LINK:
EC Review, Observer.com 7/31/2007

( http://www.observer.com/2007/j-lo-glows )


J-Lo Glows
by REX REED ----- July 31, 2007

EL CANTANTE

Running Time 106 minutes
Directed By Leon Ichaso
Written By Leon Ichaso, David Darmstaedter, and Todd Antony Bello
Starring Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, John Ortiz

Jennifer Lopez must have learned something from working with people like Ralph Fiennes and Jane Fonda. In El Cantante, she surpasses a one-dimensional script and creates a three-dimensional character out of cardboard. It looks like she's been taking acting lessons. The movie is a brassy, unexceptional chronicle of the rise and fall of the tragic, self-destructive 60's salsa king Hector Lavoe, and an obvious labor of love for J-Lo's husband, Marc Anthony -who sings and swings his way through the leading role-and the torrid tamale herself, who co-produced and plays Hector's tempestuous wife, Puchi. Whatever else is missing from El Cantante, you can't say it lacks passion.

Hector was a musician, singer and drug addict who arrived in New York from his native Puerto Rico in 1963, electrified the music scene with the beat of a conga drum, and died of AIDS in 1993, at 46. This is his story, based on a filmed interview with Puchi after the Latin icon's death that forms the structure. Although she stuck by "el cantante" (the singer) for 20 years, theirs was never a conventional marriage. After two years and one baby, she had to drag him out of an orgy in her wedding dress to get him to the ceremony. And the beat goes on, as he overdoses on heroin and passes out onstage from alcohol and cocaine; she tries to shield their overindulged son from the spotlight; and their screaming matches become famous from Manhattan to San Juan. For 106 minutes, you trace the pull of stardom from Lavoe's humble Puerto Rican roots to the U.S., where his throbbing musical style hits pay dirt with the help of the ambitious, tough-talking beauty who becomes both his adviser and partner, in and out of bed. That bed was often shared by whores of both sexes, but Puchi learned how to fight, forgive and hold on. You see Hector in action onstage with his celebrated collaborator, trombonist Willie Colón (John Ortiz, who did a dazzling job of re-creating the music), and in business forming their moneymaking Fania Records label. The music is the real heart of the film; it is thrilling to rock along with the great hits by Rubén Blades, Joe Cuba, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Pacheco and other salsa legends, and Marc Anthony performs them brilliantly.

Unfortunately, when the music stops, the movie grinds to a halt along with it. As Hector and Puchi move from the glory days of the 70's to the bleak realities of the 80's, their relationship flames out and Mr. Anthony's performance energy in the sold-out concerts and pulsating recording sessions is not always matched by his lack of charisma in the scenes of wrenching domestic drama. Films about the personal tragedies of public figures are nothing new and the career downfalls of beloved musicians (angst, disease and death) have been more poetically chronicled in better films, from Bird to the recent Édith Piaf biopic, La Vie en Rose. Still, director Leon Ichaso scores with an emotional final tribute that incorporates footage of the real Hector Lavoe's emotional funeral in 1993, when thousands of people jammed the streets of New York to pay their respects.

The English translations of Spanish lyrics slide up, down and sideways across every corner of the screen, like the old Accutron sign over Times Square. The parade of classic songs enrich the soundtrack with all the lustiness, joy and spirit salsa music conveys. And J-Lo really delivers the goods. I haven't always been a fan, but she makes this movie a must-see. Shaking her booty in backless gowns with balls of brass, a hornet's nest of hair by Westinghouse, oversize sunglasses and cherry red lipstick on fire, she is shockingly good. The music is unforgettable, but she brings a pulsating rhythm to El Cantante that is uniquely her own.

3 / 16 Comments -

. If his wife was a "load (sic)-mouth, belligerent, egotistical...etc" woman, what is wrong with portraying her as such? There are people like that in this world! Puerto Rican culture is beautiful, and Hector Lavoe had a great voice, but he was a druggie, he did fool around with many women. What did Hector ever do for us PRs but entertain us (while high)? Did he contribute to any political, social or charitable causes? I grew up with Hector and Willie and love their sound, but don't see the brothers as "role models." Lets get real. August 07, 2007

. Many people feel that this movie gave a terrible perception of the Puerto Rican Community. In reality the people who believe that, are ignorant to who was Hector Lavoe & Puchi. Its not about the drug addiction or Puchi's bad language but about how a young innocent boy came from Puerto Rico and was caught up in the midst of fame and misfortune. Hectors life was strictly what you saw, and Marc gave a great performance in interpreting his life to the public. When you come to think of it every culture has its faults. Rey Charles, Billy Holiday, Liberace and there is much more to count. Its unfortunate that Hector lived this life but he's not the first nor the last and thats what people must accept. This movie gives the audience an awareness and that is to not let others influence your lifestyle b/c you too can be a Hector or Ray Charles or Liberace. All Marc and Jennifer did were put on a performance of 2 people who became legends throughout puerto rican history. I give it to them 100%. Its just not the Puerto Ricans!!!! Mi Gente tenenmos que apoyar a nuestra comuninad Puertorriquena. Que Viva la salsa...Que Viva Hector Lavoe!!! August 10, 2007

. As a latin growing up in NY during the 70's. I was fortune enough to see Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Oscar Deleon & etc, heavy weights of latin music. It was no big surprise that drug was involved, it was the Disco area. It was excepted in those days, the days of free love, sex and dancing (Disco). Yes Hector was one of those casualties of his own fame. He wasn't the only one but one of the story that told not only about his upbeat music but his drug addictions and tragic ending. I agree that the script could have been alot better, but it did show why he was the way he was. I waited for Hector to show up, at least the clubs did try to compensate by playing new upcomers or records in place until he showed, we didn't care we just loved him and his wonderful music. This movie shouldn't be as "oh, another PR story that ended tragically", but more of a reminder of to all artist that life is short and if you do make it don't throw it away. As for J-lo she was sometimes annoying but so was Puchi. "Que Lio, Mi Gente... October 07, 2007

tah71 wrote:

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Also in the article announcing the nominees it's says it's the complete list of nominations, so I think that's it.

The show will tape Aug. 17 and air on ABC Sept. 12. Here's the complete list of nominees

Positive Review for :

" EL CANTANTE "

LINK:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08032008/tv/reel_good__122440.htm

REEL GOOD

By LINDA STASI

Posted: 12:00 am
August 3, 2008

EL CANTANTE (2007)

Tuesday. 12:35 a.m., HBO

"This underrated but beautifully acted biopic tells the story of Latino singer Hector Lavoe, a creator of salsa music. As Lavoe, Marc Anthony jumps off the screen and Jennifer Lopez sizzles as his wife. The story traces Lavoe's rise to stardom in the 1970s and his subsequent fall 10 years later. Even though the story is heartbreaking, the music is terrific."