El Cantante

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

Most mainstream audiences will probably be introduced to the life story and pulsating musical talents of salsa pioneer Hector Lavoe when and if they see this indie-film version, a labor of love from real-life husband and wife Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, who also makes her producing debut here. Anthony plays the musician who was credited with helping to ignite the salsa revolution of the '60s and '70s, a talented performer who self-destructed on drugs, contracted AIDS, saw his son accidentally killed and mother-in-law murdered, and even survived a suicide attempt after jumping out of an apartment window. His marriage to Puchi (Lopez) only made matters worse, as the two fed each other's addictions, even though they were clearly in love. It's certainly depressing, but wisely, the film doesn't get bogged down completely in telling the tale of these sad lives, because, fortunately, there is also the music. Anthony doesn't attempt to imitate but rather interpret Lavoe, doing his own singing and creating a great soundtrack, and helps us understand not just the tragedy but also the triumph of someone who just couldn't get out of his own way yet left a legacy still alive in the sounds he created. Lopez and Anthony set off fireworks on the screen together, fortunately, because if they lacked chemistry as a married couple on-screen it might be embarrassing. In fact, Jennifer has never been better or had anywhere near this kind of role to challenge her before. Going back to its own Puerto Rican roots seems to have freed this duo to do its best work. As a musical showcase, El Cantante scores big-time.