Common Sense Media Review
Mixed messages wrapped in stale stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Spanglish
What's the Story?
SPANGLISH centers on Flor (Paz Vega), a single immigrant mother from Mexico who is trying to raise her beautiful daughter, Cristina (Shelbie Bruce). Flor goes to work as a maid for wealthy but kind chef John (Adam Sandler) and his mean-spirited wife Deborah (Téa Leoni). Deborah's daughter, Bernice (Sarah Steele), isn't good enough for her perfectionist mother, who takes over the care and grooming of Cristina while the kind Flor nurses the emotional bruises of the constantly criticized Bernice. Also living at the home is Deborah's mother, Evelyn (Cloris Leachman), who abuses alcohol and frequently points out her daughter's faults. Deborah and John's marriage is in trouble, and John finds himself falling for Flor, who is struggling to learn English and trying to keep her daughter grounded and on track as Deborah continues to spoil the girl.
Is It Any Good?
This movie preys on every known stereotype in its reach for laughter and leaves everyone looking pretty bad. Clichés you'll find in Spanglish: The witchy wife, the drunken mother-in-law, and Sandler's now-stale characterization as a sweet husband who's at the mercy of all the fates around him. Leoni portrays Deborah with brutal coldness, which overshadows any supposed comic relief coming from Evelyn, who's supposed to stand as some sort of moral arbiter. The film is more sympathetic to the characters of Flor and Cristina, who are more aware of what they want in life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about classism and sexism. What does Spanglish seem to be saying about marriage, mother-daughter relationships, and cultural identity?
Deborah and Flor are mothers of teenage daughters. Are they very demanding of them? How do they show that they care about their daughters, or is it difficult to see?
The language barrier is an important theme in the film. Do you speak a language other than the one you use every day? Have you ever visited a country where you don't know how to speak the language?
Why do you think the movie is called Spanglish? Do you know phrases that mix Spanish and English?
Flor wants her daughter, Cristina, to remember her roots and Mexican heritage. How important is it to be proud of your culture and family?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 17, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : April 5, 2005
- Cast : Adam Sandler , Paz Vega , Tea Leoni
- Director : James L. Brooks
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual content and brief language
- Last updated : April 17, 2023
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