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Illegal Tender
By Cynthia Fuchs,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Vengeful gangster violence comes to the 'burbs.

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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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What's the Story?
In ILLEGAL TENDER, tough-minded Millie De Leon (Wanda de Jesús) looks after her two sons, Will (Rick Gonzalez) and his half-brother Randy (Antonio Ortiz). Early on, the film underlines the terrible past. As Millie gives birth to Will, Will's drug-dealing father, Wilson Sr. (Manny Perez), is killed by hitwomen of his shadowy associate, Javier (Gary Perez). Millie makes the best of her difficulties, supporting her sons in comfortable style (apparently she's an early Microsoft investor). Their cushy life in the Connecticut suburbs looks to be on course: Will's a recent college grad who makes sure Randy does his homework. But just as 21-year-old Will contemplates moving out, the family's serenity is destroyed.
Is It Any Good?
While Will's character arc (innocent boy is redefined by manly violence) is plain enough, it's Millie's trajectory that gives the movie its astounding and frequently entertaining energy. It's one of those big fat movie moments. While Millie recalls hot Blaxploitation mamas like Foxy Brown and Cleopatra Jones, she is, at the same time, a literal mama, defending her sons with alarming élan.
Much of the movie is overwrought and then some, featuring over-explanatory dialogue, sluggish pacing, and not one but two climactic trips to Javier's Puerto Rican headquarters. The shooting is incessant, the rage and betrayal predictable, and the outcome is foregone. But Millie -- she's spectacular.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what messages the movie sends about violence. Does it justify any of the characters' use of violence to deal with conflict? If so, do you agree with the movie's position? Why or why not? What's the appeal of violent action thrillers in the first place? Families can also discuss the role that family plays in the movie. Even though Millie's relationship with her sons is based on some serious lies by omission, how does the film celebrate their loyalty and dedication to one another?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 24, 2007
- On DVD or streaming: December 18, 2007
- Cast: Dania Ramirez , Rick Gonzalez , Wanda De Jesus
- Director: Franc. Reyes
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Latino actors
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Genre: Thriller
- Run time: 108 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence, language and some sexuality.
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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