the audience applauded

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Born In East LA is a strong solo effort from Cheech Marin to break out on his own and one of my favorite comedies from the 80's. This was written, directed and stars Cheech Marin and he did a great job making this film and as the leading man. In an attempt to pick up his cousin(who is in the country illegally) he ends up getting deported to Mexico and this is his story about trying to make it back home. The DVD box describes this film as "a comedy bordering on insanity", which I find to be pretty accurate. Born In East LA is hilarious and while there is no shortage of outrageous material, the film is cohesive and has a lot of solid performances. Cheech especially gives a great showing here and is very likable as our hero Rudy. The story is pretty straight forward, but flows well and does not come off like a long comedy skit. In my opinion this film is very underrated and holds up well. 30 years later Born In East LA is still funny and relevant in modern times where Trump implements policies of mass deportation.

Rudy Robles (Cheech Marin) is a mechanic born and raised in east L.A. He lives with his mother and sister's family. They leave for Fresno while he's told to pick up cousin Javier (Paul Rodriguez) at a factory. Rudy is picked up in an immigration sweep and deported to Mexico. He left his wallet at home. With no money, no documentation and limited Spanish, he struggles to get back home. He starts working for pool hall owner Jimmy (Daniel Stern) and befriends waitress Dolores (Kamala Lopez-Dawson).I don't really like this Cheech without Chong. He's a bit too normal. He's not goofy enough. He complains too much especially at the beginning. I would like him dumber and more lovable. I imagine pot humor would go really great with this movie. As for the premise, it's a great way to satire the issue of the border. However, Rudy always seem to be a phone connection away from going back home. It's too easy and the movie struggles to create ways to screw it up. This premise has lots of potential and this could be great.

Born in East LA fails as a comedy because most of the movie is not funny. Getting into politics and the culture of East LA is one thing, but to drag on with scenes without any jokes is wrong. Without is sidekick Chong, Cheech is on his own to draw all the laughs. Even with an interesting supporting cast, including a picture of Jesus with the opening and closing eyes, the movie fails to capture the "white" audience it needed to be a success.Must have made millions in Mexico, but not on any top ten list in America.

I love this movie! Next to "Shrimp on the Barbie," this is my favorite Cheech Marin movie as he goes on to prove he can actually be funny by not playing a pothead. A Mexican-American dragged across the border, he shows the lengths he is willing to go to return home and prove he is an American, but there is also a sensitive and heart-warming touch to his range as he proves he is also a good guy and not just some clown. Daniel Stern is also a hoot as an opportunist, and Paul Rodriguez flexes his comedic muscle that we his fans appreciate so much.