Raising Victor Vargas Critic Reviews

The writer-director, Peter Sollett, cast the film with kids from his own neighborhood, who give themselves over to the camera with a spirit of improvised play that morphs into vivid, layered acting. Read the full review

Delicate and altogether satisfying romantic comedy.Read the full review

Succeeds where 100 studio-generated teen romances -- starring the bland, the blunt or the blow-dried -- have failed. Read the full review

His film may be something of a beautiful lie, but what's true about Sollett's characters is that their dreams, their grace and their struggles are as real as it gets.Read the full review

I loved this movie, and I wish it could be seen by all those kids who turn out every weekend for shoddy studio comedies that show them who they'd like to be. Raising Victor Vargas shows young lovers as they are.Read the full review

The ''R'' rating is understandable, but absurd. This is a family film in the most complicated and, ultimately, most cheering sense. Read the full review

It's the kind of movie you know you can trust, and you give yourself over to affection for these characters who are so lovingly observed.Read the full review

What makes Raising Victor Vargas so special, beyond its irresistible charisma, is how Sollett and his cast capture the thrill of first love.Read the full review

As fresh -- and as restorative -- as a lemon ice on a hot day. Read the full review