Search - Crossover Dreams on DVD

A GREAT MOVIE

07/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I LOVED THIS ORIGINAL MOVIE AND ITS GREAT MUSIC. RUBEN BLADES AND DIRECTOR LEON ICHASO DESERVE HIGH PRAISEON SUCH A POIGNANT AND TRUE STORY."

Classic Tale of the New York Salsa Scene

David S. Ocasio | Philadelphia, PA United States | 01/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's scary how well director Leon Ichaso depicts the people he makes movies about. Crossover Dreams is the classic movie of the salsa scene in the late 70's and early 80's. If you love the music and the culture, you'll love the movie. If you want to learn about it, this is the movie to see along with El Super and Pinero. Ruben Blades plays the unassuming Rudy Veloz, a young singer on the New York salsa club circuit that dreams of crossing over to pop mainstream. Rudy goes through some ups and downs, but finally lands a contract with a rock producer. But his new life is not all its cracked up to be and Rudy's star falls as fast as it rose, and he loses his girlfriend Rosie (Liz Pena) in the process. Crossover Dreams delivers the heartfelt "don't forget where you come from" message -- in this case, Spanish Harlem. The movie is filled with guest appearances of great salsa musicians, especially the velvet voice and style of Virgilio Marti, who sings the hands down greatest version of the Cuban classic "Llora Timbero". Pick up the CD soundtrack just for this hit. Crossover Dreams falls short of five stars because of some choppy editing, a plot that sags towards the end of the film, and some one dimensional supporting characters. The ending could have been better developed. But the music, funny lines and beautifully filmed images of El Barrio make the movie a great contribution to New York nostalgia."

More like 3 and a Half

L. J Nary | Indio, CA United States | 12/07/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The film has spice and color, even though the story line is formula, except the part about the girlfriend, sort of a funny twist there. It is about a Harlem Salsa Singer trying to crossover, but his fate is a bit different than Selena. He ends up rising very quickly and crashing even more quickly. I really really liked the color and the shots of East Harlem. I even liked more the music. It had a liveliness that made the film come alive more. I thought Ruben Blades did a great job in acting his part, staying right with his character. His film presence is very magnetic. I also like Elizabeth Pena, although she doesn't have a whole lotta of spark in this film. It was a nice film and I suggest it and recommend it. Lisa Nary"