VividSimon Simply Perfect

SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

GrimPrecise I'll tell you why so serious

UnowPriceless hyped garbage

desertsophist I have traveled some of the world including places like Bangkok, Thailand and Manila, Philippines where I have seen people of all ages and walks of life struggling to understand their sexuality and how they fit into this turbulent judgmental world. Although I respectfully agree with the summary of the film and the interesting and good review by Mr. Torchia as he gives us a compare and contrast of times past to the present story presented in this film, (Thank you Mr. Torchia) I also feel that overall the film strives to cover a lot of territory and complexities of the various characters and their identities as best it can. I would have been grateful to have been able to know more about each of the characters and how they came to be where they are in life but in film making cost and time limit that possibility all to often. I will say this, I very much enjoyed this film (and had a good cry) and could not only relate to Jesus and his struggle but also that of Mamma whose character I feel brought much value to the film as a story as she/he tried to help Jesus navigate his identity development and is telling of the trials transgender and other alternate individuals must deal with daily in a often non accepting straight world. A great film overall and deserving I feel of a top score.

jrpollo The first thing that knocks you out is the cinematography. It is a marvel how they can pull that off in a run-down, old, desolate place like Old Havana. But besides the obvious drag-queen story there is a very realistic depiction of life in Havana which, although touched up a bit, still gives the viewer a sense of how it really is. Well-known Cuban actors Luis Alberto Garcia (unrecognizable in drag) and Jorge Perugorría give excellent performances, but the star is newcomer Hector Medina. The only low point of the movie is the subtitle translation which does not do justice to the writing. I'm not sure how this film will play in Peoria, but in Miami's Little Havana where I saw it today it did just fine.

cinemacy While the film is Ireland's official Oscar submission due to director Paddy Breathnach's home country (and source of financing), 'Viva' is a film set entirely in Havana, Cuba, and serves as a window into the unique world of Cuban drag performers at a local nightclub.Our protagonist, Jesus (Héctor Medina), barely survives off meager wages and temporary work, but dreams of being a drag star like his mentor Mama (Luis Alberto García). His road to local stardom starts out extremely well as he has plenty of potential, but hits a major hurdle when his father, a convict, comes home unexpectedly from prison. As a former boxer, it isn't surprising to hear that his father does not care for his son's chosen career path (or his sexuality). The resulting drama is about being true to yourself and following your passions while keeping relationships in your life.Every character is so distinctly different from the others, and this colorful group gives 'Viva' the necessary stakes to be fully invested in, and truly sell, the movie. Jesus's father, Angel (Jorge Perugorría), starts out as a one-dimensional brute, but it quickly becomes clear he is much more than that. The machismo culture that is present in this world in direct contrast to its flamboyant opposition in drag queens is a compelling world to occupy.While the film meanders at times, it thankfully finds enough of a storyline to finish extremely strong and leave the audience emotionally moved. Each of the drag performances is spellbinding thanks to a fantastic soundtrack and outstanding emotional vulnerability from the various entertainers. These performances will be the film's calling card and what makes it so memorable. As a father-son drama, and as an introduction into a world foreign to many of us (especially here in the U.S., where Cuba just recently opened its doors to tourism), 'Viva' is a success all around. The title stems from the protagonist's stage name, which is a perfect message for a movie about living life the way you want to against all odds, and stepping out of your comfort zone in pursuit of success.For more, visit: www.cinemacy.com

Jordan Satmary At the screening, the director, Paddy gave an introduction about his personal experience with seeing a drag performance years ago where an individual was having the best time of their lives. He said that those who knew the performer were crying due to the fact that that was the only place this individual could truly be who they were. That introduction set the mood for the movie. I'm afraid if I wasn't lucky enough to have the director give some backstory I would've liked it less. The beginning of the film had a few clichés. A troubled protagonist unsure of how to make money, family issues, shopping in record stores. As it went on the clichés dwindled, immersing the audience in Cuba. Our main character's routine continued, and I found myself falling more into his psyche. His family issues became more relevant, his troubles were mine, and even the records had an important role in the story. By the end people around me were weeping.The only note I had was that there were a handful of times where moments should've been longer. Just an extra few seconds on those emotional scenes would've gone a long way. Not sure if that's a directing or editing critique. I'm afraid of using an incorrect term here, so forgive me if I do. But as LGBT rights continue to finally be as important as they should've been decades ago, it's great to see more films like this, especially when they are well done. I hope this film gets the recognition it deserves.