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The Debut (2000)
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Reviews Counted:10
Fresh:7
Rotten:3
Average Rating:6.5/10
Theatrical Release:May 18, 2000 Limited
Box Office: $1,533,516
Synopsis: Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Mercado) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a... Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Mercado) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a doctor. The eighteenth birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose, sets off a comedic and touching series of events and family struggles that will in turn determine young Ben's future. This fresh independent production from Gene Cajayon presents a lighthearted and warm coming-of-age tale filtered through the eyes of an American subculture rarely seen on film. [More]
Starring: Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar
Starring: Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Dion Basco
Director: Gene Cajayon
Director: Gene Cajayon
Screenwriter: Gene Cajayon, John Manal Castro
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Reviews for The Debut
Mostly the situations, albeit compressed, ring true; the characters are admirably multi-dimensional, and there are welcome doses of humor that compensate for any contrivances.
A neat blend of well-drawn major characters and drama, music, dance, romance and humor that generates considerable charm and achieves a heartwarming resolution of its generational conflict.
The film has a sweet low-budget quality that sometimes slips into TV-movie schmaltz.
Familiar in its story arc, but fresh in its energy and lucky in its choice of actors.
A delightful coming-of-age film that becomes universal by way of its subject matter.
A universal coming-of-age story as illuminating as it is entertaining.
A melodramatic yarn that transcends some of its technical and storytelling flaws through the cheery energy and sincerity of its cast.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 67% 67% | Public Enemies |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 95% 95% | The Cove |
| 85% 85% | World's Greatest Dad |
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