neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Raising Victor Vargas
	Peter Sollett Victor Rasuk, Judy Marte, Melonie Diaz, Kevin Rivera, Altagracia Guzman 2002		Unpretentious, good-natured and insightful, "Raising Victor Vargas" is that rarity — a film about New York inner-city life that has nothing to do with serious urban violence, drugs or racial strife. Instead, it's a coming-of-age tale that shows, in vivid, funny anecdotal style, the wising-up of Victor Vargas. Memorably played by newcomer Victor Rasuk, this glib, self-centered, but likable Latin teenager fancies himself a "player," a hot lover, even though he's mostly talk and tends to take advantage of the people around him. But Victor gets his comeuppance when he tries to get over on cute, popular Judy Ramirez (Judy Marte), and she rebuffs him. Heightening Victor's problems, his grandmother — tradition-bound head of the household — is furious with him, his younger sister is scheming against him, and his younger brother, Grandma's favorite, is making him look bad. Real love, Victor learns, is no easy ride. "Raising Victor Vargas" also spends time with Victor's and Judy's geekier best friends Harold and Melonie, who haltingly and humorously explore their mutual attraction. All of it brims with warmth and a feeling of authenticity.