Ritchie Valens was a young,vibrant rock and roll star.At 17,he could already write songs,sing,and was an absolute wizard with a guitar.I'm too young to remember the real Valens,but when I think of him,as well as other stars who died tragically young,I can't help but wonder what might have been.This young man was only getting started in his stardom when he was cut down all too soon in the same plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.This film did a great job of bringing the legend of Valens back to life if only for a couple of hours.Lou Diamond Phillips gave the performance of his career here,as Valens,even though he didn't really look much like the real man in my opinion.Being the role he is best known for,I'm sure it is also one he has tried to escape from in the 15 years since its' release.As far as historical accuracy,I have heard discrepancies as to how the story really went,but you know Hollywood,things always have to be spiced up just a little.Overall,this movie is great fun,especially for old rock and roll enthusiasts such as myself.Thumbs up!
96 Reviews
Great biopic of a musical legend
Agent1024 June 2002
The life and times of Richie Valens, and well made to say the least. Lou Diamond Phillips really showed a lot of promise in this film, but poor choices later in his career hurt his rep in Hollywood. Nonetheless, this film is quite an achievement in regards to portraying a rock idol (which was far better than the dull Buddy Holly Story). What really made this film was the relationship between Phillips and Esai Morales. Never has a brotherly dynamic been portrayed so fluidly, displaying the sweet and sour sides of the two growing up. With the help of a great soundtrack, I really felt this film has a spirit which isn't displayed in biographies anymore. Nowadays, most films try too hard to show the downside, which is what this tried not to do. 7.5/10
I was surprised by the "generation gap" in the audience.
Baxter-522 April 2000
I was a Junior in High School the "day the music died" so I knew how this movie would end going in. I saw the movie in theatrical release in 1987. In the row in front of me was a group of 14-year-old girls. It was apparent that they did not begin to guess the ending until the Beechcraft was rolling down the runway at Mason City.
There may have been some "Hollywood" to this version of Valen's life, but overall it was a very well done Bio. Lou Daimond Phillips is actually better looking than Valens, but he was convincing in the role. Joe Pantoliano is often overlooked, but I think his "Bob Keene" was also strong.
There may have been some "Hollywood" to this version of Valen's life, but overall it was a very well done Bio. Lou Daimond Phillips is actually better looking than Valens, but he was convincing in the role. Joe Pantoliano is often overlooked, but I think his "Bob Keene" was also strong.
Bio of young 50's rocker Ritchie Valens
dslacker9 April 1999
Under-rated melodrama with excellent music by Los Lobos and others. Young Lou Diamond Phillips gives an excellent energetic performance and Esi Morles is at his very best as the sometimes neglected hoodlum brother. A great cast from top to bottom saves what could have been an all too sudsy script.
The music is great, atmosphere realistic. Dialogue is a bit stilted at times.
abtal27 June 2005
If you like the music, you'll like the movie.
Great music performances by Los Lobos, Brian Setzer and Howard Huntsberry (absolutely loved Huntsberry's cover of Jackie Wilson). Would have been nice if the DVD contained the Valens' versions of some songs to compare with Los Lobos. Even better would have been some original footage of Valens. Luis Valdez (writer/director) worked closely with Valens' family and it shows in the realistic atmosphere of several scenes. That said, the dialog has some real fingernails-on-chalkboard moments:
Bob: "You're such a dreamer." Ritchie: "My dreams are pure rock and roll."
Ritchie to Donna: "I'm going to be a star. Stars don't fall from the sky, do they?" (alluding to Ritchie's fear of flying and his tragic death).
I agree with many others that Esai Morales shines as Ritchie's brother Bob. The movie would be sorely lacking without Bob's story.
Great music performances by Los Lobos, Brian Setzer and Howard Huntsberry (absolutely loved Huntsberry's cover of Jackie Wilson). Would have been nice if the DVD contained the Valens' versions of some songs to compare with Los Lobos. Even better would have been some original footage of Valens. Luis Valdez (writer/director) worked closely with Valens' family and it shows in the realistic atmosphere of several scenes. That said, the dialog has some real fingernails-on-chalkboard moments:
Bob: "You're such a dreamer." Ritchie: "My dreams are pure rock and roll."
Ritchie to Donna: "I'm going to be a star. Stars don't fall from the sky, do they?" (alluding to Ritchie's fear of flying and his tragic death).
I agree with many others that Esai Morales shines as Ritchie's brother Bob. The movie would be sorely lacking without Bob's story.
A true story about a young boy who persevered to success
joserigel-2405524 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
La Bamba is an emotional journey about a boy who persevered to success from his music with the help of his family. This short movie captured the ups and downs of life, from his drunk brother who constantly abused his own wife and his mother trying to raise Ritchie as perfectly as she could be, but in between those moments, there's always a glimpse of humanity and portrayed the sense of a broken family trying to make it work in such a grounded and warm way that made the movie realistic despite the fast paced nature of the storyline. Lou Diamond Phillips portrayed the young mexican boy as perfectly as a teenager would be. Lou was able to capture the simple emotions and thinking of Ritchie on how he just wanted to impress the blonde girl he liked from class. The movie also tackled racial issue between Ritchie and his lover, Donna, it was able to capture the thoughts that her parents would express, preventing their biracial romance. The film is rich with vibrant story, the tragic death of a young musician and not to mention, the development of foreign music in the United States.
Classic
djfrost-4678615 January 2019
A terrific film about the importance of family and realizing your dreams.
bunkerforever9 April 2002
La Bamba which stars Lou Diamond Phillips as tragic 50's rocker Ritchie Valens(real name Richard Valenzuela) is my favorite rock bio film. The film covers the Mexican American Valens' rise from poverty in California to becoming a rock n roll superstar at the young age of 17 only to lose it all within 8 months on the "Day the Music Died".
In addition to focusing on Valens' music career, writer/director Luis Valdez spends time showing the tense relationship between Ritchie and his older brother Bob who is played excellently by Esai Morales. As Ritchie becomes famous Bob begins to resent him and that provides the film with some of its most powerful and heartbreaking scenes.
The film's other effective moments come between Ritchie and his girlfriend Donna. During their scenes together I felt that Valdez did a good job in showing what teenage romances must've been like back in the more innocent 1950's and how parents prejudices could interfere.
Last but not least is the film's great soundtrack. Ritchie Valens songs were redone for the film by the group Los Lobos. All of the instrumental music was provided by Carlos Santana and Miles Goodman. Also included are many other classic songs from the 50's.
The only small criticism I have of the film is that Valdez spends too much time in foreshadowing Valens' fate through dream sequences and references to his fear of flying. While it is documented that Ritchie did have a fear of flying I would imagine that he didn't talk about it as frequently as he does in the film.
Overall I think that La Bamba is a film about sticking to your dreams and the importance of family. I give this film a pretty strong recommendation. You don't even necessarily have to be a fan of 50's music to enjoy it. This is for those who enjoy small films that deal with the triumphs and struggles of everyday people.
In addition to focusing on Valens' music career, writer/director Luis Valdez spends time showing the tense relationship between Ritchie and his older brother Bob who is played excellently by Esai Morales. As Ritchie becomes famous Bob begins to resent him and that provides the film with some of its most powerful and heartbreaking scenes.
The film's other effective moments come between Ritchie and his girlfriend Donna. During their scenes together I felt that Valdez did a good job in showing what teenage romances must've been like back in the more innocent 1950's and how parents prejudices could interfere.
Last but not least is the film's great soundtrack. Ritchie Valens songs were redone for the film by the group Los Lobos. All of the instrumental music was provided by Carlos Santana and Miles Goodman. Also included are many other classic songs from the 50's.
The only small criticism I have of the film is that Valdez spends too much time in foreshadowing Valens' fate through dream sequences and references to his fear of flying. While it is documented that Ritchie did have a fear of flying I would imagine that he didn't talk about it as frequently as he does in the film.
Overall I think that La Bamba is a film about sticking to your dreams and the importance of family. I give this film a pretty strong recommendation. You don't even necessarily have to be a fan of 50's music to enjoy it. This is for those who enjoy small films that deal with the triumphs and struggles of everyday people.
Rock solid movie
SnoopyStyle19 April 2014
It's a biopic of the young rock & roll singer Ritchie Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips) and his legendary life. It starts in 1957 with Ritchie and his mother Connie Valenzuela (Rosanna DeSoto) working as farm laborers. His brother Bob Morales (Esai Morales) comes with his ill gotten gains to move the family to Southern California. Bob's girlfriend Rosie (Elizabeth Peña) comes along eventually getting married. However Bob gets more abusive and turns into a drunk. Ritchie plays in a garage band, falling for Donna Ludwig (Danielle von Zerneck), and catching the eye of record producer Bob Keane (Joe Pantoliano).
Written and directed by Luis Valdez, this is a fairly straight forward biography. The style is simple. The music is rocking good. It's one of the best performance of the early Lou Diamond Phillips. Rosanna DeSoto and Esai Morales also put in good performances. The character Donna needed a better actress, but overall the performances were good. It's a rock solid movie.
Written and directed by Luis Valdez, this is a fairly straight forward biography. The style is simple. The music is rocking good. It's one of the best performance of the early Lou Diamond Phillips. Rosanna DeSoto and Esai Morales also put in good performances. The character Donna needed a better actress, but overall the performances were good. It's a rock solid movie.
A movie very dear to me
Therod31 July 2001
I must say I am very disappointed in the people slamming this movie. While they are certainly entitled to their opinion, I think if they watched the movie again without an open mind, they would come to love it as I have.
I can't even begin to describe the pure quality of this movie. Absorbing story, believable, sympathetic characters, pathos, bathos, all the makings of a thought-provoking movie. Personally, there are two quintessential rock and roll movies: "The Doors," and "La Bamba."
For a good cry and a good time, check out this movie. You don't even have to be a fan of Valens or a fan of 50's music to fall in love with it.
I can't even begin to describe the pure quality of this movie. Absorbing story, believable, sympathetic characters, pathos, bathos, all the makings of a thought-provoking movie. Personally, there are two quintessential rock and roll movies: "The Doors," and "La Bamba."
For a good cry and a good time, check out this movie. You don't even have to be a fan of Valens or a fan of 50's music to fall in love with it.
Heartfelt biopic
Leofwine_draca24 November 2012
A heartfelt biopic of Ritchie Valens, the '50s rock and roll singer whose career was cut tragically short when he was killed in a plane crash just after reaching the heights of fame.
The film itself follows a traditional format, showing Valens's humble working background and the gradual successes before he hits the big time. Along the way, many scenes are given over to Ritchie's relationship with his brother Bob, a tempestuous character who adds plenty of drama to the proceedings, and there's also time for romance.
Although Lou Diamond Phillips didn't do the actual singing, I think he makes a good fist of portraying Valens. He certainly brings a youthful energy to the part. Inevitably, the music scenes are the highlight of the film and a good job is done of making them as accurate as possible. The inevitable outcome adds a tragic twist to the film as a whole, which is really a celebratory outing of one man's outstanding talent.
The film itself follows a traditional format, showing Valens's humble working background and the gradual successes before he hits the big time. Along the way, many scenes are given over to Ritchie's relationship with his brother Bob, a tempestuous character who adds plenty of drama to the proceedings, and there's also time for romance.
Although Lou Diamond Phillips didn't do the actual singing, I think he makes a good fist of portraying Valens. He certainly brings a youthful energy to the part. Inevitably, the music scenes are the highlight of the film and a good job is done of making them as accurate as possible. The inevitable outcome adds a tragic twist to the film as a whole, which is really a celebratory outing of one man's outstanding talent.
A Fairy Tale With a Tragic End
claudio_carvalho24 February 2004
Ritchie Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips) is a very poor Mexican-American living with his family in a slum in Paicoma, California. When he is sixteen years old, his half-brother Bob Morales (Esai Morales) is released from the jail and comes back home, bringing money enough for the family to move from the slums to a humble house in a better place. Ritchie goes to the nearby high-school, where he falls in love for Donna (Danielle von Zerneck). Donna, together with his mother Connie Valenzuela (Rosanna DeSoto), his family and his guitar, are the passions of Ritchie. Bob Keene (Joe Pantoliano), president of Del-Fi Records in Hollywood, invites Ritchie to record a single and offers him a recording contract. His first single (`Come On Let's Go') is a great success, and Bob Keene becomes Ritchie's manager. The next songs (`Donna' and `La Bamba') are also very successful and Ritchie Valens becomes famous, earning lots of money. While traveling making shows along USA, he decides to accept an invitation of Buddy Holly to fly back home. A tragic plane crash on 03 Feb 1959 ends the life of this promising seventeen years old singer, along with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. The dramatization of Ritchie Valens' life is presented like a soap-opera, full of beautiful songs, and it is very pleasant to watch this film. Lou Diamond Phillips has (maybe) his best performance as actor, but Esai Morales is wonderful as his big brother. The touching story looks like a fairy tale, having a tragic end. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): `La Bamba'
Title (Brazil): `La Bamba'
The tragedy of a young rock 'n' roller.
michaelRokeefe31 March 2000
Lou Diamond Phillips is superb as Ritchie Valens. From Pacoima, California to rock 'n' roll heaven. The young Mexican-American was determined to break free of the Chicano section of the San Fernando Valley. His music was to be his ticket. A smash hit record at the age of sixteen; a few more to follow and then the tragic plane crash. Valens was dead at age 17. He perished in the now-famous accident that also took the lives of two other entertainers, Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper.
Los Lobos provided the Valens tunes for this bio-pic. The story is quite touching, even though the writer took liberties with reality and fantasy.
Phillips had very good support acting from Esai Morales and Elizabeth Pena. Look for Rick Dees, Marshall Crenshaw and Brian Setzer. Very enjoyable, especially if you like rock 'n' roll in its infancy.
Los Lobos provided the Valens tunes for this bio-pic. The story is quite touching, even though the writer took liberties with reality and fantasy.
Phillips had very good support acting from Esai Morales and Elizabeth Pena. Look for Rick Dees, Marshall Crenshaw and Brian Setzer. Very enjoyable, especially if you like rock 'n' roll in its infancy.
Fake
Joyce Hauchart1 December 2000
I totally agree with Anonymous 10 April 99.
I saw this movie for the first time today, I was born in the fifties, but this does not matter. We all know Ritchie is going to die in an air crash, but from second one we are confronted with planes flying over the school yard.
I was told this is a pretty accurate biography but I truly can't believe it. It's like a bible story, the good and the bad son.
Ritchie could not have been that good and his brother couldn't have been that bad.
What I miss in this film, and I'm sure that was true, that the family hung together. Too much melodrama, sorry no tears, and I even weep when the Wheel Of Fortune does not strike right.
I saw this movie for the first time today, I was born in the fifties, but this does not matter. We all know Ritchie is going to die in an air crash, but from second one we are confronted with planes flying over the school yard.
I was told this is a pretty accurate biography but I truly can't believe it. It's like a bible story, the good and the bad son.
Ritchie could not have been that good and his brother couldn't have been that bad.
What I miss in this film, and I'm sure that was true, that the family hung together. Too much melodrama, sorry no tears, and I even weep when the Wheel Of Fortune does not strike right.
Good movie
DunnDeeDaGreat25 October 2002
La Bamba is one of the movies that makes you feel good,cry and think about how life really is short. Lou Diamond Phillps was in top form as Richie Valens who never got the chance to show us what he could do. I'm not really a Rock & Roll fan but this is a good movie and one hat brings a tear every time I watch it.
Not the most exciting biopic, but some great music along the way
blott2319-117 December 2021
La Bamba is an unusual biopic about a musician. It seems that most of these movies are about how the protagonist's fame corrupts them and eventually leads to sex, drugs, and drink. They neglect their family and friends, until they must find a moment of redemption. However, it doesn't seem that Ritchie Valens lived that kind of life. In fact, they spend an inordinate amount of time in the film focusing on his brother because he's the one who struggles with substance abuse and bad relationships. Ritchie is down-to-earth, likable, and almost without flaws in La Bamba. His only real quirk is the fact that he is afraid of flying, something they take full advantage of pointing out because of the horrible irony of that phobia.
What makes La Bamba worth watching is really the soundtrack. It has multiple great Ritchie Valens hits, which are all a treat. But they also jam-pack nearly every scene with tunes from his contemporaries. I suppose if you're not as hooked on 1950s music as I am, then the soundtrack might not blow you away. I was tapping my toes the whole time and it made even the dull moments a bit more enjoyable. This is one of those biopics about a musician where they make the choice to just dub in the original artist's voice, that means the quality of the singing is top notch but you have to suspend your disbelief when you see Lou Diamond Phillips lip syncing. As a whole, La Bamba is not a great film, but the story is told well enough and there's some good tunes to listen to along the way.
What makes La Bamba worth watching is really the soundtrack. It has multiple great Ritchie Valens hits, which are all a treat. But they also jam-pack nearly every scene with tunes from his contemporaries. I suppose if you're not as hooked on 1950s music as I am, then the soundtrack might not blow you away. I was tapping my toes the whole time and it made even the dull moments a bit more enjoyable. This is one of those biopics about a musician where they make the choice to just dub in the original artist's voice, that means the quality of the singing is top notch but you have to suspend your disbelief when you see Lou Diamond Phillips lip syncing. As a whole, La Bamba is not a great film, but the story is told well enough and there's some good tunes to listen to along the way.
The music lives on
Mr-Fusion24 October 2022
"Not my Ritchie!"
That's a mournful line I've known for many years (even if it's taken me til today to finally watch the movie) and it's no spoiler that Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash. Everyone knows what happened on that fateful night and it's a tragic ending that "La Bamba" all but telegraphs from its very opening shot. I just thought that was kind of an odd way to tell his story.
But the movie's not going for surprise endings so much as just being an enjoyable biopic; and I enjoyed it, so mission accomplished. Valens was defined to rock the stage, and this is a star-making performance by Lou Diamond Phillips. It's a story that celebrates his optimism alongside the bright and happy California of the fifties ('80s movies always seemed to do a great job at creating that image); and also doesn't shy away from the ugly aspects (his horrendous brother) and the abhorrent racism.
Overall a solid movie with good casting and an excellent soundtrack. Well worth anyone's time.
That's a mournful line I've known for many years (even if it's taken me til today to finally watch the movie) and it's no spoiler that Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash. Everyone knows what happened on that fateful night and it's a tragic ending that "La Bamba" all but telegraphs from its very opening shot. I just thought that was kind of an odd way to tell his story.
But the movie's not going for surprise endings so much as just being an enjoyable biopic; and I enjoyed it, so mission accomplished. Valens was defined to rock the stage, and this is a star-making performance by Lou Diamond Phillips. It's a story that celebrates his optimism alongside the bright and happy California of the fifties ('80s movies always seemed to do a great job at creating that image); and also doesn't shy away from the ugly aspects (his horrendous brother) and the abhorrent racism.
Overall a solid movie with good casting and an excellent soundtrack. Well worth anyone's time.
Nice story about the short career of Richie Valens
Heeeyyyyy9 July 2014
Richie Valens was one of many Mexican American pop stars of his era. Many were not known because they were members of bands and not solo artists like Valens. I thought Rosanna DeSoto gave an excellent performance as Valens' mother. She is one of my favorite actresses and can perform comedic roles equally as well as dramatic roles. She's a very versatile actress. In this movie, she was the only authentic Mexican American actor to be cast. The others were Cuban or something else. I would have preferred the role of Valens had gone to a Mexican American actor as Valens was of Mexican heritage and there are few roles about Mexican Americans that actually go to Mexican American actors. Aside from that, I enjoyed this movie.
One of the best of its genre
pmtelefon23 February 2020
I am not a fan of music biography movies. They are probably my least favorite genre. Sure the music is different but the story is always the same. They all included the scene where the artist does it "his own way". Yawn. "La Bamba", however, is one that I like. I liked it when I saw it in the theater (MovieWorld, Douglaston, NY) and I really enjoyed today. The cast is excellent. They all do a terrific job. The story movie fast. Its payoff leaves not a dry eye in the house. "La Bamba" is one of the few music biographies that I enjoy revisiting.
Rock'n'roll nostalgia
LeRoyMarko22 January 2005
I expected less, I got more. Luis Valdez does a good job of putting to screen the brief life of rock'n'roll star Ritchie Valens. Great soundtrack. The chemistry is good between Ritchie and Donna. I remember when the movie came out, I was about 13 and I fell in love with Donna! Danielle von Zemeck brings a certain innocence to the role that is refreshing. Lou Diamon Phillips is good but Esai Morales steals the show. In fact, you could almost say the movie is about his life just as it his of Ritchie.
Seen at home, in Toronto, on January 21st, 2005.
78/100 (**½)
Seen at home, in Toronto, on January 21st, 2005.
78/100 (**½)
"La Bamba" is an excellent star vehicle for revealing late Ritchie Valens' musical genius
FilmCriticLalitRao8 January 2009
In the history of Hollywood cinema,musicals have always played an important role."La Bamba" is one of those rare,well made musicals which depict the cause of the rising popularity of Latino music.All credit for this film's success must go to its creators such as director Luis Valdez,famous musicians Carlos Santana and Los Lobos and amazing actors Esai Morales and Lou Diamond Philips who plays "once in a lifetime role" of a talented rock musician named Ritchie Valens who left for heavenly abode at a young age.This film provides for an interesting viewing experience as we get mesmerized by its diverse themes which range from family drama,gentle romance,sibling rivalry and soothing music.La Bamba has enough material in the form of social message too.We learn from this film that true brothers are always made for each other as they understand each other's joys and pains.It is said that talent never goes undetected.This is shown candidly as young Ritchie Valens succeeds only due to his natural ability to perform beautiful songs."La Bamba" is a film for all those admirers of good cinema who would like to see a musical film.
Well-made docu-drama.
paulclaassen29 November 2019
From humble beginnings to short-lived star, 'La Bamba' is an excellent portrayal of the life of Richard Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens.
Despite his poor upbringing, Ritchie had big dreams from a young age, with a natural talent. He was a self-taught guitarist with a crystal clear, strong voice. Lou Diamond Philips is really good as Ritchie Valens. Esai Morales is equally good as his 'loser' brother, Bob. Even to those not familiar with the tragic real-life events, this is a film that will touch your soul, and also inspire you to keep your dreams alive - no matter what the circumstances.
The film also has a very good, vibrant soundtrack.
Despite his poor upbringing, Ritchie had big dreams from a young age, with a natural talent. He was a self-taught guitarist with a crystal clear, strong voice. Lou Diamond Philips is really good as Ritchie Valens. Esai Morales is equally good as his 'loser' brother, Bob. Even to those not familiar with the tragic real-life events, this is a film that will touch your soul, and also inspire you to keep your dreams alive - no matter what the circumstances.
The film also has a very good, vibrant soundtrack.
Esai Morales steals the show
Riff986 July 2002
Esai Morales gives the best performance of his career in this 1987 movie about Hall of Fame rock and roller Ritchie Valens, who was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 17 with the big bopper and Buddy Holly on February 3, 1959. Morales plays Bob Morales, the half brother of Ritchie. Bob is a drunk who feels as if he is in the shadow of Ritchie due to Ritchie's musical talent and success. In fact if I didn't know better you might think the movie is about Bob. He was in the movie a ton. Lou Diamond Phillips does a good job of portraying Ritchie. I would definitely suggest that you watch this movie. It has a ton of great music and like I said before Morales is awesome in this movie.
Fine
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews9 April 2008
I don't know anything about the real person this is about apart from what this tells. I can't claim to be particularly interested in this film(and to put it about as nicely as possible, bio-pic is *not* my genre), or the real person, so please chalk it up to that if this review bears marks of that. The music is definitely good(that's probably always been my reason for watching this), if 50's rock is your thing, I could see there being worse things to sit through to listen to such, but I can't say for sure that I've watched any others of these(Elvis films don't count, right?). The plot isn't bad and develops OK. The pacing is reasonable. The acting certainly has bright spots... Pantoliano is a pretty positive addition as usual, and Pena, who I've seen since earlier viewings of this in both NCIS and WaT and performed well in both(particularly the latter) is great. Never been a fan of Phillips, this doesn't really alter that one way or the other. Cinematography and editing are nothing special. I couldn't tell you if the people look(or sound, in the case of the singers) their parts, or if this follows the actual story(at all), I'm afraid. I recommend this to fans of the musicians and their work. 7/10
Broken talismans, fateful coin tosses and the mustiest of biopic cliches
moonspinner5520 January 2004
Moments of "La Bamba" seem so exact and are mounted so well, they produce goosebumps of nostalgic remembrance and heightened expectations. Those moments, like goosebumps, don't last long, and "La Bamba" is eventually weighed down by hoary old B-movie cliches(maybe Ritchie did dream of dying in a plane crash, but does he have to tell everybody about it--including his manager ON a plane flight?). This is all just to get our tear ducts going for the final unfair twist(which is slackly handled). General over-acting and over-eager direction are other hurdles in a film that is eventually too slick for anybody's good. ** from ****
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