 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Selena
- Review Date: January 19, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 1997
Common Sense Media says
J-Lo hits the right notes in Tejano star's tale.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie is based on the life of Selena, the popular singer who was killed in 1995. Kids may ask questions about the events surrounding her murder. The murder isn't shown, but one character does hold a gun to her own head. At the center of this film is a portrait of a principled and loving Latino family -- something rarely depicted in movies.
What's the story?
SELENA, a touching, effervescent, and ultimately tragic biopic, tells the story of the Grammy-winning Tejano singer Selena, who was killed at age 23 by her fan-club president. Jennifer Lopez shines in the title role of the movie, which chronicles the performer's rise to stardom and explores her relationship with her tight-knit family, including a domineering yet loving father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos). The story begins with one of Selena's last performances, a concert that drew record-breaking crowds, then flashes back to Selena's childhood in Texas. Her father, a former singer, recognizes Selena's natural singing abilities, and organizes her and her siblings into a musical group. The kids perform at festivals, and Selena slowly develops a following. By the time she's a young adult, she's a superstar in the Tejano music scene. Abraham is proud of Selena, but can't accept that she's growing up. This leads to various conflicts, which boil over when Selena falls in love with the band's lead guitarist, Chris (Jon Seda). Just when Selena seems content and on the brink of mainstream pop success, her life is tragically cut short. Selena's untimely death mostly through TV news-style reports, although there's a scene of her killer (Lupe Ontiveros) holding a gun to her own head.
Is it any good?
Although the film occasionally feels somewhat sugar-coated, Selena remains a very watchable, entertaining, and moving tribute to a beloved performer. It also includes portrayals of Mexican-American culture and Hispanic families.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the relationship between Selena and her father. Why is he so domineering? Does he deny his kids a childhood by forcing them to perform in a musical group? Or is he urging them, especially Selena, to reach their potential? Also, thousands of young girls idolized Selena. How does the movie depict her as a role model through her personality, her ventures in music and fashion, and her ability to succeed despite ethnic and gender challenges? Kids might also have questions about Tejano music, a Tex-Mex genre that blends elements of pop, country, Mexican polka, and other styles.
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AGE
memories
i enjoyed this,and jlo played a great selena of course.
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AGE
parental guidenace suggested.
If I dare to let a five year old watch this film, I would cover his/her eyes to the inappropriate parts, I would like him/her to see her success, love Selena had for her fans. I will let the child know that i was one of her fans who miss her, and the good qualities in her.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 3, 2010
AGE
should be rated 17+.
should be R but ok for most kids to see b cuz too many "s--t"s.
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AGE
should be rated 17+.
should be R but ok for most kids to see b cuz too many "s--t"s.
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Kid, 11 years old
August 3, 2010
AGE
should be rated 17+.
should be R but ok for most kids to see b cuz too many "s--t"s.
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AGE
This movie is great! Even though the story is tragic J-LO does a great job telling the tale. The murder is not shown but your children may ask some questions, for others it may not give any reaction! Talk about it, don't let it go un-noticed, ask if there are any questions!! All in all it was a SPECTACULAR movie!
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AGE
I love this movie
i watch this movie all the time at home... and because of the movie i wanted to learn alot about the actual Selena... I listened to her music, read books,etc... J-lo does really good playing Selena, and the whole cast is def. believable :)
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AGE
Amazingly Spectacular!
Selena's story is so amazing... I was actually about to be named after her since I was born the year she dies. JLo did a good job... i guess. There are some very... passionate kissing scenes. Nothing to freak out about. The movie was awesome though. I loved it! It's so sad... it WILL make you cry. You must watch this move, epecially if you are a fan of Selena. I love Selena's music. May she Rest in Peace.
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AGE
Best music film ever
This is probaly the best music film ive ever seen. Great cast great music great everything.
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| Topics: | music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Gregory Nava |
| Cast: | Constance Marie, Edward James Olmos, Jennifer Lopez |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 128 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 21, 1997 |
| DVD release date: | September 18, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mild language and thematic elements |
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