. He could improvise like no other and that’s what salsa is all about. It looks like the movie focus strongly in his drugs addition, well, all the other musicians was using drugs too, or at least most of them. It was a good idea to make the movie because JL and M Anthony knew that the Latin community would like to see it, so one way or another they will make money. Hector was great for his unique style and every day he sounds better and better. The movie, that’s just a movie and if anyone wants to make a good film production about the time of the salsa uprising, it is necessary to have a lot more caliber than JL and Marc Anthony. There is no picture of Hector (Lavoe) Perez in the cover of the movie from what I see in this webpage. That is really a shame.

My boyfriend and I went to see El Cantante the first week it hit theaters, we had to travel to another state in order to watch it due to lack of theaters supporting the project. My family which is broken down into 4 generations attended the showing as well. We all loved and enjoyed the life and tragic loss of one of Salsa's pioneers. I have to say that I as well as my family are truly saddened by all the bad reviews attracting this movie. The acting was great by both Marc and Jenifer as well as all the up and coming Latino actors. Lots of people have asked my opinion on this movie, and I gave my honest opinion I wouldn't change anything about it, The movie shows Puerto Ricans in all different walks of life I loved it and so did my family it was such a powerful film and I'm so glad this film was introduce to all 4 generations of my family Hector's legacy will live on. I'm so glad the project was put together by Latinos this should only inspire Latinos that anything is possible when you have the right people on your corner its time to stick together and support our Latinos and there projects because if we don't who will!!!! So please put aside all your bad stereotypes that you may have about Jenifer Lopez she has made history and she did it to make it just a bit easier for the next Latino.............

for those that were not around when hector was, hector was very famous all around the world from china to japan and all of the americas his life was full of drugs and that was just his life same as ray charles, life. why not say something about that or critisize that movie. But the big problem here is that this was a movie that two Puerto Ricans made and thats the big problem and even the same Puerto Ricans get confuse with there loyalty and honor to our patria and our people. I personally Love the movie and was the greatest movie ever made from this two great Puerto Rican musicians and actrist. VIVA PUERTO RICO, QUE VIVA HECTOR LAVOE.

The movie did not meet the expectations the audience wants to see. In my opinion, Jennifer Lopez should carefully choose the roles she plays in movies and the depths of storylines. But I think she excels best in romantic comedy films and she's known in that genre.

It's interesting to find so many critics claiming that there was no depth in the
storyline. I agree. BUT, it has left me wanting MORE!!!! This film has only grazed the tip of the iceberg known as Hector Lavoe. As a child-(Nuyorican)- growing up in the 70's and 80's, Salsa music was a household staple. Yet, I never really knew much about the artists that pioneered this genre. This film offered me a glimpse into the life of this musical icon. Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez Sizzled!!!!!!!. They both channeled the very essence of that decandent era. Jennifer was convincing in her portrayal of the overbearing and thick skinned Puchi. While Marc, although not Lavoe, gave the role his soul. It is nostalgic. Summer nights in CP (Central Park), Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), Piraguas (snow cones). Awesome soundtrack. Overall I definately give it 4 out of 5 goosebumps****

After watching this movie, I sometimes forgot that it was about El Cantante. It should have been called the Puchi story. Too much emphasis was added to his addiction, as opposed to his musical and artistic side. JLo's scenes with her ridiculous attempt at sounding like Rosie Perez was a bit too much. What was she thinking??? I truly hope she leaves the acting/singing to the professionals!!

I enjoyed this movie and loved Marc Anthony as Hector. I still enjoy my RECORDS (yes, records!!!!) with Hector, Willie Colon, Yomo Toro, etc. from the '70's with the Fania All Stars Live at the Cheetah, among others. I think Hector was so complicated that any movie that would do his life, stormy relationships, illness, drug problems and music justice would have to last a minimum of 4 hours! What an amazing talent lost way too soon. My hope is that the movie will encourage people to listen to and enjoy some of these great songs.

THIS MOVIE IS PURE...Puerto Rican BASURA!!!!