I Like It Like That (1994)

Lisette and husband Chino face marital difficulties. She is fed up with the kids, while he has job troubles. His mother Rosaria hates Lisette and the neighborhood tramp has designs on Chino... See full summary »

Director:

Darnell Martin

Writer:

Darnell Martin

Stars:

Luna Lauren Velez, Jon Seda, Tomas Melly

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Luna Lauren Velez	...	Lisette Linares (as Lauren Vélez)
Jon Seda	...	Chino Linares
Tomas Melly	...	Li'l Chino Linares
Desiree Casado	...	Minnie Linares
Isaiah Garcia	...	Pee Wee Linares (as Isiah Garcia)
Jesse Borrego	...	Alexis
Lisa Vidal	...	Magdalena Soto
Griffin Dunne	...	Stephen Price
Rita Moreno	...	Rosaria Linares
Vincent Laresca	...	Angel
Elvis Nolasco	...	Tito (as E.O. Nolasco)
Sammy Melendez	...	Victor
Jose Soto	...	Chris
Gloria Irizarry	...	Mrs. Gonzalez
Emilio Del Pozo	...	Mr. Soto

Storyline

Lisette and husband Chino face marital difficulties. She is fed up with the kids, while he has job troubles. His mother Rosaria hates Lisette and the neighborhood tramp has designs on Chino. Things get even worse when Chino goes to jail and Lisette gets a good job uptown. Can this marriage be saved?

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Plot Keywords:

first person title | male objectification | dance scene | tank top | man wearing a tank top | 

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Taglines:

For Lisette, everyday has become independence day.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for lots of language and strong sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 October 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Black Out

Filming Locations:

Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$1,777,020

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation,Riot of Color,Think Again Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

With this, her debut feature, Director Darnell Martin was reputedly the first black American woman to write and direct a film for a major Hollywood studio.

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Quotes

[last lines]
Lisette Linares: You know what your problem is? You never think about the other person.
Chino Linares: Good night, other person.
Lisette Linares: It's morning, Chino.
Chino Linares: Good morning.

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Connections

Referenced in New York at the Movies (2002)

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Soundtracks

Perdon
Written by Pedro Flores
Performed by Daniel Santos
Courtesy of BMG/U.S. Latin

User Reviews

Sad, Funny, and Real

"I Like it Like That" is one of those rare gems of cinema that portrays life for peoples of color with all of the absolute humanness so often lacking from more mainstream films. While I thoroughly enjoyed every actor's performance in this film, no one's performance was as effective and affecting as Jesse Borrego's portrayal of "Alexis", Lisette's (Lauren Velez) transvestite brother. This character offered a rare and realistic portrayal of an individual that is typically viewed only from a safe distance. While I definitely prefer Jesse Borrego as a man, his performance as "Alexis" showed a depth that few actors ever accomplish. In addition to his sterling performance as "Tudee" in "Follow Me Home", his portrayal in this film convinced me of his tremendous range. He is, without question, one of the most underrated actors of our time. I enthusiastically recommend this film to any and everyone.