Born In East L.A.

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 21, 1987

DVD Release Date: April 7, 1998

Plot 411: A Mexican American gets mistaken as an illegal immigrant, is deported to Mexico and must find his way home.

Review: Cheech Marin is Rudy, a guy who was born in east L.A. but who is mistaken as an illegal immigrant. When he is deported to Tijuana, he does everything he can to get back across the border. No one believes he's American so he's often locked up in jail or mistaken as a Mexican. Also in ths film is Daniel Stern, who plays Jimmy. Jimmy is an American hustler who is running a number of businesses - legal and illegal - in Mexico and becomes Rudy's friend/manager/boss. Stern is perfect as the arrogant American and is oftentimes ignorant and racist. His voice reminded me of his character in Rookie Of The Year, but other than that this is a completely different side of him. This was a funny look at immigration and prejudice. It touched upon them with humor and not much seriousness but was still able to play on the general themes. It also highlighted the idea that Mexican Americans have lost touched with their ancestry as Rudy is unable to speak much Spanish and is unfamiliar with many Spanish foods. I enjoyed this movie for what it was - a trip across the border.

Watch It: For the special surprise of Jason Scott Lee in a minor role.

Skip It: If you're looking for some Cheech and Chong action. This ain't it.

Rookie Of The Year

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 7, 1993

DVD Release Date: January 29, 2002

Plot 411: When his broken arm heals with tendons that are too tight, a boy gets his chance to pitch fast balls in the big leagues.

Review: This is a great underdog story about a clumsy boy who loves the Cubs and his chance love for baseball. Henry, played by Thomas Ian Nicholas, isn't exactly the best athlete on his Little League team, but when his broken arm miraculously heals allowing him to throw baseballs at over 100 miles per hour his dreams come true. This ability helps him sign on with the struggling Chicago Cubs team - first as a PR trick, then as a real player. The movie also stars Gary Busey as a veteran pitcher who grudgingly takes Henry under his wing. It's amazing to see him in this movie and compare it with his appearances on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. It's like watching two completely different people. Bringing some comedy to the movie is Daniel Stern, who also directs this film, as the Cub's pitching coach. The plot is unique and well done, making you root for the little guy. It's inspirational message applies to everyone in their quest to follow and live out their dreams. With the exception of The Sandlot, I think this was one of the best sports movies of the early 1990s.

Watch It: If you're a Little Leaguer with big dreams for some motivation and inspiration.

Skip It: If your idea of a sports movie is more like Varsity Blues.

Diner

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 5, 1982

DVD Release Date: April 4, 1999

Plot 411: Six best friends grow up and around the diner sharing experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

Review: This film featured a great ensemble cast of Mickey Rourke, Daniel Stern, Kevin Bacon, Paul Reiser, Tim Daly and Steve Guttenberg. The guys were so great in this film, which is about the lives of six twentysomethings in 1959. The group is so funny when they're together at the diner all squeezed into the booth. But, my favorite scene occurs when Daly's character lets loose at a strip club. It's awesome and not what you think. What I love most about this movie is that you can imagine these characters are still meeting up at that diner in 2009, 50 years after this snapshot of their lives was filmed. The bond between the guys is really touching - sort of the 50s version of a bromance. Rourke plays Boogie, a gambling playboy trying to find a way to pay off a $2,000 bet. He is really great in this role and how I'd like to remember him always. He makes Boogie charming and charismatic, with a voice that could convince you to do anything, yet still extremely likable and not conniving. Stern plays Shrevie, the first guy in the group to get married. Every group's got one and Stern does a good job at portraying the dichotomy between being single and married. Bacon plays a gross underacheiver, who seems embarrassed by his wealth and intelligence. His angst and desire to be independent from his family perhaps foreshadows his transformation into a 60s hippie. Reiser plays the comedian in the group, Daly the lovelorn college boy and Guttenberg the groom-to-be. This is definitely a must-see, especially because I think it really does a good job at showing us the time period. The score is filled with music selections from that era that help to really set the mood and take you back. I'm happy to say I knew more than 90% of the music played and enjoyed singing along. As a side note, I was shocked at how Reiser hasn't changed a bit since this film and how Daly seems to have gotten better looking with age.

Watch It: For a blast from the past, the soundtrack of your lives and great casting selection. The actors really fit their characters well and they all seemed so natural in them.

Skip It: If you're looking for something with a definite resolution. This movie depicts the lives of these guys between December 24, 1959 and January 1, 1960. You won't find a definite answer to some of the problems they face because they're still in the process of figuring it out. That's part of the genius of this film.

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