Ok, spoilers ahead.
1) great acting by main cast
2) great job by prop, hair, and wardrobe departments
3) great musical scenes.
4) lacklustre selection of Menudo music to feature prominently. Example being that they kept playing "Claridad" every chance that they got. Not much focus on other Menudo mega hits (such as "Sabes a Chocolate"!).
5) the timing of the scenes and story is good
6) useless side-story of some girl who ran away from home to see Menudo at their hotel, slept with an alleged member of their road crew and got herself pregnant. She apparently believes that her own carelessness and the reason why so many little girls lost their sanity and well-being over boyband is the fault of Menudo's manager. I was like "Huh?". Maybe I'm missing something in the English translation. I dunno. But I think that's a pretty useless character to have in the movie. And they make her out to be a protagonist after her and her daughter tell him off 30-something years later. No clue why this was added, other than to show the viewers that some Menudo maniacs made very bad decisions in their lives and still do. I really don't think that the manager is to blame. This side story takes away valuable time that could have been used to better develop the bandmembers (some had little to no dialogue).
7) they try their best best to include all of the bandmembers, but I think that after Joselo Vega leaves the team, you don't get a feel for any of the other characters. They are are just filler there to occupy the screen.
8) overall, we begin to lose interest when Ricky Melendez leaves.
9) not one mention of "Menudo on ABC" , which was pivotal in their crossover to North American audiences.
10) great use of retro camera filters to make give is the 80's tv screen experience.
11) enjoyable? Yes definitely. But don't expect a great story.
17 Reviews
I wish I could give this a better rating
manuel1avila18 October 2020
I really liked the series, my family and I found ourselves carving every new episode, but the experience was definitely a mixed bag. Other users have commented on the wigs, which are awful, the bad acting and other technical problems as I have to concur. The technical aspects of the show are way below modern series.
There is one exception on this department that I have to mention because I think they really deserve it and it is costume design. I am not an expert but I lived in the 80's and I'm pleased with the variety and detail of most of the actors' wardrobe.
Other than that everything screams "low budget" and sometimes plain mediocrity.
Having said all of that I go back to my liking the series: I liked most of the kids acting, Joselo, Doña Peche, the young Mexican actresses but above all, the story (even though sometimes it was very poorly scripted).
I know my review is confusing and disorganized but that's just appropriate for how this series is story.
I liked it a lot but please don't do a second season.
Horrible horrible
theactress0028 December 2020
I am sorry but this was horribly made. Horrible acting and dialogue. The casting was poorly done as well. I have to say I have never heard such horrible spanish... I barely understand what the boys are saying. The Menudos never spoke like that.... What is it with the absolutely awful wigs??? It was quite a distraction.
For such an iconic band and such a phenomenon, very little thought was put into the delivery of the story. The worst part of this is that the actual former members of Menudo said it never happened the way this series portrayed it.... not based on facts at all. I am extremely disappointed. I have been a fan of Menudo since 1982.
No te subas a esta moto (Do not ride on this motorcycle).
translation-interpreter28 October 2020
Several severe negatives to share so I'll start with the positives.
As a former hardcore Menudo fan I appreciate the timeline accuracy and storyline based on actual events, pardoning some of the artistic details to enhance some events or names.
The appeal to a sense of yearning to relive those days and experiences is definitely present. I did find myself moved and swooning once again to the songs, music, choreography, and impressed by the wardrobes which reflected closely to the originals worn by the real group members.
The Mexican production side of the series is marked by its excellence in professionalism and creativity. Then theres the light years away in a different universe of tthe Puerto Rico production team.
What should have been an opportunity to excel at presenting this story, completely failed in delivery, script, direction, execution, acting, and too many details that should have been taken care of. I have the huge impression that this was a "let's make an express draft version of this idea" and ended up using it for the series instead. Recycled sets, locations and (I agree with other comments) those wigs!? really?
Scamping and cutting corners for the opportunity to release a mediocre and low-budget version 15 episode series is a humongous letdown. This was a lost chance for working hard to enhance Puerto Rico's enduring musical youth phenomenom legacy and let new generations appreciate it in the same manner as millions of worldwide fans experienced it originally.
They chose the wrong route for this ride in the worst obvious way and that's exactly what was delivered to its eager but dissapointed audience.
A really bad Cliff-Notes version of La historia de Menudo, which by the way, is not enough to ever pass a test. Much less the test f time.
As a former hardcore Menudo fan I appreciate the timeline accuracy and storyline based on actual events, pardoning some of the artistic details to enhance some events or names.
The appeal to a sense of yearning to relive those days and experiences is definitely present. I did find myself moved and swooning once again to the songs, music, choreography, and impressed by the wardrobes which reflected closely to the originals worn by the real group members.
The Mexican production side of the series is marked by its excellence in professionalism and creativity. Then theres the light years away in a different universe of tthe Puerto Rico production team.
What should have been an opportunity to excel at presenting this story, completely failed in delivery, script, direction, execution, acting, and too many details that should have been taken care of. I have the huge impression that this was a "let's make an express draft version of this idea" and ended up using it for the series instead. Recycled sets, locations and (I agree with other comments) those wigs!? really?
Scamping and cutting corners for the opportunity to release a mediocre and low-budget version 15 episode series is a humongous letdown. This was a lost chance for working hard to enhance Puerto Rico's enduring musical youth phenomenom legacy and let new generations appreciate it in the same manner as millions of worldwide fans experienced it originally.
They chose the wrong route for this ride in the worst obvious way and that's exactly what was delivered to its eager but dissapointed audience.
A really bad Cliff-Notes version of La historia de Menudo, which by the way, is not enough to ever pass a test. Much less the test f time.
Treat yourself. The Kids in this Series are "Great"! All of them!
johnfc-18-6848504 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In spite of some of some poor reviews. I actually enjoyed this Series. The over all acting wasn't bad really. I personally think the voice dubbing as well as the story editing had something to do with the thought that this was not a quality effort. But again, the Boys playing the various Menudo roles, none being experienced Actors, all did a fantastic job. They were all "great". So treat yourself to watching this interesting Series.
As for the story line. Well, I think this could have really been a much better presentation. Using a flashback scenario was all well and good. But for me, the "side Story line" of the 2 girls got a little tedious and boring without really going anywhere. I personally would have liked to have seen "even more" music performances from the boys performing the Menudo songs and performances!
Its an absolutes "shame" there is such a dark and negative cloud hanging over this group of kids and their managers and other handlers. Because, in fact, several groups of these kids over the 20 year period were pretty darn good.
I know we "do not know the entire story". It could be a darker story, or maybe not as dark as we think? But "we do not know all the facts". We probably never will. And therefore I understand the need to protect innocent people here. As for the abuse and ill treatment of young people in show business. All you have to do is read a few "bios" of many child actors/stars, teen idols and the like to know their fame and celebrity status brought sadness and abuse along with it.
I was a young Man back in the late 70's and early 80's when this boy band Menudo was at its most popular. Didn't pay a lot of attention to them really. But I saw them a couple times on TV shows. Can't remember hearing them on the Radio at all. You must remember, this was still the early days of Cable TV. And channels like MTV were in the infancy. Needless to say, we had no Social Media as we have today. So yes I heard about them. We here in America just didn't see them often.
Until this series came on Amazon Prime. I had pretty much forgotten this group. Started watching it and became more interested with each episode. I decided to check the "real" Menudo performances and found a "over a hundred" Videos on YouTube. Many are of poor quality. And in truth, their dance routines somewhat dated. But never the less, if you are interested in Menudo, they are truly worth watching!
And I found in my findings that most all the various groups of the 30 or so different boys they used and went through in the twenty years of the group Menudo. They must have worked hard on their performances. Because they were without a doubt, very good. In their performances of both singing and dancing, with each and every show, they worked their young butts off!
So treat yourself. Watch this series. And if you want to see the real Menudo. Watch some of their videos on YouTube. They were good folks. I mean "really good".
As for the story line. Well, I think this could have really been a much better presentation. Using a flashback scenario was all well and good. But for me, the "side Story line" of the 2 girls got a little tedious and boring without really going anywhere. I personally would have liked to have seen "even more" music performances from the boys performing the Menudo songs and performances!
Its an absolutes "shame" there is such a dark and negative cloud hanging over this group of kids and their managers and other handlers. Because, in fact, several groups of these kids over the 20 year period were pretty darn good.
I know we "do not know the entire story". It could be a darker story, or maybe not as dark as we think? But "we do not know all the facts". We probably never will. And therefore I understand the need to protect innocent people here. As for the abuse and ill treatment of young people in show business. All you have to do is read a few "bios" of many child actors/stars, teen idols and the like to know their fame and celebrity status brought sadness and abuse along with it.
I was a young Man back in the late 70's and early 80's when this boy band Menudo was at its most popular. Didn't pay a lot of attention to them really. But I saw them a couple times on TV shows. Can't remember hearing them on the Radio at all. You must remember, this was still the early days of Cable TV. And channels like MTV were in the infancy. Needless to say, we had no Social Media as we have today. So yes I heard about them. We here in America just didn't see them often.
Until this series came on Amazon Prime. I had pretty much forgotten this group. Started watching it and became more interested with each episode. I decided to check the "real" Menudo performances and found a "over a hundred" Videos on YouTube. Many are of poor quality. And in truth, their dance routines somewhat dated. But never the less, if you are interested in Menudo, they are truly worth watching!
And I found in my findings that most all the various groups of the 30 or so different boys they used and went through in the twenty years of the group Menudo. They must have worked hard on their performances. Because they were without a doubt, very good. In their performances of both singing and dancing, with each and every show, they worked their young butts off!
So treat yourself. Watch this series. And if you want to see the real Menudo. Watch some of their videos on YouTube. They were good folks. I mean "really good".
Bad hair season
alebavera-1265012 October 2020
The story of Menudo is very interesting, and that is what keeps this series together. There are serious script problems, poor rhythm and the acting of most of the cast is not really good. Anyway, none of that is relevant when compared to the wigs. I felt sorry for the kids actors that had to wear those things on their heads.
The worst
diana_pineros8226 June 2022
Good serie
davidgmedinaortiz14 October 2020
Lacking a lot in direction, script and acting, was almost unbereable
andresfelipecardona12 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
After the first episode you want to quit, and so it's true on every other episode the only force making you to stay is your partner that loved Menudo and wanted to keep seeing the portrait of a nice memory, but I wonder if the main idea of this series was to depict Menudo or to put Edgardo Diaz into a pedestal, besides lame acting constantly performing a "break the wall" act in almost every episode; they tried to cramp up honor, revenge and passion around the staff; too little about menudo, too much about another pretty side story of a teenager tormenting her mother on a personal mission to reveal traumatic memories of a dumb mistake. Certainly I would gave 0 but the last we have is one, don't waste your time.
Real story is still nowhere tone found
ourbills-8474028 October 2020
Manager sold this fake story where he made sure his hated members look horrible. Ros as "-tok good for the band" René as the show off, vain and ungrateful, Ruben as the drug dealer. Listen people, no blame no shame to the kiddos, there had a team of adults who supposed to "supervise" them. Manager lied and disappointed parents, dishonored by giving them money to "protect children's reputation.
This show is only worth watching to check new talent. Some of the kiddos are great developing actors, some have great voices and most of them recognize Menudo legacy have had been portrayed with honor and giving credit to the one making Menudo a hit, the 30 members who a lot of times picked p the pieces of bad management. Different story line for a next new producer and writer.
Good intentions, poor results
robertorodriguezmijares15 October 2020
The best voice of Menudo
adrianamar-438412 November 2020
Needs some work
theactress0028 December 2020
The first ten episodes are good, but the series is longer than necessary.
resireg-3141520 December 2022
There are many plots in the series. One is the relationship between the protagonist Edgardo Diaz, and his mother, who do manages the boy band he creates. Then we have the plot between Edgardo and the choreographer and costume maker Joselo Vega, who is a role model for the group, and a friend/advisor to Edgardo. Then we have two Menudo fans who never grow old despite the years going by, Renata and her best friend. Then we have the plot involving Renata's daughter, who in the present interviews an aged Edgardo. So among all those stories, there is very little coverage of the band members themselves, and what happened to them after leaving the band.
How does it feel to be ex-famous? That would be interesting. And how did they created the lyrics, songs that became so popular? Joselo himself, we never see him creating the dance moves. There is very little about the romantic live of members.
In short, the series are fun, but with too many subplots and unnecessary characters.
How does it feel to be ex-famous? That would be interesting. And how did they created the lyrics, songs that became so popular? Joselo himself, we never see him creating the dance moves. There is very little about the romantic live of members.
In short, the series are fun, but with too many subplots and unnecessary characters.
Awful, from all aspects
marina-x9 November 2020
It failed in script, direction, acting, costuming, etc.
The story itself is too interesting to be treated in this way, and not only for the fans, but also for those of us who lived in that era.
the performances are unexpectedly lacking in fluidity, and the background story (of the girl and her mother) is totally ridiculous and meaningless.
this series only serves to have a brief idea of the evolution of the group.
Horrible series
xfunding22 October 2022
The whole history is poor and the members of the group don't match the time of the events according with some members the whole history in the series is not the real truth. Acting is horrible and the kids they used don't even look like the real ones except for the Ricky Martin but the rest are horrible and the wigs are crazy horrible bottom line is a poor direction to have in amazon prime I would love to see a better history and if anybody wants to bring a better history with better actors would be good for the carrer of these famous guys that conquered the world back in the 80's, no te subas a esa moto.
Very poorly produced
astropelusa28 November 2021
What a wasted opportunity. I sat through all 15 episodes out of nostalgia, but it was very hard to watch past half the series when the story and character dynamics were getting tedious (and honestly I was a Menudo fan through the golden years but by the 90s I had stopped caring about the band). To the good: some of the young actors were spot on. And some of the costumes too very pretty close. Now the bad:
1) Good grief, yes the horrific wigs.
2) Regardless of year and country the scenario, lights, curtains and hand-made menudo sign in the background were exactly the same. The fan's hand-made signs also seemed to be the same through space and time. Backstage was also identical, whether they went in the US or Brazil. And also the administrative offices, even though they supposedly moved. Really? Do they think the viewers won't notice?
3) The secondary tele-novelesque story was, imho, unnecessary. If they wanted to show the fan's side, it could have been done without the drama.
4) acting was pretty bad-but maybe it was the direction. The kids could barely sync their lips or dance moves.
I wonder if they cut corners because the majority of the audience would be Latin. Regardless, what a shame.
2) Regardless of year and country the scenario, lights, curtains and hand-made menudo sign in the background were exactly the same. The fan's hand-made signs also seemed to be the same through space and time. Backstage was also identical, whether they went in the US or Brazil. And also the administrative offices, even though they supposedly moved. Really? Do they think the viewers won't notice?
3) The secondary tele-novelesque story was, imho, unnecessary. If they wanted to show the fan's side, it could have been done without the drama.
4) acting was pretty bad-but maybe it was the direction. The kids could barely sync their lips or dance moves.
I wonder if they cut corners because the majority of the audience would be Latin. Regardless, what a shame.
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