A Million to Juan

A million to Juan is simply put, a great movie. The sound may be at times poor, and the images a bit grainy, but the heart and satire behind it surely makes up for it. The struggle of Juan makes you sad, but his honesty and intregity make you believe in him. I have seen this movie over fifty times, and I could still catch it on cable and enjoy all over again.

Juan (Paul Rodriguez) was born in the migrant fields of California but was taken back to Mexico by his mother when he was six. He has no documentation to attest to his U.S. citizenship and lives as an illegal in the Los Angeles area with his young son. Despite the fact that he has two roommates, making the rent is very difficult and he resorts to selling oranges near the freeway. One day, someone gives him a check for a million dollars, only on loan. He must pay it back in full when a month is up. However, just being able to show off the authentic check gets him credit at posh clothing stores, car dealerships, and more. Is his life going to be easier? And, what about the kind, pretty immigration officer who smiles at him quite frequently? This is one of those nice trips down a lesser travelled road. It's wonderful to view a story about the Hispanic population and their unique problems and opportunities. Rodriquez is a charming fellow and he has assembled a fine cast around him. Although the film was not made on a big budget, it is still a worthy choice for film fans who like to stray from the blockbuster path and watch something different. Those who like romantic stories, too, will want to seek out this movie as well.

i was young when i first saw this movie. Paul Rodriguez plays Juan, a hispanic living in a poor neighborhood with his 2 brothers and his son. Juan isn't the kind of man who has luck everyday; he lost his wife, he can't afford to give his son his wishes, he sells oranges on the streets, until one day he meets a man in an angel suit(played by Edward James Olmos). The Estrange man gives Juan a check for 1 million dollars with rules and conditions. All of a sudden, his luck has change and people are kissing his ass back and forth, even the people he hates wants a piece of the check, Juan falls in love with a banker(Polly Draper), but doesn't know how to react. His son comes to the rescue and gets them hooked up. Small movie, but a film that people should watch and understand how it feels to have something vaulable for a one time deal.

Paul Rodriguez is easily one of my favorite comics, which really makes this film kind of a departure from his usual antics. I mean, it was slow and serious? What was up with that? Anyway, I felt the story had a very compelling arc to it, considering he had to give up the money after just a month. While the story is really improbable, it does demonstrate a rather idealist mentality, saying all of our dreams will come true as long as we play by the rules. A strange film to say the least.

Wow, can someone explain to me why anyone would finance this tripe? If anyone deserved a kick in the can it would be that person. You have Paul Rodriguez over-emphasizing every syllable (Oh, it's Senorita Smiiiiiiiiiiiiith!), to making Polly Draper (who looks well over 50 years old in this "film") into some kind of sex symbol, and other nonsense. All I can say is poor Edward James Olmos & Cheech Marin.

Another important question I must ask, what businessman in their right mind would give Paul Rodriguez things just because he flashes a fake-looking check?

At least consider the fact that the audience has somekind of brainpower.