Tio Papi (2013) User Reviews

Original, no; but nice enough

[pensman · 7/10 · 21 August 2015]

Probably the best thing about this film is that is was shot on location in New York City which lends the film a sort of credibility. Tio Papi does have a feel that the director was a recent film school graduate and this film was a sort of thesis project. The story is very basic: two youngish Puerto Rican parents are struggling financial, they go out for a needed night off, die in a car crash, and the sister's nice but 40 ish Peter Pan brother suddenly finds he is responsible, at least temporarily, for his six nieces and nephews. There is a smidgen of Mr. Mom, Miracle on 34th Street, and maybe a nod to Atlantic City in this film.

Will the brother, Ray Ray (Joey Dedio) man up and accept the responsibility so suddenly thrust upon him? Will he reconcile with his ex girl-friend, Cheeky (Elizabeth Rodriquez) who dumped him as she wanted a family and he didn't? Will Ray Ray decide his real dream is family? Will Ray Ray return the $100,000 he finds in a suitcase in a restroom? What? Where did that come from. Well there is a tad of retro skewed deus ex machina here.

Overall this is a pleasant family values film about the triumph of Love. Somehow it missed including Zuzu's petals but has every other charming cliché in it. A nice enough way to spend about an hour and a half.

Only shock for me (showing my age) was the appearance of Kelly McGillis as a by the book social worker. And Kelly who you ask. She was Maverick's (Tom Cruise) love interest in Top Gun. But Cruise seems to own "The Picture of Dorian Gray," whereas Ms. McGillis seems to bear out a truth in "Mirror" by Sylvia Plath.

tio Papi

[startrekfan72 · 10/10 · 10 August 2015]

Tio papi it's an incredible film I give it 10 out of 10 stars it is a great family film appropriate for children of all ages it teaches family values togetherness compassion loyalty it also teaches that family is the most important thing in the world when the chips are down your family is where you go so it was a little known cast the acting was absolutely first rate this film teaches that anything is possible where there is a will there is a way. if you put your mind to it you can come out of adversity that more than anything is what I think this film teaches I would give the producers directors and absolute thumbs up great job there is nothing inappropriate in this film it is appropriate for children of all ages young and old I would call this film a hidden gem

Pleasant and inspiring family film

[vchimpanzee · 25 April 2017]

This is a movie the entire family can watch. And of course it's a formula, but it's a nice formula. Maybe, just maybe there are strict parents who would have a problem with younger kids seeing it, but there's nothing worse than the scene with both Seymour and Mrs. Butz. Yes, you know what will happen there.

Although this is a movie about Latinos, it is respectful of the culture and doesn't deal in stereotypes. It could be about anyone. The music is great, for the most part. Even white people liked it back in the 50s and 60s. And I like it now. Although "America's Funniest Home Videos" shows that the pinata has been made a part of white culture as well, the Latinos did this first and they do it here. The Catholic Church is also important to these people.

All the leading actors give good performances. Other than the evil lawyer who wants to take the kids away from Ray Ray, no one is stereotypical or cartoonish.

The family has comic adventures, and sad moments, and touching moments. Despite obstacles, this is a movie. I bet things are going to work out.

Good moral values are taught here, even though temptation is there. Some characters are surprisingly well-behaved compared to what one might expect in films of this type.

It's a good family film.

A beautiful story about family and love; excellent ending

[nahumthebest · 10/10 · 17 July 2020]

100% spoiler-free.

This movie presents a beautiful and heartwarming story about love and family.

A beautiful story of a man who has never wanted kids, whose life is suddenly barged into by 6 kids. You see the transformation this man goes through. You see the fight for love. It was beautiful. The ending was excellent and memorable and made me love the movie so much more and got that 10/10 from me. The story was believable and totally plausible. You will LOVE the ending.

29% on RottenTomatoes. 6.1 on IMDB. 93% of google users liked the movie. So who is right, RT who gave it a 29% or 93% of the viewers who thumbed up the movie?

This movie was excellent. Forget the critics and forget the haters. Once again, the critics and IMDB get it wrong.

I give this movie a 10/10. It was that darn good and everyone ought to give it a chance and watch it.

Actors: Joey Dedio - I thought he did good as the protagonist. He did good. Kelly McGillis - she did good as the "villain". Jerome Preston Bates - really good job as joey's boss. Fátima Ptacek - did a great job as expected. Frankie Faison - good job as the superintendent. Franky G - good job as one of the friends. David Castro - good work. Nicolette Pierini - fine work as one of the youngest kid. Gabriella Fanuele - decent work, but I did not get that "motherly" feel from her unfortunately. I think she hurt the film :/.

Conclusion: once again, the critics from RT and the users on IMDB get it wrong. This is a beautiful and heartwarming story about love and family. A clear 10/10 after the ending. I cannot believe this movie does not even have a wikipedia page. Would love to watch a sequel.