When James L. Brooks decides to direct a film, chances are you won’t be disappointed. Take his track record — TERMS OF ENDEARMENT, BROADCAST NEWS and AS GOOD AS IT GETS. However, when I heard mixed things about SPANGLISH, I was luke warm about seeing it. But now I know, if Brooks directs something you need to see it.
The film is narrated by Cristina Moreno (Shelbie Bruce, film debut), a Mexican immigrant whose mother Flor (Paz Vega, SEX AND LUCIA) moved them to L.A. to get a better life. Paz speaks no English, but still gets a job as the maid of the Clasky family.
John Clasky (Adam Sandler, PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE) is a world-renown chef. The best way to describe his personality is to state his philosophy on getting food reviews. A 4-star review is terrible because it brings way too pressure to the restaurant. A 3 1/2 makes you feel bad that you were just shy of perfection. But a 3 1/4 star review is great, because its respectable and allows you to keep working under the radar.
He is married to Deborah (Tea Leoni, JURASSIC PARK III), a self-centered, neurotic, competitive exercise freak. Their daughter Bernice (Sarah Steele, film debut) is a little overweight, but erupts with a joyous personality, which her father adores and her mother just can’t see. Deborah’s mother lives with them. Her name is Evelyn Norwich (Cloris Leachman, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW) and she was once a famous blues singer, who now spends her days drinking wine and singing her old songs.
When the Claskys take a summer house, Flor and Cristina are forced to move in with them. This creates a dilemma because Deborah starts to interfere with Flor’s ability to raise her daughter. The film deals with issues of parenting, keeping true to one’s identity, understanding your loved ones and dealing with emotional pain.
Sandler was a perfect choice to play John Clasky. He is a good actor when he’s not in an “Adam Sandler” film. Vega is amazing as a mother torn between providing the best for her daughter and making sure her daughter does not turn into someone she despises. The debut performances from Bruce and Steele are quite impressive, especially Steele. Some complain that Leoni’s performance was too over-the-top, but I say to them that they just haven’t lived in Los Angeles. Rounding out the cast, Leachman gives fun supporting work and makes a clichéd character seem natural and real. The screenplay also gives her a character arch, which is rare for what is essentially a comic relief role.
More on the screenplay from Brooks, it’s nuanced and highly observant. John’s reactions to his wife’s behavior while with her and while he’s by himself ring so true. Despite an ending third that looses steam, the film is still a very funny and smart comedy about raising kids the best you can. Don’t miss this one.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
