Born in East L.A.

Cheech Marin is a great talent. In his film, "Born in East L.A.", he clearly shows a man that has a good understanding about the issues at the heart of this entertaining movie. For some years now he has been by himself as his partnership with Tommy Chong ended.

Mr. Marin makes an important point in the film. Rudy, his main character, is a man born and raised in East L.A., as the title indicates, yet, he is deported to a country he probably has never been to. His roots are American, yet being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, trying to do a favor to his cousin, he is hauled to a detention center for illegal aliens and deported to Mexico.

Of course, the arrest and his deportation serves as the basis of a clever comedy that is easy on the eyes and have us laughing throughout the many funny situations Mr. Marin has created for himself and his crew. Daniel Stern is good as Jimmy, the man that exploits Rudy. Paul Rodriguez has some good moments as the newly arrived guy that keeps thinking the messages he hears in Rudy's answering service come from the Jesus image behind it. The lovely Kamala Lopez is easy on one's eyes, and the great Lupe Ontiveros plays Rudy's mom.

"Born in East L.A." is a funny movie with a message.

I heard about this movie recently, and last night I finally got to see it. I'm glad I did! There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, including scenes with Javier and scenes when Rudy has to deal with the boarder patrol. The romance with the woman from El Salvador was actually tolerable (I generally do not like romance in movies), plus it didn't take up too much of the time. As the movie goes on the audience sees Rudy is a man with a good heart, yet I sensed no sappieness. Another aspect of "Born in East L.A." is that it can make people think about the struggles and poverty that happens just over our boarder; this serious issue is presented in a comedy though, so it's easier to take and people don't have to put their guard up for preachy morals while they're looking for a good laugh. Yes, the movie isn't very deep, but it certainly doesn't have to be. I would recomend "Born in East L.A." to anyone. I definitely have to see it again.

I love this movie! Next to "Shrimp on the Barbie," this is my favorite Cheech Marin movie as he goes on to prove he can actually be funny by not playing a pothead. A Mexican-American dragged across the border, he shows the lengths he is willing to go to return home and prove he is an American, but there is also a sensitive and heart-warming touch to his range as he proves he is also a good guy and not just some clown. Daniel Stern is also a hoot as an opportunist, and Paul Rodriguez flexes his comedic muscle that we his fans appreciate so much.

"Rudy Robles" (Cheech Marin) is a mechanic who works in Los Angeles and does the best that he can for his family. So when his mother (played by Lupe Ontiveros) asks him to drive to a nearby factory and pick up his cousin "Javier" (Paul Rodriguez) he does what he is told. Unfortunately for Rudy, when he gets to the factory it is suddenly raided by immigration officials and because he has accidentally left his wallet at home he is deported to Mexico. So unable to convince the authorities that he is an American citizen and with no money in his possession, Rudy has to somehow manage to make ends meet while at the same time attempt to get back across the border into the United States. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an enjoyable comedy for the most part with good performances by Cheech Marin and Paul Rodriguez. Likewise, having a beautiful actress like Kamal Lopez (as "Dolores") certainly didn't hurt either. That being said, I have rated this film accordingly. Slightly above average.

this movie is good as it is. but there is a longer version that fills in parts of the story that make it whole. I can't belive they put out the DVD with out the missing sceens. We Need the WHOLE movie thankyou jeffery