A DAY WITHOUT A MEXICAN

MPAA Rating:

for language and brief sexuality

Moral Rating:

______

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Moviemaking Quality:

Primary Audience:

Adults

Genre:

Comedy, Drama

Year of Release:

2004

USA Release:

______

Featuring:	Maureen Flannigan, John Getz, Eduardo Palomo, Caroline Aaron, Yareli Arizmendi
Director:	Sergio Arau
Producer:	Eckehardt von Damm, Isaac Artenstein
Distributor:	Televisa Cine

Relevant Issues

Get biblical answers to racial hot-topics. Where did the races come from? How did skin color come about? Why is it important to have a biblical foundation for such issues?

“On May 14 there will be no Mexicans in California.”

Producer’s synopsis: “One morning, California wakes up to find that one third of its population has disappeared. A strange thick pink fog surrounds the state and communication outside its boundaries is completely cut off. As the day goes by, we discover that the characteristic that links the 14 million disappeared is their Hispanic background. The economic, political and social implications of this disaster threaten the state’s way of life.

Suddenly disrupted are the lives of Mary Jo Quintana (Maureen Flannigan), teacher and housewife; Senator Abercrombie (John Getz), hastily promoted to Governor; Louise McClaire (Muse Watson), ranch owner and agribusiness rep; and Lila Rodriguez (Yareli Arizmendi), reporter and apparently the only Latina left behind. For all of them, the cracks in their private lives are forced wide open. As time goes by, the State continues to deteriorate—garbage has taken over the streets and a mood of desperation pervades as the citizens watch the infrastructure start to crumble.”

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Neutral—I wouldn’t say this film is a total waste of time but you would be using your time more wisely if you waited for the video. The best word I can think of to describe everything about it is “hokey.” There are several sexually suggestive scenes that could have been left out because there is no intrinsic (to the plot) reason that the movie should be rated R. Of course Hollyweird throws Christians right in there with UFOlogists and government conspiratists and tries to make them all one in the same and all look stupid so be prepared for that regardless of how you feel about any of those topics. The basic message of the film is that we are all one big happy family and we don’t need a god but we need each other. Mexicans in California just seems to have been a convenient subject matter to work with. I’d wait for the video though unless you’re just addicted to the big screen!
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/2]
—Bob C., age 40

Positive—GOOOD!!!…
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
—Karla Aguilar, age 19

Positive—The offensiveness exists, of course. And, the production was rather low-budget and obviously so. However, as one who lives on the other side of the border, I would quickly say that it poignantly demonstrates the need for an eye-opening in America to the worth of our Latino neighbors. Some of the anti-American sentiments seemed rather trite and extreme, but it does leave one thinking. I guess that’s the point.
My Ratings: [Average/2]
—Elena, age 33

Movie Critics

…not only lacks Mexicans but also good acting, sharp storytelling and humor… feels like a big missed opportunity…
—E! Online

…A terrific premise is mangled to a pulp, then beaten to death in this forced mockumentary…
—Ella Taylor, LA Weekly