Review by John Delia
A heartwarming situation comedy called Tio Papi enters the crowded summer and it just may have enough family attraction to survive the pressure. Delivering a story that may be familiar, but this time with a twist, the movie is sure to hit home with many ethnic groups. If you want to just enjoy an afternoon out of the hot sun and not get slammed with violence and high energy chase scenes than drop in to Tio Papi where they will welcome you with an uncomplicated treat.
The story centers on forty year old Ray Ray Dominguez (Joey Dedio) who’s single, an all around nice guy and a hard worker who just wants to save enough money to move out of New York to the sun and surf of Miami. Working extra shifts to reach his goal has not helped him in the dating department and has been unconsciously pushing away his long time love Cheeky (Elizabeth Rodriguez). He feels his sights are set and nothing can stop him now.
Everything is about to change when Ray Ray’s sister and her husband lose their lives in an accident leaving their six children behind. With he being the only relative Elizabeth Warden (Kelly Mc Gillis) the social worker brings the children to him where he has reluctantly consented and made a deal with her to take care of the children temporarily. When things start to get tough with Ray Ray using his Miami fund to provide for the children, he starts looking for a game changer.
The children recover quickly except for young Nico (Dax Roy) who has gone silent since the accident. Director Fro Rojas makes his drama light enough to keep the story from getting sad by adding some inspiring and uplifting scenes to ward off the sappiness that usually accompanies this genre. With seasoned actor Joey Dedio in the lead going from carefree to a troubling life filled with doubt and a glum future, Rojas keeps the focus on him. It’s very hard to do since the other main characters are six kids ranging from 17 to 7 who each have problems of their own. But, Rojas holds it all together takes to film to a high ark of hopelessness then turns it around for a well planned ending.
With most films of this genre they become somewhat predictable and Tio Papi falls into that category. But even though you will probably forecast how things will all end, it’s getting there that makes this film different than all others. It’s a good family film filled with lessons to be learned and challenges to be met. You know, like your family or your community of friends families who all have to meet unexpected challenges and can use a little movie like this for reassurance.
The film has been rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements, mild rude humor and brief language. If your youngest watches Disney or Nickelodeon they should have no trouble watching Tio Papi.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â A nicely played out family film for the whole family. (B)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Joey Dedio, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Kelly McGillis, Frankie Faison, Gabriella Fanuele, David Castro, Fatima Ptacek, Sebastian Martinez, Nicolette Pierini and Dax Roy
Directed by: Fro Rojas
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, mild rude humor and brief language  Â
Running Time: 1 hr 30 min
Opening Date: September 6, 2013
Distributed by: Active Fox Productions