‘Say a Little Prayer’ Review: ‘Despacito’ Singer Luis Fonsi Stars in Well-Intentioned but Ordinary Latino Romantic Comedy

As a movie critic with a background steeped in the rich tapestry of Latin American cinema, I find myself both encouraged and slightly underwhelmed by “Say a Little Prayer.” Having spent countless hours immersed in the nuanced narratives that reflect the complexities of our diverse communities, it’s refreshing to see a romantic comedy that presents professionally accomplished American Latino characters without relying on stereotypes.

In many American productions, Latino actors often find themselves typecast in stereotypical roles such as criminals, migrants, or housekeepers. However, the romantic comedy “Say a Little Prayer” breaks this mold by showcasing successful American Latino characters with impressive homes, whose story doesn’t revolve around poverty, immigration struggles, or marginalization. Unfortunately, despite its strong representation, the film itself is quite ordinary in other aspects.

In the direction of a screenplay penned by Nancy De Los Santos-Reza who also serves as producer, the renowned director Patrick Perez Vidauri adopts an optimistic, wide-ranging comedic style, reminiscent of both sitcoms and telenovelas. This approach is used to trace Adela (portrayed by Vannessa Vasquez), a 35-year-old art gallery owner in San Antonio, Texas who is about to open her business. However, unlike her professional life, her personal life appears disorganized. Her boyfriend Enrique (played by Jack Murillo) does not seem inclined towards proposing and may be unfaithful.

In a subtle nod to diversity within Latin culture, Ruby (played by Jackie Cruz) and Cristina (Vivian Lamolli), two of her friends, have unique backgrounds. Ruby is a fiery, short-tempered woman who adorns herself with hoop earrings, while Cristina is a calm, collected Afro-Latina from the Bronx. Unfortunately, this portrayal sometimes appears overly focused on checking off boxes rather than infusing the narrative with fresh, creative touches that move away from clichés and toward originality.

In this tale, interpersonal struggles and predictable turns echo those found in numerous other stories of a similar nature, yet offer little novelty. As one might expect, seasoned Mexican actress Angélica María, known for her work in soap operas, portrays Adela’s worried grandmother. The female members of this family have all sought the assistance of Saint Anthony of Padua in their quest for a perfect partner. To ensure she doesn’t miss out on true love due to her age, Adela must recite the invocation. The religious aspect and the implication that she is incomplete until settled down are common themes in Latino narratives, but they are not significantly challenged or reimagined within this narrative.

In an almost synchronistic manner, renowned artist Rafael Reza (who is none other than Puerto Rican musician Luis Fonsi, famous for his global hit “Despacito”) encounters Adela and Ruby individually, captivating them both with his chivalry. These coincidental meetings, unsurprisingly, stir up tension between the long-standing friends. It might seem unusual given his limited acting experience outside of music videos, but Fonsi’s performance in this film shows a remarkable level of subtlety, contrasting starkly with the more flamboyant and occasionally stiff performances from other cast members. To make good use of Fonsi’s involvement, the storyline includes a musical scene where his character serenades Adela with the film’s main track, “Prayer in Your Eyes,” at a bar. Although it may not rival the popularity of his dance tracks, this English ballad fits nicely within the narrative.

In “Say a Little Prayer,” each frame could effortlessly double as a vibrant promotional ad inviting viewers to explore the charming city of San Antonio. Director Perez Vidauri and cinematographer Mario Gallegos skillfully incorporate iconic sites like the River Walk, yet fail to infuse the visuals with a distinct artistic soul. Instead, they create an aesthetically pleasing yet generic representation that caters to social media trends.

In terms of theme, “Say a Little Prayer” is reminiscent of “Tortilla Soup” and “Chasing Papi,” which were popular comedies from the early 2000s targeted at English-speaking Latino audiences in the U.S. The actresses in “Tortilla Soup” had more fully developed character arcs, providing them with opportunities for deeper performances. In this film, Vasquez occasionally delves beyond the cheerful banter and explores more emotionally challenging situations, but these nuanced moments are overshadowed by the writer and director’s predictable tendencies.

As a movie enthusiast, I appreciate films like “Say a Little Prayer,” even though they might not be as memorable as some others. The creation of such movies is vital for fostering an environment that supports U.S. Latino filmmaking, offering a broad spectrum of genres and narrative styles to cater to our diverse community. By casting actors from various corners of Latinidad and avoiding strict adherence to one specific national identity, these filmmakers have opened up a space that could resonate with a broader audience craving lighter entertainment options.

2024-11-22 06:19

‘Say a Little Prayer’ Review: ‘Despacito’ Singer Luis Fonsi Stars in Well-Intentioned but Ordinary Latino Romantic Comedy

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