RAISING VICTOR VARGAS

D: Peter Sollett; with Victor Rasuk, Judy Marte, Melonie Diaz, Altagracia Guzman.

Narrative Feature Special Screenings, Regional Premiere Writer/director Peter Sollett and cinematographer Tim Orr (of George Washington fame) have created a beautiful urban coming-of-age drama that is fresh enough to elicit a perm-a-smile throughout the film. The story is pretty basic: It is summertime in New York, and teenager Victor Vargas (Rasuk) is being pulled in two ways. His grandma wants him to be more of an example to his younger brother and sister, but all Victor can think about is girls and getting respect. Both stories are funny, charming, and natural. Raising Victor Vargas warmly evokes memories of teen years, with a mixture of fairy tale and authentic moods and a subtle comedic touch.

This article appears in March 14 • 2003.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US