Spanglish

This imperfect but funny and touching film deserves more credit than it's likely to get | Andrew Coffin

One of the most remarkable things about Spanglish is that Adam Sandler proves he's human—or, at least, that he can convincingly play one. But this observational comedy from director James L. Brooks has more to recommend it than just Mr. Sandler's surprisingly civilized performance.

Spanglish is rated PG-13 for some sexual content and brief language. One strong profanity and a non-nude sex scene between a husband and wife put it on the strong side of the rating, but the film overall is characterized by an admirable self-restraint.

The story is framed around a Princeton University admission essay written by a young Mexican immigrant named Cristina. In the essay, translated to voiceover narration (a narrative weak spot), Cristina explains her admiration for her housekeeper mother and the story segues back to the girl's childhood in Los Angeles.

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