Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Taraparain Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

cgraves04 Okay, this film deserves WAY better than the rating it has on this site. I actually can't believe it only has 5.6 out of 10 stars, and all I can say is people are crazy and must not have been watching the same movie I watched.First of all, the writing is superb. Hats off to Mr. Ozeki for a beautifully written and directed film. I hope he has a big career ahead of him! And while I've seen a few people say that the story is cliché (bad boy + good girl), I actually didn't find it to be cliché at all. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that the two main characters' relationship isn't based on one trying to help the other be popular or pass a class, which is usually how these types of stories go. Their relationship just happens, no hackneyed pretense involved. It's refreshing. It also was way more dynamic than your typical high school romance, and I found the main character's subplot to be very endearing.The film was also subtly political. Primarily, I think it made a point not to involve any gang banging, because Hollywood seems to only want to cast Latino actors in roles as gang bangers, which is a discredit to the range of these actors' talent. It also touched upon the struggles Latinos have in American society--from drop-out rates, to mass incarceration, to discrimination in the workplace--without beating you over the head with them. Again, I think that's because Hollywood tends to have tunnel vision when it comes to portraying people of color. Finally, I loved the nod to feminist literature! The two leads (E.J. Bonilla as Jordin and Veronica Diaz-Carranza as Felipa) are unbelievably talented! They're both cute and charming, and they're so natural in their roles that their lines seem unscripted at times. They come across as really genuine, and I would LOVE to see more of their work. While they're the stars, every character in the movie has a distinct, three-dimensional personality--which is hard to find in films these days--and leaves an impression on you. There's something beneath the surface of each character, and I love that. Jordin's grandpa (Tata) was particularly great.I'm giving this movie a 10 out of 10 because I really long to see more like this one.

followmee I normally don't write reviews but I knew the movie pulled me in, after watching it I found myself looking up the actors online. That to me speaks volume. I was so intrigued and in completely enamored by the way this movie was simply put together, from cast to directing, to writing. It is a simple plot but you fall for the characters, and overall is realness. I look forward to seeing this cast in more movies. I am confident this young cast of actors will continue succeeding, paving the way. By the way, when you have the movie in your mind for days and you find yourself telling others to watch it - you know is good. I highly recommend it.

Joel I really enjoyed this movie at the Florida Film Festival. It's definitely a genre flick: nothing original or unexpected in the form. It's well- written, well-acted, and set in a realistic middle-class LA. It was apparently shot in Super-16mm format, and the colors are warm and rich, which really complements the feel of the movie. The music is understated, which is also just right for this story. What I like most about the whole movie is its human scale: you can relate to these characters not because they're super-realistic (in fact, they're the types you expect in a teen romance) but because the pain and the joys they experience are important for themselves, and not overblown to epic proportions or sold to us disingenuously. _Mamitas_ is just a quality piece of craftsmanship and a pleasure to take in.

Nicole Hamilton I thought Mamitas was a really well acted and naturalistic film. I found myself being able to relate to all of the characters, and felt like I knew them personally even though I grew up in a much different environment. It was like someone just dropped a camera into the middle of their everyday lives in LA including the drama, romance, and pressures of being in high school and made a movie out of it.Mamitas is truly a coming of age story that features wonderful dialogue and two honest, realistic performances from its young cast. The story is nothing particularly new, but the movie is honest and real. Very entertaining movie that does a great job making a possibly cliché story-line unique and original in its own way.