Raising Victor Vargas

Released: October 23 2003
Cast: Victor Rasuk, Judy Marte, Melonie Diaz, Altagracia Guzman, Donna Maldonado
Director: Peter Sollett
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Rated: M
Running Time: 88 Minutes


Synopsis:
Victor Vargas (Rasuk), a 16-year-old Dominican boy growing up on New York's Lower East Side, finds his self-image as a burgeoning ladies man deflated when the neighborhood finds out that he's dating an unpopular and overweight girl (Maldonado) who lives two stories above his grandmother's apartment (where he lives, along with his brother and sister). So, he sets his sights on the most beautiful girl at the local swimming pool, 'Juicy' Judy Rodriguez (Marte).


My Verdict:
Victor Vargas is the eldest of three siblings who are being raised by their very traditional grandmother. Victor considers himself to be a ladies man and is proud of his standing until he is caught with "Fat Donna". His scheming sister decides to let the neighbourhood know and Victor is in disgrace. He then decides that in order to redeem himself, he will win over "Juicy Judy". Judy is considered to be the catch of the neighbourhood and has no interest in Victor and refuses his advances. Her refusals do not deter Victor and he sets about to win her over, ultimately by revealing the real Victor.

Raising Victor Vargas is not a glossy big-budget movie, but rather a pseudo documentary revealing the lives of some Dominicans in a lesser area of New York. It is not clear why Victor and his brother and sister are being raised by their grandmother, but it is clear that they have few material possessions. What they do have, however, is each other. Realising this is the crux of the movie and it is a lesson for us too that having a family may be the most important possession we have.

The movie is shot much of the time by hand held camera, which is sometimes frustrating, yet is quite appropriate and contains many close-ups. The cast is made up of non-professionals and it is a credit to them all in their achievement. Having an unknown cast is sometimes a blessing as there is no room for typecasting. Victor's grandmother has several scene stealing moments, which are truly priceless. Poor Victor really is naïve, as is his grandmother, but both for very different reasons. Raising Victor Vargas is a feel good movie that will make you glad you got to meet Victor and his friends.


- Christina Bruce