There have been many coming of age films but only one has been done with the grace and charm of Real Women Have Curves, which despite it's title is not a power film for the full figured women as much as it is a coming of age story for a young East L.A. Chicana trying to break out from under the wing of her mom and stake her independence.
Based on Josefina Lopez's play, Real Women Have Curves tells the story of Ana Garcia (America Ferrera), a high school senior who lives in East L.A. but catches two buses to make it to her college prepatory high school in Beverly Hills. There, she is unique and has dreams of one day going to college. At home back on the East Side, she is just her mother's youngest daughter. Her mother (Lupe Ontiveros) has her own plans for Ana's future. She wants her to immediately go from High School to her sister's garment factory that has sweatshop conditions. This is obviously in conflict with what Ana wants for herself and is a large part of the story. The story also revolves around the interaction of this East L.A. Mexican family and how they relate with each other. There are a lot of funny and cute things in this movie but the appeal is not as broad based as the other big ethnic indie hit of the year, My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
The movie contains excellent performances from both Ferrera and Ontiveros. They play their roles it seems like you definitely know this family, someone you went to high school with or who you worked with. They infuse some of the film's humor. Comedian George Lopez has a small but serious role in the film as Ana's English instructor.
Real Woman Have Curves is a feel good family friendly coming of age movie that is a pleasure to watch and highly entertaining and amusing. This movie is a must see for all who enjoy quality family/comedy dramas.
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