Onlinewsma Absolutely Brilliant!

Dirtylogy It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Matho The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

programmerjj The movie while having a few actors that I've never heard of before, had a decent plot line and a halfway decent acting cast. Like any other gangster/drama/revenge movies, it is centered around the typical genera of any other movie. Money,payback and settling old scores.I was not expecting a whole lot from the movie, but I was rather impressed with the acting skills of the female actress and the commanding presence for a female actress in a lead role.Definitely a shocker, worth renting with a decent plot line and cast and crew. Starts off kind of slow, but it leaves you anticipating whats going to happen next.I won't go into detail, why spoil it, rent it and see what you think for yourself.

Chrisz18 I enjoyed the movie. It's clear that some people did not seem to enjoy the movie, and not only that, but I would guess that they did not even truly watch the movie before making a comment (In reference to the comment above by X_X) because for one the whole movie involved PUERTO RICANS so I have no clue where Mexicans or Mexico came to mind...ooh ignorance at its best. I don't even think any of the actors have Mexican in them? Here's a professional review: Illegal Tender movie reviewUniversal Pictures/New Deal EntertainmentAppearing inn theaters 8/24/07 - Reviewed 8/25/07 - LatinRapper.comFrom producer John Singleton (Hustle & Flow, Boyz N The Hood) and writer/director Franc Reyes (Empire) comes a story of one family's fight for survival against the backdrop of the East Coast and Puerto Rico. Wilson Deleon Jr. (Rick Gonzalez) is the son of a slain drug dealer, whose killers still have the intention of wiping out the rest of the Deleon family 20 years later. After his family's location is discovered, Wilson is thrust into a situation in which he must either leave his home and love interest, or confront his assailants while learning more about the father he never knew.Few movies that made it to the big screen in recent years have focused on Latino characters, let alone with a complete leading cast of Latin-American actors and actresses. Illegal Tender proves that it's far from the typical straight-to-DVD fare that fans of Latino-related films are accustomed to, but it still comes off as something of a novelty that caters itself to Latin film-goers.The film begins with a basic introduction into the life of Wilson Deleon Sr. (Manny Perez), a Bronx drug dealer and mid-level boss with enough heart to portray him as something other than a one-dimensional thug. Perez doesn't disappoint, though the "look how Puerto Rican we are" references go from valid during a bodega visit to slightly overdone by the time the family enjoys flan over discussions of "Iris Chacon" jeans. This also rings true of the gratuitous cleavage shots of Latinas counting drug money; while I can't complain about the eye candy, it comes off more as a throwback to an Univision sitcom than a featured film....(You can find the rest of the review on: http://www.latinrapper.com/reviews_illegal_tender.html)

freakfire-1 I was actually surprised that this was fairly good. It wasn't "good" or "excellent", but it is OK enough to enjoy at some points. Not only that, but it has a storyline that has a nice touch near the end.The film begins in mid 80s New York, with Wilson and several drug gangsters. He has a knocked up woman and money set aside. But then things get tricky and he winds up dead. The viewer is left wondering "why?".Thats when it goes to 2007. The child being carried is grown up, has his own woman, but he doesn't know who his father was. Events turn the college student into a man chasing down the past. Eventually things get settled in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. There young Wilson Jr. discovers his father's secret past and why things are they way they are.Without ruining why, the plot twist at the end explains one scene that didn't make sense at the beginning. So that was well done. However, some of the characters didn't exactly fit the bill, especially in the scenes outside New York and Connecticut. Plus, the music was all wrong for much of the film.Some people question "Ana"(Daina Ramirez), the girlfriend of Wilson Jr. She stays with him through the film, but she is seemingly the stereotypical 'damsel'. However, there are many women like that who are soft hearted so I don't have doubts about the character.With everything said, I think the film is moderately good. So have a look and try it out. Its nothing special, but its good enough to draw your attention. "B-"

vilj-1 What a little jewel of a film, and to think that I almost missed it because of negative comments by some viewers and critics. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. You have to take it for what it is and just enjoy the ride. It is an action-packed thriller, well acted and never boring. Although John Singleton was only a producer of this film (it was directed by Franc Reyes). If you enjoy Mr. Singleton's type of films, you will certainly enjoy this one. I highly recommend it for EVERYONE, but especially for those that understand Spanish. Reggaeton star Tego Calderon, acting on his first film, was fantastic, as well as the performances of Rick Gonzalez, Dania Ramirez and the wonderful Wanda De Jesus. It was a hard-hitting film, with gripping action and suspense, with a great music soundtrack. Do yourself a favor, rent the DVD and see for yourself. You won't regret it.