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The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

I was so much looking forward to see this film, yet had to flip channels after 15 minutes of watching. Tried it a second time and the same happened. Unfortunately Marc Anthony and J Lo cant assume their roles as Hector and Pucci, they maintain themselves estranged from their mission on hand. The story line is bland, lacks precision as to the true life of "El Cantante". Also lacks resolve as to why Lavoe chose a path of self absorption. The Fania All Stars is close to non existent in the story, and Willie Colon just a pawn to lean on. Lavoe's grandeur is also absent from the story line. The mad genius is missed, and as to his musicality, Marc Anthony lacks authenticity to reveal why Lavoe made it in the big city.

Now that I have seen the movie I would really like to learn something about Hector Lavoe's life. The funny thing is that I thought the movie would provide that kind of information. But I only learned this: He used a lot of drugs, he was a good singer, he didn't feel appreciated by his dad and his wife had to struggle a lot with him. What I did not learn: Who were the other people in the movie? Besides his wife and his son nobody is properly introduced. Maybe people who know a lot about him recognize the other characters. I know only two of his songs and his name. For me big parts of this movie were a mystery.Some bearded guys were discussing how talented he is, then later on the bearded guys were discussing how broken down he is. I guess that one of them was his producer, one or two might have been songwriters or musicians. I don't know. There is a scene where Ruben Blades goes on stage and performs the song "El Cantante". A song that should become a very big hit for Lavoe. But hadn't I had seen a documentary on Latin music a few day earlier again I wouldn't have known who the question that was. The guy goes on stage like it is amateur night and he is lucky that Hector is there to listen to the song. My sister was watching the movie with me, and I had to tell her "hey that guy was huge too." OK, I get it. This movie is showing Hector's life from the perspective of his wife. But she either didn't care much about his origins, his musical connections, the people he worked with, his influence on music or the musics influence on him, or she didn't know. If you don't know much about Hector Lavoe and you hope to learn about his life this is not the movie for you. On the other hand: Marc Anthony does a great job in this movie. I wouldn't have expected that. But after a few minutes i forgot it was him and had to remind myself it was not actually Lavoe. Well done. J-Lo is very annoying. But maybe this woman was too. If so, well done too.

I understand many of the folks comments. We must all keep in mind that the movie was based on the interview conducted with Puchi his wife. She was bitter and and upset at him for the drug use, the deceit and the sickness that they both shared. She should had kept in mind that she in some aspect did introduce him to the drug scene. The movie did shine a certain negative spotlight on Hector. The people that never heard of him or knew about him will portray him as being a loser. This movie does nothing for those that never knew about him or heard of him. However the true fans and the ones that do respect and love his music it was a joyous reminiscence. I grew up loving his music and displayed his albums with pride. He was my stepping stone for the love that I have for the Salsa music today. He was the pioneer and one of the major factors in putting Salsa on the map. i would've preferred to sit down and watch a more positive movie on his life. However It takes nothing away on the joy and excitement that i felt to hear his music on the big screen. May he rest in peace and his memories will remain bright through his fans and admirers such as myself.

I must admit that I had my doubts about this film, but after I watched it I wanted to watch it again. The movie is about the life of Hector Lavoe (Mark Antony) from the point of view of his wife Puchi (Jennifer Lopez). I shows his personal life in those areas that affected her the most. While some people don't think much of the way the movie is presented I think is very realistic and well acted. For those of us who remember when Hector Lavoe was the main voice of the Salsa music this movie brings back lots of memories. As far as the acting go Jennifer actually becomes Puchi and Mark does very well as Hector. I give it an A-