freakfire-1
I was actually surprised that this was fairly good. It wasn't "good" or "excellent", but it is OK enough to enjoy at some points. Not only that, but it has a storyline that has a nice touch near the end.The film begins in mid 80s New York, with Wilson and several drug gangsters. He has a knocked up woman and money set aside. But then things get tricky and he winds up dead. The viewer is left wondering "why?".Thats when it goes to 2007. The child being carried is grown up, has his own woman, but he doesn't know who his father was. Events turn the college student into a man chasing down the past. Eventually things get settled in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. There young Wilson Jr. discovers his father's secret past and why things are they way they are.Without ruining why, the plot twist at the end explains one scene that didn't make sense at the beginning. So that was well done. However, some of the characters didn't exactly fit the bill, especially in the scenes outside New York and Connecticut. Plus, the music was all wrong for much of the film.Some people question "Ana"(Daina Ramirez), the girlfriend of Wilson Jr. She stays with him through the film, but she is seemingly the stereotypical 'damsel'. However, there are many women like that who are soft hearted so I don't have doubts about the character.With everything said, I think the film is moderately good. So have a look and try it out. Its nothing special, but its good enough to draw your attention. "B-"
damfig
Overall, this is a great movie to see. The actors are ones that I enjoy and hope to see have successful careers. The plot was OK, but had moments where it almost brought tears to my eyes as I remembered growing up in a rough Latin culture. This movie did a good job showcasing the black Latin culture and the new Puerto Rico.This movie was a stepping stone in the right direction for Puerto Ricans everywhere. The movie depicted the Puerto Ricans not typically seen in movies. By this comment I mean it showed the Puerto Ricans of many different skin complexions, hair types, language (notice the different Spanish (slangs)), etc. Not only did it show a variety of individuals, the movie somewhat depicted a little bit of the values that make the culture very rich...family unity. I loved the nostalgic moments (can't specify...will ruin surprise).Although it was a great movie, there are a few things that I did not like about it. Personally, I am a little tired of the good guy bad guy plot and would like to see maybe a romantic or comedy movie representing more of the Puerto Rican folks and how we live everyday.Overall great movie. Enough action and drama to keep you entertained.
cakemakerrick
I watched this movie on Christmas night, it was awesome. Everyone always told me about it, but i never took the time to watch it. i am so glad that i watch it, i was so shocked by the suspense. The actors & actresses were great, thank "John Singleton" for having the perfect cast. We have a coffeehouse in Leimert Park. Located in Los Angeles, Ca, and John you frequent at times. Man, when i see you again, i will give you your props, for creating another great film on the scale of Boyz N The Hood. Love the film...Hopefully, there will be many other films of the caliber, by you........... I'll have to watch this one again & again.... I'll let everyone in the Leimert park Village, know about this one... Again, thanks for a great film.........."5th Street Dick's Coffeehouse" Rick
kkheggs
This movie was entertaining, but the acting was horrible. I expected way better work from John Singleton and from actors like Wanda DeJesus, Dania Ramirez and Rick Gonzalez. There were so many holes in the plot that dramatic scenes were turned into slapstick comedy. There were also many anachronisms (a bodega scene in 1985 featured candy and snacks with 2007 packaging) and continuity errors (Wilson's little brother bruised his face after falling off his bike; the bruise was healed later that day. Wilson grew up speaking English, but managed to speak fluent Spanish once he arrived in Puerto Rico). I did like the music in the film, though, and I'll probably buy the soundtrack. I think I understand the vision that John Singleton may have had in making this film, but unfortunately he used a formula that was successful in the '90s and it doesn't work for Illegal Tender.
AD
