El Cantante
Seen it?2006 | 116 min | History, Drama, Music
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (25% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 56 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
The rise and fall of salsa singer, Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993), as told from the perspective of his wife Puchi, who looks back from 2002.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
25% on Rotten Tomatoes, 46 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
1 win and 3 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$25 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 39K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Take the Lead Weeknight WatchAlso stars John Ortiz, in another drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Maria
Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Cadillac Records Weeknight WatchAnother historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody Sunday Safe BetAnother music film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
All Eyez on Me Weeknight WatchAnother historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Leon Ichaso
- Marc AnthonyHector Lavoe
- Jennifer LopezPuchi
- John OrtizWillie Colon
- Manny PerezEddie
- Vincent LarescaRalph
- Federico CastelluccioJerry Masucci
- Nelson VasquezJohnny Pacheco
- Antone PagánPapo
- Romi DiasPriscilla
- Jared EverlethTito (4 yrs.)