Sueno (2005)

John Leguizamo, Elizabeth Peña and Ana Claudia Talancón star in this inspirational film about Antonio, a young man who gets the once in a lifetime chance to make his dreams of becoming a musician a reality. Antonio moves from Mexico to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of sharing his music with the world. Just as he is about to give up after toiling at his uncle's fast food joint, his dreams become within reach when the "Chance of a Lifetime Mystery Musician Contest" comes to town. Along the way to making his dreams a reality, Antonio meets up with two beautiful women who also rediscover their passions.

great date movie

I really enjoyed this movie. I got a little misty myself. Strong acting, solid musical performances. I liked the "follow your dreams" theme and the side story of the woman who thinks she is too old to be sexy. Obviously not! Viva la musica! October 19, 2007

Great movie.

I saw a preview for Sueno in the beginning of The Baxter.
Excellent movie, love John Leguizamo, I highly recommend it. September 16, 2007

Music By The Numbers--Leguizamo And Company Want To Put On A Show!

John Leguizamo is an engaging performer and perhaps one of our most underrated personalities. His willingness to take risks and unconventional roles has led to a more diverse film career than you might expect. Unfortunately, more often than not, these choices have taken him down a dubious path. With a resume littered with more interesting "misses" than artistically successful films, Leguizamo still manages to stand out as a talent--his bravado and gusto usually the best thing in a picture that has misfired. His presence in "Sueno," therefore, is a welcome sight--for if ever there was a picture that needed "edge," it's this sweet little concoction.

A throwback to more innocent times (although contemporary in setting), "Sueno" is a standard underdog story. Lovable Leguizamo, perhaps too subdued in this performance, is a talented musician looking to get his big break. As a Mexican immigrant, breaking into and succeeding in the Los Angeles musical arena is tantamount to living the American dream. Lucky for him, then, that there is a Latin radio contest (a battle of the bands) that will give its winner much exposure. As you might expect, Leguizamo now has to bring together a group of misfit musicians to form "the next big sound." Of course, the film provides a stock villain in a rival and unnecessarily ruthless musician--hmmm, I wonder if they'll have a showdown on stage? Sprinkle in some romance, slap on a tidy ending--and it's an undeniably pleasant crowd pleaser! Maybe, but one that holds no surprises and no original ideas.

It's hard not to have some fondness for a film that turns the gritty urban music scene into something that rivals the "Aw shucks, let's put on a show!" mentality of an old Mickey Rooney classic. Because "Sueno" is fantasy, pure and simple. And if the main narrative of the film doesn't convince you of this fact, the awkwardly inserted and whimsical musical numbers should do the trick. These numbers provide some entertainment factor, but I would contend that they are not particularly well integrated and therefore seem to be visiting from a completely different film. Still, if you're looking for something with moderate charms and superficial entertainment value--you could do worse than "Sueno." If, however, you're looking for something more enduring or memorable--go ahead and keep looking.

Slight and unassuming, there isn't anything in "Sueno" that you haven't seen before--many times. But with likable leads in Elizabeth Pena (as an unlikely lead singer) and Leguizamo, musical interludes, and a pleasant soundtrack--I suspect many will embrace this film. But like a snow cone on a hot summer day, it's sweetness may be refreshing in the now--but, ultimately, it may leave you with an underlying need for something more substantial and/or satisfying. KGHarris, 03/07. March 19, 2007

Just a Nice Little Film...With Terrific Music

Like most films that feature a lot of great music, the story itself here is nothing to get excited about. Even so, the acting is excellent, the story IS charming, and my wife got all misty about the romance aspect of it. Highly recommended as part of a romantic date night in...even if you've been married to your date for a while. December 20, 2006

A disappointing film with great music.

The story is very trite. It just seemed to move very slowly plot-wise in the first 45 min. John Leguizamo appears to be lip-synching in about half the songs he is singing. I noted that Elizabeth Pena also appeared to be lip-synching in one song. John is about 35, but managed to pull off looking 20 pretty well. The music was great, and should please Latino audiences and others of us who love Latin music and are not Latino. Watch this film for the music and you will not be disappointed. July 15, 2006

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