Live From SXSW's Screening Room
By Trae Stanley, Fri., March 14, 2003
RAISING VICTOR VARGAS
D: Peter Sollett; with Victor Rasuk, Judy Marte, Melonie Diaz, Altagracia Guzman.Narrative Feature Special Screenings, Regional Premiere Writer/director Peter Sollett and cinematographer Tim Orr (of George Washington fame) have created a beautiful urban coming-of-age drama that is fresh enough to elicit a perm-a-smile throughout the film. The story is pretty basic: It is summertime in New York, and teenager Victor Vargas (Rasuk) is being pulled in two ways. His grandma wants him to be more of an example to his younger brother and sister, but all Victor can think about is girls and getting respect. Both stories are funny, charming, and natural. Raising Victor Vargas warmly evokes memories of teen years, with a mixture of fairy tale and authentic moods and a subtle comedic touch.
