Movie Review – Illegal Tender (2007)

Starring – Rick Gonzalez, Wanda De Jesus,
Director – Franc Reyes
Domestic Gross – $3,106,835
Running Time – 108 minutes

In the early 80s Wilson Deleon, Sr. was an up and coming gangster in NYC. Unfortunately, he got a little too much power for his boss and was assassinated. Before he was killed he had skimmed a little money and given it to his family. After his death his wife and son fled with the money. Illegal Tender picks up 20 years later with Wilson Jr coming to terms with his family’s past and trying to reconcile things so that they can have a future. Rick Gonzalez was surprisingly good as Wilson Jr. I’ve always liked him in comedic roles from Old School to Reaper, but I wasn’t sure he had the chops for dramatic roles. He does. Unfortunately, that’s where the praise ends. Dania Ramirez play Ana (Wilson’s girlfriend) and is one of the all-time most annoying wet blanket girlfriends in cinema history. When there are killers scouring the house looking for her and Wilson she is screaming and bitching about the situation instead of hiding etc. She just sucks in every possible way. This character really detracted from the movie for me. I know… It’s such a small thing, but I was so distracted by it that I found myself annoyed minutes after she was off screen. This isn’t to say that Ramirez’ acting was bad. It’s just the character was terribly written and annoying. Wanda De Jesus’ character (mom) was nearly as bad. This girl who was the smartest in her high school class somehow made the thousands that were stolen in to millions that could last a lifetime AND be a badass with a weapon?! Sorry. That’s where I checked out. Avoid this one.

I’m Mike D and I approve this message.