La Bamba - Review

When people ask me what era do you wish you grew up in, I would always say the 1980's. The culture, the fashion and the lifestyle all seem so cool. However, after watching La Bamba, I think I would change my answer to the 1950's. Going to high school with those sick cars, rock, and roll dances, hanging out at the diners and getting milkshakes and I don't know what it is exactly but I kind of like the schoolgirl outfit that the girls wore back then. Also, a little bit of the 1950's aesthetic and feel reminds me of my vacation to Disney World where we stayed in the Pop Century Resort's 50's themed hotel. So with a cool time period, you add in great rock and roll music and you have yourself an enjoyable movie on that alone. I always say that if a movie can get me jamming along with its music scenes or get me interested in the subject matter of the film and research into it afterward, then it's a pretty safe bet that it's going to get a great score in my books. This movie does both. When Ritchie Valens sings "Donna", "Come On, Let's Go" and of course, "La Bamba", it feels magical. There is something about old school rock and roll that is just so wonderful. It's even more meaningful because we get to see the life of Ritchie Valens and the struggles of his family life and we like him. Because we get so attached to Ritchie, I felt like reading up on him after the movie. I wanted to listen to all of his original songs and find out more about him. I know this review seems like I am saying it's a good movie just because of the music, but it's the story that makes this film great and heightens the emotional impact of the songs. The story is simple, yet impactful and to be honest, I like that there aren't any super big names in this movie. I mean, I like seeing my favourite movie stars in films as much as the next person, but sometimes a movie without the star power seem more real. Plus, the fact that this movie was able to suck me in without a huge name actor attached to it gives me another reason to give this film a perfect score. La Bamba is a real treat. I was listening to the Los Lobos song over and over again after watching this movie it is so catchy.