Under the Same MoonMovie Reviews

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So-so
Avg. Critic Score: 59 out of 100 Mixed or average reviews Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
14 OK for kids 14+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 91
    Entertainment Weekly | Owen Gleiberman

    The film says that the U.S. immigrant situation is untenable, but then it forces US to ask: What should be done? Read full review

  • 80
    Washington Post | Ann Hornaday

    Thanks to the uncommonly shrewd judgment of screenwriter Ligiah Villalobos and director Patricia Riggen, both newcomers, the film never feels like rank exploitation, even as it steadily aims for the emotional jugular. Read full review

  • 75
    Boston Globe | Ty Burr

    The result is a genuinely cathartic night at the movies - which is one of the reasons we go to them in the first place. Art it ain't, but popcorn is rarely this skilled or seductive. Read full review

  • 75
    San Francisco Chronicle | Ruthe Stein

    Although based on a fictional story, it has the feel of truth and is a vivid reminder of the hell Mexicans put themselves through to live in the United States, even illegally. Read full review

  • 75
    USA Today | Claudia Puig

    A powerful and evocative account of the efforts undertaken to forge a perilous mother-and-child reunion. Told in Spanish with English subtitles, it is a moving tale of yearning, as well as unflagging courage and determination. Read full review

  • 63
    Philadelphia Inquirer | Steven Rea

    How do you say "tearjerker" in Spanish? Read full review

  • 50
    Los Angeles Times | Kenneth Turan

    This largely Spanish-language film brings on the waterworks because its core story is undeniably affecting. The whole movie, however, would be more convincing if the elements around that vital core were more multidimensional and less contrived. Read full review

  • 50
    Variety | Justin Chang

    Wrapping the political hot potato of illegal immigration in the sentimental balm of a mother-son reunion drama, this stirring tale will be embraced most enthusiastically by Mexican audiences on both sides of the border. Read full review

  • 50
    Wall Street Journal | Joe Morgenstern

    Under the Same Moon comes most vividly to life when Adrian Alonso is on the screen. Read full review

  • 40
    The New York Times | Jeannette Catsoulis

    This is screenwriting by numbers. Unlike, say, Ken Loach's marvelous "Bread and Roses," Under the Same Moon is too busy sanctifying its protagonists and prodding our tear ducts to say anything remotely novel about immigration policies or their helpless victims. Read full review

View more reviews for Under the Same Moon on Metacritic

Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+ Emotional immigration drama has mature themes.
What Parents Need to Know Parents need to know that this drama has some mature and emotionally difficult themes. It revolves around a young boy who must deal with his grandmother's (peaceful) death and an illegal border crossing between Mexico and the United States. There are some brief images of obvious prostitutes, an abusive pimp, and a twitchy junkie. Expect some mild (though potentially upsetting) violence in the form of chases and rough takedowns by INS agents and local L.A. police. The central boy is also threatened by bullies, thieves, and a child trafficker. Mostly mild language, though "s--t" is used.
  • Families can talk about how the movie portrays the plight of illegal immigrants in the United States. Do you think the movie is trying to make a specific point about the issue? If so, what is it? Is it OK that Carlitos and his mother are both breaking American laws? Why or why not?
The good stuff
  • message true0 Positive messages: Mexicans cross into the U.S. illegally to escape economic hardship; Caucasian Americans are repeatedly selfish and cruel; a little boy is alternately aided by good-hearted adults and hassled by bullies or thieves.
What to watch for
  • violence false3 Violence: Harrowing images of border crossing. Border guards chase illegal immigrants; INS authorities chase and grab illegal workers; a policeman beats an apparent criminal. Police drag away Enrique, pushing him against the cruiser and handcuffing him roughly. A child finds his grandmother dead in her bed and is very sad.
  • sex false0 Sex: Several women wear sundresses or close-fitting tops that show cleavage. A pimp appears on the sidewalk with prostitutes (they wear skimpy outfits and high heels).
  • language false3 Language: Words include "s--t" (with "bull-"), "hell," "son of a bitch," and "damn."
  • consumerism false0 Consumerism: Brands include PopTarts, Walkman.
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Cigarette smoking. A junkie character's arms show track marks, indicating past drug use. Bullies drink beer.
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology. © Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

Looking for more reviews? Movies.com Critics Say:

Dave White

3.5

Dave White Profile See Dave White's Profile

… one-note and manipulative … Read full review See Dave White's on MOVIENAME on Movies.com

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