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A Latina woman from the Bronx shakes up her life--which consists of a difficult marriage and three kids--by taking a job at a Manhattan recording company. Playing the central character, Lauren Vélez has a captivating rough beauty that suggests her suspension between misery and grace. Director Darnell Martin also has a kind of unpolished approach that keeps the film looking a bit amateurish. But Martin's observations of and insights into the heroine's world--a slice of American Latino life that hasn't been particularly well represented on film--are original and potent. Griffin Dunne is very good in a supporting role as the heroine's exploitative boss. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A vibrant slice of urban Latino life
"I Like It Like That," written and directed by Darnell Martin, tells the story of Lisette (Lauren Velez), a young Latina living in the Bronx. When her husband, Chino (Jon Seda) gets into serious trouble, Lauren must support their family. Her attempts to find self-respect and economic stability bring her into conflict with Chino, with her scheming, materialistic mother-in-law (Rita Moreno), and with a white record company executive (Griffin Dunne). Along the way, she gets advice and moral support from Alexis (Jesse Borrego), her sibling, who is a male-to-female transsexual.

"I Like It" is a film that is full of life. Through his characters, director Martin offers thoughtful insights on ethnicity, gender identity, family ties, economic pressures, and other issues. The Santeria religion is an interesting backdrop to some of the plot. And the film as a whole is well complemented by a diverse musical score: I heard such elements as R&B, rap, and salsa.

The film is enhanced by excellent performances by the mostly Latino cast. It is especially fun to see Latina icon Rita Moreno playing the role of the arrogant mother-in-law (who boasts of her family's "pure Castillian blood") with gusto. Tomas Melly is impressive as Lisette's young son, who faces the temptations of the street. But perhaps the most memorable performance is delivered by Jesse Borrego as the transgendered Alexis; he is alternatingly bitchy, nurturing, witty, and heartbreaking, but always with a core of dignity. I give this film an enthusiastic recommendation.

This movie made me feel like I was at home
This movie was a true tell it like it is story. I myself am latin, grew up in NY. I felt the whole time I was watching this movie like I was at home. Everything about Lizette's life had some similarity to mine. I like the way they kept it real. If you are latin and grew up in NY this is a must see, but don't see it alone invite that crazy cousin you grew up with. You know the one!

Excellent,Classic,Authentic
I like it like that is a film like no other, it is as real as it can get. This movie brings me back when growing up in a Spanish Harlem. It is realistic, from the beginning to the end. Each character in this movie is some one we know out there, they are so believable, that one could swear they've come across some of them at some point in their lives.

The plot of the story is very realistic l, from the financial difficulties and struggles that some Latin people in New York City come bypass very day, to the love and romance in the two individuals feel for each other. It's a true example to how every day is a struggle to survive and make ends meet on top of all the discrimination that some go through out in the real world.

Over all, this film will make you cry, laugh and re-think about the struggles that some people have to go through to get to where they are or they want to be.

LOVE THIS MOVIE
This is one of the few movies that highlights the reality of inner city living for Puerto Ricans. The lack of stereotypes and the honest way in which this movie addresses many of the cultural battles Puerto Ricans living in the US face are refreshing. I love the soundtrack and am SO EXCITED that this movie will be coming out on DVD FINALLY!!!! As a Puerto Rican, this movie speaks to what I've seen in my life and does it wonderfully!

Great Movie
I love this movie its a shame it isn't available on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Movie with a message
Q-tip, Fat Joe, and Mary J Blige give good performances, especially Q-tip. His character has it all going on in the inside and is very quiet on the outside but I still got completely absorbed in what he was going through. The musical sequences blend well too. Just when you're about to punch a wall because of what's happening to the characters, somebody lets loose with a song that expresses the emotions that the movie is bringing up. Mary J. Blige is the queen of from-the-heart songs, and Fat Joe has a rap cameo that slides seamlessly into the scene.

Aside from the individual elements, the movie takes aim at one of the worst qualities of our society, the lousy deck dealt to black men growing up in urban city neighborhoods. It dramatizes - but not by much - the way that opportunities are systematically stripped from you in a society where you're rarely respected or afforded the benefit of the doubt. Definitely a worthwhile movie.

Only one thing - I missed the first five minutes of the movie, and suspect I was better off for it. The beginning lists some stastics that indicate the direction the plot will eventually take, and lends a more moralizing, heavy tone to the movie. Without the intro, the movie stands well by itself and affects you without telling you how you should be affected.

The Best I Have Ever Seen
Prison song is the most amazing movie i have ever seen. I have seen it a ton of times and still every time, i cry. It has such a moving story line, you get absorbed in it the second you turn it on. I have been searching for the soundtrack, but especially the artist and songtitle of the closing track during the credits. It is a beautifully written and acted movie, i recommend it to anyone who is interested in Q-Tip or the movie itself. You will never forget the impact that Prison Song has on your life.

Great Movie - awesome music
Prison Song was a great movie with a good cast and awesome music to go along with the emotions of the characters. I've been trying to find the soundtract to the movie but have had no luck. This is a type of movie you can watch over and over agian and still feel all the emotions of the characters. It goes deep into the system and shows the violence within it. The fight to stay inocennt is taking away with one second of wrong doing.

Tragically Moving
BET's Prison Song offers a look into the life of an inner city teenager, Elijah, (Tip) who gets stuck in the system after his mother is institutionalized. Sent to a private jail after accidentally killing someone (Fat Joe) from his group home, Prison Song follows Elijah as he comes to terms with the harsh realization that even though he is innocent, the only way out is to escape. The tragic ending of this unusually un-musical musical leaves the viewer wanting to break the cycle, but ultimately feeling helpless against it.

One of The Best
The BET movie Prison Song was one of the best movies I've ever seen before. I was wondering, why wasn't the movies put into theatres all across the world, this movie was a huge hit for Bet. This question is for anyone out there who may know the answer, exactly how can I get the soundtrack to Prison Song. I know it's on Tommy Boy records but thats all I know. If someone has any information please contact me via e-mail, Chung220@aol.com. Thanks ... Read more

Description

Mary J. Blige and Q-Tip, two of hip-hop's hottest recording artists, star in this heart-wrenching family drama about an innocent man's struggle to live and survive behind bars. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Movie with a message
Q-tip, Fat Joe, and Mary J Blige give good performances, especially Q-tip. His character has it all going on in the inside and is very quiet on the outside but I still got completely absorbed in what he was going through. The musical sequences blend well too. Just when you're about to punch a wall because of what's happening to the characters, somebody lets loose with a song that expresses the emotions that the movie is bringing up. Mary J. Blige is the queen of from-the-heart songs, and Fat Joe has a rap cameo that slides seamlessly into the scene.

Aside from the individual elements, the movie takes aim at one of the worst qualities of our society, the lousy deck dealt to black men growing up in urban city neighborhoods. It dramatizes - but not by much - the way that opportunities are systematically stripped from you in a society where you're rarely respected or afforded the benefit of the doubt. Definitely a worthwhile movie.

Only one thing - I missed the first five minutes of the movie, and suspect I was better off for it. The beginning lists some stastics that indicate the direction the plot will eventually take, and lends a more moralizing, heavy tone to the movie. Without the intro, the movie stands well by itself and affects you without telling you how you should be affected.

The Best I Have Ever Seen
Prison song is the most amazing movie i have ever seen. I have seen it a ton of times and still every time, i cry. It has such a moving story line, you get absorbed in it the second you turn it on. I have been searching for the soundtrack, but especially the artist and songtitle of the closing track during the credits. It is a beautifully written and acted movie, i recommend it to anyone who is interested in Q-Tip or the movie itself. You will never forget the impact that Prison Song has on your life.

Great Movie - awesome music
Prison Song was a great movie with a good cast and awesome music to go along with the emotions of the characters. I've been trying to find the soundtract to the movie but have had no luck. This is a type of movie you can watch over and over agian and still feel all the emotions of the characters. It goes deep into the system and shows the violence within it. The fight to stay inocennt is taking away with one second of wrong doing.

Tragically Moving
BET's Prison Song offers a look into the life of an inner city teenager, Elijah, (Tip) who gets stuck in the system after his mother is institutionalized. Sent to a private jail after accidentally killing someone (Fat Joe) from his group home, Prison Song follows Elijah as he comes to terms with the harsh realization that even though he is innocent, the only way out is to escape. The tragic ending of this unusually un-musical musical leaves the viewer wanting to break the cycle, but ultimately feeling helpless against it.

One of The Best
The BET movie Prison Song was one of the best movies I've ever seen before. I was wondering, why wasn't the movies put into theatres all across the world, this movie was a huge hit for Bet. This question is for anyone out there who may know the answer, exactly how can I get the soundtrack to Prison Song. I know it's on Tommy Boy records but thats all I know. If someone has any information please contact me via e-mail, Chung220@aol.com. Thanks ... Read more