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.

Angels In The Outfield

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 15, 1994

DVD Release Date: April 23, 2002

Plot 411: Two foster kids who love baseball cause a sensation when one of them begins seeing angels.

Review: A young Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Roger, a boy who wishes on a star for the California Angels to win a penant, because this is when his deadbeat dad told him they'll become a family again. When Roger begins to see real angels like Al (Christopher Lloyd) helping the team, he informs their coach George Knox (Danny Glover). Whenever Roger sees an angel, he tells Knox. Against his better judgment, Knox does what Roger says and the team begins to win games. Can they win enough games to reunite father and son? You never know . . . because angels are always watching. This is a good family dramedy from the '90s that deals with some serious issues like the fostercare system and faith. Gordon-Levitt does a good job at playing the down-but-never-out Roger, who, despite life's circumstances, still believes in goodness. With a child-like innocence, he creates a fervor in the entire Angels team. Soon the team, who is down in the dumps, begins to have faith in each other and develops a will to succeed. Led by Mel, an ailing pitcher (Tony Danza), the team is soon better than ever. The film includes some now-famous actors like Adrien Brody and Matthew McConaughey. Why don't they make movies like this these days?

Watch It: For a throwback to times when good old fashion family sports movies were all the rage in Hollywood.

Skip It: If The Sandlot, Rookie Of The Year and all the other baseball films of the '90s seem to be playing the same song.

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.