A heartfelt, crowd-pleaser of a story.
Comment
12/19/01
Rate this Movie 
The Debut (2000)
74
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work
Reviews Counted:23
Fresh:17
Rotten:6
Average Rating:6.3/10
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... [More]
Starring: Dante Basco, Eddie Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar
Director: Gene Cajayon
Get This Movie
Reviews for The Debut
The unabashed earnestness of everyone involved allows you to forgive some of the shortcomings.
10/05/01
A universal coming-of-age story as illuminating as it is entertaining.
10/05/01
Top CriticA smart, engaging demonstration of how the conventions of the coming-of-age comedy-drama can be adapted and given new meaning.
06/04/01
Has at its heart a strong cast of actors giving their all to earn a resounding ring of truth with the movie's target audience.
04/18/01
As well-meaning as an after-school special and only slightly more inspired.
04/10/01
A melodramatic yarn that transcends some of its technical and storytelling flaws through the cheery energy and sincerity of its cast.
04/09/01
Top CriticRT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
Wes Anderson on Fox 
The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox
Animated Oscar?
Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.
TIME's Holiday Movie Preview
Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.
Scenic Routes
The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN RSS Feeds