It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.
View MoreYes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.
View MoreThis movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.
View MoreOne of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.
View More"Latin Lovers" is a tough movie to love. After all, the main character, Nora (Lana Turner), is very rich AND very arrogant. Through much of the film she seems to think she is entitled due to her money...yet she also is worried a man might want her for her money. Oddly, despite this, she is uninterested in marrying her long-time boyfriend (John Lund)...who is even richer than her.When the boyfriend goes to Brazil to play polo, she follows and soon is smitten with Roberto (Ricardo Montalban). She worries he, too, wants her money. And, when she tells him she's loaded, he's thrilled...futher convincing her that all men want is her cash, not her circa 1953 hot bod.In addition to Nora acting dumb and annoying through much of the film, the two men in her life aren't exactly prizes either--though you still often wonder WHAT they see in her! This is because Nora OFTEN gets angry and huffy and is as pleasant as a lion with a toothache. So, with some unlikable characters all you have left is the nice MGM gloss...which this one has in spades.
View MoreWhen I was young I thought the two most beautiful women in the world were Sophia Loren and Lana Turner. Then I saw Lana Turner in an extensive interview, and discovered that she was close to being the clichéd dumb blond. There is something more stupid however -- this movie. Another one of those feel sorry for the rich because they have such difficult lives...even more pathetic since this is a romantic comedy.Speaking of beauty, Lana is not at her most beautiful here...a little full in the face. And it's difficult to judge her acting here since the story is so dumb. Ricardo Montalban actually does quite well here, as does John Lund. Louis Calhern is absolutely delightful in the illogical role of the Latin Lover's grandfather. And, it's nice to see Beulah Bondi in an atypical role for her -- psychiatrist (too bad it was such a small -- though pivotal -- role). Jean Hagen is pretty good in her supporting role here, but Eduard Franz has a disappointing role for such a fine character actor.But, the film is beautiful in its color, and there's some very nice Latin music here.Mervyn Leroy is one of the great directors, but, as the old saying goes, you can't win them all.
View MoreLana Turner has 37 million dollars. John Lund has 48 million. She feels he's about to pop the question and thought she wanted to marry him -- until now, that is. He has to go to Brazil to look at some ponies he's interested in buying and to play a little polo. During a night on the town, she is intrigued when she is asked to dance by a Brazilian (who just happens to be in town), and he tells her not to go to Brazil. "It would be dangerous for you. There's something about the air in Brazil. Men in Brazil see what they want and just take it." She hops on a plane, going after Lund, who she thinks will just take her (up in his arms.) But this air only puts John Lund to sleep. Enter Ricardo Montalban. While he is showing his horses to John Lund, she takes an instant liking to Ricardo .and he notices her. The looks he gives her are too much and she acts more passionate here than I've ever seen her. But will he be bothered by her money? Jean Hagen is good in a supporting role as her secretary, and John Lund is good as a stuffed shirt. Louis Calhern is great as Ricardo's grandfather, providing a touch of class. (A side note that many may not know: Not only was Louis Calhern also in Lana's "A Life of Her Own" and "The Prodigal" but, in "The Bad and the Beautiful," he provides the voice of her father's on the record that Kirk Douglas smashes.) This was supposed to be a reunion movie with Fernando Lamas. (They made "The Merry Widow" prior to this.) But since they were no longer together as a couple, she wanted someone else to play opposite her. This was a break for Ricardo, who looks like he is having the time of his life. (Even though that wasn't him really singing.) Rita Moreno dances the samba with him, teaching Lana how to do it right. But, Rita gets jealous of her real quick, when she discovers he likes Lana. With their attraction to each other and the way they move together, it almost seems like we shouldn't be watching.But, if you've never seen Lana and Ricardo, looking their best and complementing each other, then you're missing something. Granted the movie may get silly, like with her Portguese teacher who'll practically live or die for her. But who cares? "Latin Lovers" may be colorful fluff, but it's one of the best and most provocative colorful fluffs you're likely to see. Just sit back and enjoy!
View MoreThis is highly entertaining fluff. Lana Turner looks lovely, so it is probably carping to comment on her limited acting ability. Ricardo Montalban is suitably macho. The film is saved for me by the other actors with John Lund showing a deft comic touch and making his character more than one dimensional, which it surely would have been had the earlier choice, Michael Wilding played the role. Louis Calhern steals most of his scenes as Montalban's grandfather - the fact that he was only 25 years older apparently bothered no one. There are some nice touches in the writing and the costumes and cinematography are beautiful. All in all there is plenty to enjoy.
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