El Cantante

Though they don't look much alike, slight actor-singer Marc Anthony was born to play robust salsa sensation Héctor Lavoe. In addition to similar ancestry and vocal skills, Anthony has been building a respectable cinematic resume with roles in Big Night and Martin Scorsese's Bringing out the Dead. The title of El Cantante comes from a number Rubén Blades wrote for The Singer. Lavoe would make it his signature song. In the film, Anthony's wife, producer Jennifer Lopez, plays Puchi, the Nuyorican beauty who won Lavoe's heart. She narrates their story from the perspective of 2002 (the real-life Puchi passed away shortly afterwards). Leon Ichaso (Piñero) contrasts Lavoe's rise from Puerto Rican street singer to New York superstar with his fall from innocent immigrant to heroin-addicted ladies man. By the mid-1980s, Lavoe's popularity hit its peak, and Ichaso spends the rest of the time ticking off the tragedies of his final years: the break with trombonist Willie Colón (John Ortiz), stay in a mental ward, etc. It's a dynamic portrait, and Anthony and Lopez work well together, but despite the urban setting and Latin-flavored soundtrack, El Cantante follows virtually the same trajectory as Ray and Walk the Line (Ichaso has also directed biopics of Jimi Hendrix and Muhammad Ali). His movie looks and sounds authentic, but Lavoe's story might've been better served as nonfiction. There's a sense that there was more to the man than what appears on screen. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Review: El cantante sings!
I loved this movie and I also love JLo and Marc Anthony! I think this movie was underrated. If you are truly interested in Hector Lavoe, you will love it. If you buy it just cause you want to see JLo and Marc, you probably won't like it. They are good in the movie but the story is what made it for me. Of course, it goes without saying, Marc Anthony's voice is supberb!
Customer Review: WONDERFUL....
I rented this film recently and was surprised at how good it was. The story depicts the stormy life and tragic end to the great salsa legend Hector Lavoe. This movie hits you in the heart from the start. It makes you care about the character and his music. I now own a cd of Hector Lavoe and I never knew I could like salsa. Who knew?? His music is amazing and the tragic events of his life makes you want to know the person behind the prose of his songs. My ears know good music when it hears it and this man was a icon. Hector Lavoe.......rest in peace! I'm not much of a fan of Jennifer Lopez but she played a good role. However, another actress (a more popular one) would have made this film more marketable to the non-Hispanic population ( mass audience).

Memories are What Count
Music surrounds the best memories we treasure for any party or event we have ever attended. Think about it... remember your cousin's wedding? I bet you can still picture their first married dance together. What about high school and Jr. High? I'm sure you can think back to a "boat load" of memories that include school dances, events, games that are saturated in music from that time period. That means we should give a lot more credit to our DJ's for making those times special.

The Search Begins...
So since you are looking for the right DJ, think about what you want him/her to do. For example, how involved do you expect the DJ to be? Do you want someone that will select play music based on your preferences, or do you want someone that will play only the list of music you handed him/her before the event. How much talking do you want? Should the DJ say something between every few songs, or simply play the music and not stand out in the crowd? These are very important questions you can ask before booking with your party planner or rental company.

If you are planning a wedding, you may want to consider choosing a DJ that keeps the crowd entertained while the Bride and Groom take pictures, announces the toasts and cutting of the cake. With that in mind, you do not want someone that will take attention away from the newly weds. You should ask your party planner or rental company for someone classy, but fun. Definitely not the same DJ you would hire for a Jr. High or High School dance. For this you would need a wacky personality that will keep the kids entertained with games (bunny hop, electric slide) and a good mixture of fast and slow tunes.

What's Included?
Most DJ's have their own equipment including two speakers, CD/Record Player, Microphone, Dance Lights and all the cords needed. However, make sure you ask your party planner before assuming this. If you find a great DJ that does not have his/her own equipment, then check in advance with the venue to make sure all your bases are covered. Most DJ's will charge a flat rate for a minimum amount of time, so be certain to ask what the extra charges will be in the case that your party continues longer than expected.

He Said, She Said...
You should always talk to a trusted and well-established company, a friend, or a relative before even beginning your search for a Disc Jockey. The experiences of these sources can give you the most confidence in created a party, event or special occasion your guests will not soon forget.

Let Us Help You
Jolly Jumps is here to help you answer any questions or concerns you may have about including a DJ in your next event. Remember, we can help you with every aspect of your party. From planning to execution. Jolly Jumps has been making kids happy since 1993 throughout the Inland Empire, Temecula Valley, and San Diego County.

Get some more tips for your party or event by visiting http://www.jollyjumps.net

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