This film, written and Directed by black, female, Bronx native Darnell Martin captures a turbulent time in the life of a Puerto Rican couple in the Bronx, NY. What could best be described as a Latino version of 'Do The Right Thing,' the film tackles many issues such as masculinity, homosexuality, religion, race and capitalism. All wrapped up in the single half Puerto-Rican half Jamaican Lizette, issues of race abound at every corner with a mother-in-law who insists on her family coming from a pure Castillian lineage. The most thoroughly addressed topic is that of masculinity and what decrees a true man. Whether it be the misogynist and somewhat abusive father figure of Chino, or the homosexual 'Alexis,' who essentially rejects his masculinity in order to escape the trappings that Chino represents. This is a film that requires some thought and definitely some effort to go beyond the superficialities of Bronx vernacular and gay humor. This film addresses major issues found in the Latino community, from the perspective of a non-Latino. This is a very good film and if race movies interest you -such as Spike Lee Joints- this should not be missed.
18 Reviews
fresh and real take on girl-makes-good story
locarazon16 June 2001
Lauren Velez is great in a well-rounded role. Fresh and funny story of latino Bronx. Basic story of woman taking charge and getting ahead, but truly enjoyable and different from most of the "Lifetime stories for women" genre. Check out Rita Moreno as the mother-in-law!
An okay watch with little depth.
=G=30 July 2001
Lauren Velez makes a strong screen debut in this little flick about a "dis"-functional Hispanic couple married with kids in the Bronx. "I Like It Like That" is a not too serious charcter-driven, dialogue-intensive film which floats somewhere between sardonic comedy and visceral drama as it looks at the life of the Velez and Seda characters who spend most of their time sorting through a variety of woes with a yell first and think later strategy. An okay flick on most levels, this film tends to wear itself out after a while becoming a sort of monotonic drone of screaming, swearing, and throwing things.
Great Movie!!!!!!!
gr-222 December 1998
A very hip urban flick. It has a great storyline and brings up many important issues such as love, marriage, parenting, employment, and even stardom. Also dealing with friends, neighbors, and family that mean you no good. This movie made me laugh and cry. Overall an excellent movie.
so much yelling
SnoopyStyle21 December 2023
Lisette Linares (Luna Lauren Velez) and Chino Linares (Jon Seda) are married with three kids in the Bronx. While he's in jail, she gets a job as an assistant to music agent Stephen Price (Griffin Dunne). Magdalena Soto (Lisa Vidal) insists that Chino is her baby's daddy. Chino's mother Rosaria Linares (Rita Moreno) hates Lisette.
Everybody is yelling. It's all very stereotypical Puerto Rican New York City. It takes a little while to acclimatize. Eventually it develops a plot which is more than just everybody yelling. At that point, these characters become real characters. The family dysfunction is a little funny and rather compelling especially for Chino and his son.
Everybody is yelling. It's all very stereotypical Puerto Rican New York City. It takes a little while to acclimatize. Eventually it develops a plot which is more than just everybody yelling. At that point, these characters become real characters. The family dysfunction is a little funny and rather compelling especially for Chino and his son.
I Liked It Just Like It Was
wainot30 June 2004
I really enjoyed this movie when I saw it in the theatre 10 years ago. It had a real fresh quality to it, and you really rooted for the main characters. I was searching for this on imdb, and then looked at its low rating, which is inexplicable to me. And then, I saw that a large group -- perhaps the largest single plurality - voted this a 1 out of 10. That's just a crime to rate is that low.
This film has terrific acting, great characters and a couple - and their young son - who you just root for. Add to that a strong supporting ensemble, and I would unashamedly rate it a 9 out of 10. i do have to see it again, but I remember just really 'digging' this film!
This film has terrific acting, great characters and a couple - and their young son - who you just root for. Add to that a strong supporting ensemble, and I would unashamedly rate it a 9 out of 10. i do have to see it again, but I remember just really 'digging' this film!
A VERY good movie
Raoul-1619 July 1999
I'm frankly surprised at the generally low opinion of this film. I saw it and liked it a lot. I thought it did an excellent job of hitting a very realistic tone--no Hollywood glitz or schmaltz here. Instead, we have well-scripted characters with real-life problems, and all of the pathos and humour that comes with them. This movie is alternately touching and hilarious in very effective and "true" ways, and I admire the guts it took to not give this movie a fairy-tale ending. We have no miraculous resolution, but instead a hard-fought and bittersweet partial reconciliation. The acting and writing here carry a good film to a satisfying conclusion. I'm tempted to vote higher than I really feel to boost this movie's overall rating, which I feel is undeserved.
Comedy with unfulfilled potential - a true disappointment
Gemini-83 November 1998
A comedy that had a storyline with potential but with the exception of the character of the transvestite brother and the husband, a disappointing comedy with the lead female character who's frenetic energy and over-acting distracts rather than compels one's interest in the story. Sadly the movie suffers greatly because of this.
Sad, Funny, and Real
LJAllen22 January 2001
"I Like it Like That" is one of those rare gems of cinema that portrays life for peoples of color with all of the absolute humanness so often lacking from more mainstream films. While I thoroughly enjoyed every actor's performance in this film, no one's performance was as effective and affecting as Jesse Borrego's portrayal of "Alexis", Lisette's (Lauren Velez) transvestite brother. This character offered a rare and realistic portrayal of an individual that is typically viewed only from a safe distance. While I definitely prefer Jesse Borrego as a man, his performance as "Alexis" showed a depth that few actors ever accomplish. In addition to his sterling performance as "Tudee" in "Follow Me Home", his portrayal in this film convinced me of his tremendous range. He is, without question, one of the most underrated actors of our time. I enthusiastically recommend this film to any and everyone.
One of the rare best!
xtasy1233 October 2003
A very true-to-life look at the urban Latino life in the North East. Anyone raised in those areas of NYC, NJ, MA, or CT, will tell you so.
It's so rich in story & the characters are so easy to relate to, I just wish it was longer. Everyone's performance was great, & very realistic. Lauren Velez, Jon Seda, Jesse Borrego, Lisa Vidal, Vincent Laresca, & legendary diva Rita Moreno, brought this lil' number to life. Griffn Dune was great as well. Along with cameos of music artists Barrio Boyzz, Jerry Rivera, Fat Joe, & Broadway "Rent" star Daphne Rubin-Vega (formerly of late 80's Freestyle Dance/Pop girl-trio, Pajama Party). This film is one of my fav's & I have seen & experienced very similar situations growing up in those areas, so it was kool, & can relate. I definitely recommend this film to everyone, especially the urban Latino audience. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for!
It's so rich in story & the characters are so easy to relate to, I just wish it was longer. Everyone's performance was great, & very realistic. Lauren Velez, Jon Seda, Jesse Borrego, Lisa Vidal, Vincent Laresca, & legendary diva Rita Moreno, brought this lil' number to life. Griffn Dune was great as well. Along with cameos of music artists Barrio Boyzz, Jerry Rivera, Fat Joe, & Broadway "Rent" star Daphne Rubin-Vega (formerly of late 80's Freestyle Dance/Pop girl-trio, Pajama Party). This film is one of my fav's & I have seen & experienced very similar situations growing up in those areas, so it was kool, & can relate. I definitely recommend this film to everyone, especially the urban Latino audience. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for!
Great film
big pee wee18 October 2000
This movie made me feel good. It gave me faith that good can come out of almost any situation. And that it is possible to survive in a seemingly hopeless situation. I have seen this show three or four times on cable.
The characters in this movie are some of the most memorable ever. And I mean all of them.
I like the remake of the song "Try a little tenderness".
The characters in this movie are some of the most memorable ever. And I mean all of them.
I like the remake of the song "Try a little tenderness".
The acting, writing, editing, directing, cinematog...
tito-1324 April 1999
The acting, writing, editing, directing, cinematography, music and art direction are infused with Chekhovian tragi-comic magic from the yearning of intersected details and human idiosyncracies. A jewel of a film, stolen by it's charismatic leads Lauren Velez and Jon Seda.
Great movie!
djkilo0212 January 2007
I love watching this movie! It portrays Latino life & culture to the tee, also showing relationships regardless of race, everyone can relate ( if you've been in a bad one), just saw it on cine max last night, 1st time in 10 years & it hasn't lost it's spunk. Chino & Lissette play extraordinary parts & not too mention Jesse Borrega's performance as a transvestite ! WHOA!!!!!! Also liked the fact that it portrays Latino's as everyday people, although they're are the typical stereotypes associated with it like, drug dealing,stealing,gambling,& having extramarital affairs,aside from that ,good portrayal. I definitely recommend this film for any body that has been in love or just wanna laugh your butt off
I don't like it like this, but you might
vchimpanzee19 July 2020
The TV listings on my DVR showed this to be straight drams. It's not. There is plenty of comedy. It's just not always funny. The listings also show an R rating. Yes, this definitely had to be cleaned up for broadcast TV, and I wouldn't recommend it to kids C's age.
This isn't the sort of movie I would choose, as it turns out, but it does have its good moments.
To some extent, this movie shows positive images of Latinos. Of course, there's just as much that is negative. But let's look again at the facts. Chino shows he cares about his family and wants to provide for them. How he is shown disciplining his kids is no worse than what parents used to be allowed to do. Not any more, anyway. Well, there is one creative solution that some parents might not approve of. It's a great scene. Meanwhile, Chino is willing to do things that aren't quite legal. So are his friends.
Lisette is smart, creative and determined and makes every effort to be successful on her own. Magdalena is everything you would expect from a "Jerry Springer" guest but she is a businesswoman.
C is about like one would expect kids in the 'hood to be. He needs to be raised right or he won't make it. Chino is trying. You have to like him but he's not overly cute.
Alexis seems to be one of the best characters, in the sense she has this attitude, sort of like one would expect from a drag queen, but not over the top.
Rita Moreno is always good. This isn't a real standout role for her but she always does a good job.
I like some of the music, mainly that which has Spanish lyrics or sounds like it should. The movie's title is also in the lyrics of the song playing during the first scene, and I do like it like that. And then there is rap and other styles of music which don't appeal to me.
With the closing credits we see the making of the Mendez brothers' music video at Coney Island, along with Lisette having fun with her family. It's times like this that make me glad I record everything because I definitely had to rewind to see it all at that time.
The closing credits say a real police officer died and is memorialized in a great art work that Chino shows his son as the son needs to be taught a lesson, which is also seen earlier.
Whether it's my kind of movie or not, it's worth seeing.
This isn't the sort of movie I would choose, as it turns out, but it does have its good moments.
To some extent, this movie shows positive images of Latinos. Of course, there's just as much that is negative. But let's look again at the facts. Chino shows he cares about his family and wants to provide for them. How he is shown disciplining his kids is no worse than what parents used to be allowed to do. Not any more, anyway. Well, there is one creative solution that some parents might not approve of. It's a great scene. Meanwhile, Chino is willing to do things that aren't quite legal. So are his friends.
Lisette is smart, creative and determined and makes every effort to be successful on her own. Magdalena is everything you would expect from a "Jerry Springer" guest but she is a businesswoman.
C is about like one would expect kids in the 'hood to be. He needs to be raised right or he won't make it. Chino is trying. You have to like him but he's not overly cute.
Alexis seems to be one of the best characters, in the sense she has this attitude, sort of like one would expect from a drag queen, but not over the top.
Rita Moreno is always good. This isn't a real standout role for her but she always does a good job.
I like some of the music, mainly that which has Spanish lyrics or sounds like it should. The movie's title is also in the lyrics of the song playing during the first scene, and I do like it like that. And then there is rap and other styles of music which don't appeal to me.
With the closing credits we see the making of the Mendez brothers' music video at Coney Island, along with Lisette having fun with her family. It's times like this that make me glad I record everything because I definitely had to rewind to see it all at that time.
The closing credits say a real police officer died and is memorialized in a great art work that Chino shows his son as the son needs to be taught a lesson, which is also seen earlier.
Whether it's my kind of movie or not, it's worth seeing.
Authentically Puerto Rican!
marvelimagedc6 July 2020
The interaction and relationships between these characters is authentic and genuine. This is a very real depiction of hood life from a Boricua perspective. Hits close to home being from Chicago growing up in the Humboldt Park area. It's a shame that there hasn't been an English language Puerto Rican movie as good as this one since.
Hidden Wonder
akoaytao12346 December 2021
I always feel that poverty in film is always shown in a light that never felt right for me. It always feel like a rich privileged person viewpoint of how poor works. Its sad, disgusting and they hate it there. It never really got the weird sense of family and togetherness AND importantly the hot messiness and ultimately too close for comfort vibes of a low income community. I Like it Like that probably is the closest I ever felt that a film had shown the side I know.
Practically the film is a Cinderella story that never really tries to glamorize poverty, Lauren Velez is a delight as a struggling mother of a bum. Left alone after a misguided decision, She tries to make it happen for her family. Luck will have it, and her life might change for the better. She may not have the subtlety but she sure have the street smarts to just push herself out there. It always sadden me, when these kind of actors never really get the movie stardom they deserve. She played the lead character with so much finesse that I am shocked this film is not lauded even more so than what I had read about it. Amazing film and interesting view on NY Latino culture. [5/5]
Practically the film is a Cinderella story that never really tries to glamorize poverty, Lauren Velez is a delight as a struggling mother of a bum. Left alone after a misguided decision, She tries to make it happen for her family. Luck will have it, and her life might change for the better. She may not have the subtlety but she sure have the street smarts to just push herself out there. It always sadden me, when these kind of actors never really get the movie stardom they deserve. She played the lead character with so much finesse that I am shocked this film is not lauded even more so than what I had read about it. Amazing film and interesting view on NY Latino culture. [5/5]
Funny, heartwarming and bizarre
jesusismyrock-mm6 June 2020
A real life Boricua Hood love story
asimon-1386119 October 2021
It's authentic and real. Nothing like it sense from a Puerto Rican standpoint.
I can watch at least a couple times a year. It deserved a better rating than a 6 it's definitely a strong 8 but I'm giving 10 for the characters.
I can watch at least a couple times a year. It deserved a better rating than a 6 it's definitely a strong 8 but I'm giving 10 for the characters.
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