John is one of the best chefs in the country and Deborah, an erratic
selfish woman who recently lost her job due to downsizing. Her actions
are often destructive. She takes her frustrations out on her husband
as well as her daughter Bernice (Sarah Steele).
Flor finds herself in a strange situation in Clasky's home. When the
Claskys rent a beach house in Malibu for the summer, Deborah insists
that Flora and Cristina should move in with them. As soon as Cristina
who is as gorgeous as her mother move into the house, a competition
for her affection is developed between Flor and Deborah. Flor is furious
when Deborah takes Cristina for shopping without her permission. Deborah
keeps on making many more emotionally touchy issues with Flor and Cristina.
Deborah takes Cristina under her wing and introduces her to a few luxurious
things in life.
In the meantime, John is smitten with Flor's beauty and charm and decides
to get involved and clean up the mess created by his wife Deborah. As
the story unfolds a peculiar type of relationship develops between John,
Flor and Cristina.
The story is told through Cristina's eyes which very well portray Flor's
resistance to Cristina's temptations for following the path of American
melting pot and her urge to preserve her Mexican identity. Director
James Brooks masterfully narrates a story of two culturally different
family's approach to parenting and the confusions and clashes it creates.
His characters are strong and the storyline is well developed. The relationship
between John and Flor is nicely developed- slowly and tentatively with
beauty and charisma. The sexual tension and the chemistry between the
two are well portrayed. He has made the main role characters like real
people, with a real everyday story of all parents concerned about their
children's future.
Sandler and Leoni, best known for their comical acts, present an excellent
performance. As a humble chef, Sandler brings sweetness and kindness
to his role while Leoni shines as the selfish, self centered, fearless
wife. But, the real star of the film is the the drop dead gorgeous Paz
Vega. As Flor, a brave Mexican single mother of a love stung girl, she
presents a fabulous performance. The two girls Shelbie Bruce and Sarah
Steele show maturity and do justice to their roles. Movie has a rich
blend of humor and emotionally touchy issues, presented with sadness
as well as joy. "Spanglish" is not just a language but it is about relationships
that could be communicated through any language.
We rate this movie Good.
