Cuando Sea Joven

Mexican comedy Cuando Sea Joven sees Malena (Castro), a 70-year old grandmother, get a second chance at becoming a successful singer after she’s magically transformed into a younger version of herself.

Malena lives with her son Arturo (Eduardo Santamarina), his wife (Alejandra Barros) and her grandson Victor (Michael Ronda). When Arturo and his wife decide that it’s time for Malena to move into a nursing home, she thinks about the life she could’ve had if she hadn’t put her family before her singing career.

After going to a magical photographer, she comes out of the studio looking like her 22-year old self, the age Malena made what she sees as one of the biggest mistakes of her life. She decides to take on the persona of Maria (Dupeyrón), joining her grandson’s band in hopes of achieving her life-long dream and trying her best to act the part of a woman in her twenties (strong emphasis on trying).

Fun and lighthearted, Cuando Sea Joven offers plenty of jokes and comical situations as Maria tries to adapt to her new life. Not all the jokes land, though: There is a scene where Maria is offered cough syrup by two homeless men to ease her troubles that can read as insensitive.

It’s also difficult to pin down one central message because there are so many different events that go on throughout the film, especially as the movie comes to an abrupt close that lacked cohesion to the central plot.

Regardless, Malena realizes the joy and love her family brings her is what she values most and reverts to her grandmotherly state by the end of the film. Cuando Sea Joven is definitely a fun watch despite its indecisiveness, providing a new attempt at revitalizing one of film’s favorite themes: be careful what you wish for.