michaelmstudent
This movie wasn't bad it had it's moments that dragged you in like the unchaining of the phone near the end of the movie, which could symbolize the family being unchained from their grandmother's shekels which had the movie go on to do scenes that didn't truly represented teens. For instance when they had victor constantly licking his lips because the writer of the movie thinks that's how teenage boys act.
AsifZamir
I love this movie and thought it was very well done. It doesn't just have to be enjoyed by specific race of people like some other reviewers are suggesting, it can be enjoyed by any intelligent person.Anyone who's grown up in poverty, raised by grandparents or guardians can appreciate this heart wrenching movie.Instability, poverty, trying to get by while still performing your responsibilities (school, chores etc) are themes of Raising Victor Vargas. Of course I loved Judy Marte's performance and will now watch any movie that she's in.A lot of people live this way, and it's increasing all over. Unless we get back to a place where there is stability in families, Raising Victor Vargas will not just be a movie, it will become a documentary.
The Hunter
Why anyone would rate this unfavorably is beyond me? Loved this movie. All the talk about ethnicity I think was out of place. To me it was more a story of a grandmother trying to raise kids going into puberty yet still holding fast to her values, though she learns eventually to be flexible. And for those too crass or wounded to remember what innocence was like and coming to terms with trying to mature as a teenager, maybe they should watch this film till the'penny drops'and they 'get it!' Superb film, especially from a filmmaker just starting out.Judy Marte was extraordinary. Her eyes captivate and her face gives off this air of mystery. I found myself wanting to delve more into the character she was portraying by her acting. I hope more good roles come her way to showcase her talent. The entire cast were enjoyable.
awmurshedkar
RAISING VICTOR VARGAS – 9.3/10 Director: Peter Sollett Writer: Peter Sollett With an unknown cast and coming from a debut director, the film turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. Raising Victor Vargas is a 'coming of age' film, if one might call it that, but in every sense of the word, extremely mature. With no special effects or dazzling visuals, Raising Victor Vargas is a must watch for sakes of storytelling and scriptwriting.The film revolves around the story of a youngster Victor Vargas, a Dominican teenager, played exceptionally well by Victor Rasuk. Victor, who is out to regain his image after word of his affair with a 'fat' girl leaks to the neighborhood. To rise to his old glory, he must win over the pretty Judy Marte ('Juicy' Judy Gonzalez). For most parts, the story is just that. While detailing it any further would lead to spoilers, watch out for the most interesting aspects of the film, which in this case are precisely those parts which seem least relevant.The film manages to charm, delight and appease with the smallest of details, ones that are almost always overlooked in films seeking to be larger than life. It is as though the writer/director has understood the simplest secret of storytelling. He deals with nuances of the youth, the teenagers and their daily lives in a very refined and mature manner. Not succumbing to obvious temptations of problems facing the youth, the director dodges all the clichés, from drugs to violence, from rape to vengeance.There isn't really much to say about the film. It is shot in a few locations, with limited characters and resources. Yet the performances are fantastic, the script is simple and funny, the acting is outstanding. The film flows from one scene to the next and very soon without actually realizing it, we are living the lives of the characters, laughing and smiling with them, cheering and hooting for them. Sadly, we haven't seen a lot from Sollett since 2002; hope he makes an appearance soon.
AD
