Raising Victor Vargas Reviews

Writer/director Peter Sollett refreshingly avoids placing characters into lazy traps of pregnancy, betrayal or violence. These are intelligent, thoughtful teenagers whom you'll fondly remember as struggling through desires and instincts.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

ultimately, it lacks the backbone, the thematic heft, to be anything beyond a sweet redemption story

| Original Score: 3/5

Sollett isn't crusading or exploiting the kids' sex lives. His approach is reminiscent of John Cassavetes's Shadows in its emphasis on sibling bonds and improvised dialogue.

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Better than many other films in the dreaded 'coming-of-age' genre, but is not exceptional.

Full Review | Original Score: C+

Even though Raising Victor Vargas offers a fairly standard teen love story, it's also a solid, intriguing look at an immigrant family in New York.

Peter Sollet's "Raising Victor Vargas" is a special film, independent in the truest sense of the word.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

It's fun to see the characters struggle with maintaining their tough personas while wanting to let someone into their hearts.

Full Review | Original Score: A-

A beguiling coming-of-age story set in New York during one sweltering summer when teenagers are seesawing between bravado and timid vulnerability in the face of sex's mysteries.

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it becomes, quite possibly, one of the best films about teenage confusion and closeness ever made.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

A keenly observed, captivating, and innately funny portrait of teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

The movie's greatest asset is its naturalism: The actors, none of them professionals, slip into these roles so effortlessly, it's easy to forget they're working from a script...

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Captures the awkwardness of adolescence like few films have.

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It's sweet and funny and sexy, not unlike 'Y Tu Mama Tambien'.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

Charming and disarming...

| Original Score: 3/4

Sweet-natured, charming comedy-drama.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

The true love story at the heart of the film is about family, a theme rarely handled with such grace and humour.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

An arresting triumph for Sollett.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Sweet, heartfelt, and confidently told; A terrific debut for all involved.

A marvel of closely observed, intimately captivating moments.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Suffers because it is naive and disjointed.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5