Selena (1997)

The Pursue Of Dreams


THE PLOT (9 stars – Excellent)

Purely inspiring!  Probably, one of the best biopic ever made.  Selena’s journey is a rollercoaster ride.  Then, it ends unexpectedly.  Even yet, I like how the film concentrates more on her talent and music, and on the pursue of dreams.

THE PERFORMANCE (9 stars - Excellent)

Applause to Edward James Olmos and Jennifer Lopez!  Olmos as the strict dad is very convincing.  Lopez's interpretations are natural, not forceful.  Her singing and dancing performances are entertaining and fun.  Their father-daughter relationship works well, full of emotions here.

THE PRODUCTION (7 stars - Good)

I like the gradual phasing of the movie.  Imitations in make-up and hair, wearing the original clothes are effective.  I like how the camera angle moves especially during the performances.  Fast segments, some close-ups and engaging shots are just right.

OVERALL SCORE
(9 + 9 + 7) / 3 = 8.33
8/10 points = Very Good



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Lisa Kropiewnicki)
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (based on 1 user)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.4/5.0 stars (based on 254 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 319 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (reviewed by Don Willmott)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on users)

5.  IMDB
     = 6.3/10.0 stars (based on 8,584 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 65/100 points (based on 16 critics)
     = 9.6/10.0 points (based on 5 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 66/100 points (based on critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 3.5/5.0 stars (based on critics)
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 872 users)

9.  Rotten Tomatoes
     = 63/100 points (based on 38 critics)
     = 76/100 points (based on 149,641 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = None
     = B+ (based on 6,850 users)


THE GIST

“Selena” is a story worth making.  In spite of tragedy, there is triumph.  And didn’t I mention the voice?  Oh, you sure gonna fall in love with that sultry voice.  :)

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"The hardest part is letting go."

- Bungee Jumping Crew

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Sneaky" Yolanda Saldivar

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Recording a hit song

4.  MOVIE TRAILER

5.  NUMBER TRACKER

Production Budget                      $20.0 M
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Domestic Gross       $35.3 M
Foreign Gross          $45.0 M
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Worldwide Gross                         $80.3M
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Profit                                         $60.3M

6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Golden Globe Awards, USA
Nominated:            - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture
                                    Comedy / Musical (Jennifer Lopez)

Grammy Awards, USA
Nominated:            - Best Instrumental Composition Written in Motion Picture

MTV Movie Awards, USA
Nominated:             - Breakthrough Performance (Jennifer Lopez)