"Valentina's Wedding" (La Boda de Valentina)

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This one I'm very pleased to be writing about because of its foreign element. While there are parts in English, most of the movie is spoken in Spanish, yet despite the cultural difference, it is relatable in any language. No matter where you go in the world, family will drive you crazy and sometimes drag you kicking and screaming into the family drama

Valentina (Marimar Vega) seems to have a great life in the states, works for a philanthropic organization and just became engaged to her boyfriend Jason Tate (Ryan Carnes), there's only one issue, the family she left behind in Mexico. The Hidalgos are powerful like the Kennedys and have the drama of the Kardashians with her alcoholic half brother Bernardo (Jesus Zavala) an Aunt who skypes from prison, a drama queen stepmother and a father while well meaning has let his political chances for mayor get tarnished by the family's outrageous incidents. 
In an effort to transfer money to his political campaign without legal consequences, the family arranges a past love of Valentina named Angel (Omar Chaparro) to become legally married to her. When she discovers the plot, she immediately heads to Mexico leaving Jason to plan the wedding (and in the dark) while she tries to get the family in good standings in order to end this phony marriage. Though the longer she stays there, the more she comes to remember who she used to be and finds that while families can be messy, they are a part of who you are.

It was a challenge to follow since the extent of my Spanish was a required  half-semester course in middle school which seems like a lifetime ago now, watching the story play out with its colorful characters, its crazy antics and its memorable scenes made it one to enjoy. Despite what others may post on Redbox about the language barrier, this portrayal of family and following one's heart can be understood in any language and those who can't see that should probably stick to more simple things. Valentina's Wedding gets a four and a half G.M.Star rating that will make you stay well past the cutting of the cake. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

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