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Radical

Radical

2023

Christopher Zalla

Eugenio Derbez, Daniel Haddad, Jennifer Trejo, Mia Fernanda Solis ...

7.4

1,069

Drama A teacher in a Mexican border town full of neglect, corruption, and violence, tries a radical new method to unlock their students' curiosity, potential -and maybe even their genius.

	Media	Author	Review
		David Rooney The Hollywood Reporter	"Undeniably effective (...) If your face is not streaked with tears, there may be something wrong with you"
		Carlos Aguilar IndieWire	"Those who inspired 'Radical' deserved to be celebrated, and it’s likely that a mass-appealing filmic interpretation of their against-the-odds accomplishments might function as the farthest-reaching vehicle to disseminate them"
		Pete Hammond Deadline	"An inspiring true story (...) Derbez never has been better than in this film"
		Tomris Laffly Variety	"It's a mainstream film with broad audience appeal and it hits the nail on the head"
		Johnny Oleksinski New York Post	"Cinemas have been absent a strong tear-jerker for a while, but Zalla teaches a lesson on how to deliver an affirming, emotional gut punch (...) Rating: ★★★½ (out of 4)"
		Josh Kupecki Austin Chronicle	"'Radical' may hit all the requisite narrative arcs, but it does so with a level of nuance and examination that other films of this type either gloss over or ignore entirely (...) Rating: ★★★½ (out of 5)"
		Tim Grierson Screendaily	"It’s ironic, then, that a film about the importance of breaking out of preconceived notions and embracing original thinking ends up itself hewing a little too closely to formula"
		Tatiana Hullender Screen Rant	"The strength of the story rests firmly in Derbez's sensitive portrayal and his touching moments with each student (...) One comes away with a sense of protectiveness and pride when thinking about Sergio and his students (...) Rating: ★★★½ (out of 5)"
		Mel Valentin Screen Anarchy	"It’s also a perfect example of what a skillful, talented filmmaker, working from a sturdy script, a granular-specific setting, sharply drawn characters, and remarkably gifted, expressive performers, can do to elevate that formula into something altogether memorable and moving"
		G. Allen Johnson San Francisco Chronicle	"'Radical' follows a predictable formula, and Derbez lifts the material with his typical vibrant energy (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)"
		Gary Goldstein Los Angeles Times	"An authentically moving and involving crowd-pleaser"
		James Verniere Boston Herald	"Derbez dazzles. Young cast is great, too"
		Nell Minow rogerebert.com	"Derbez, always a charismatic screen presence, is at his best interacting with young people (...) Rating: ★★★½ (out of 4)"
		Ethan Anderton SlashFilm	"Eugenio Derbez is better than ever in this formulaic but powerful teaching drama"
		Alani Vargas The Playlist	"Just like Mr. Juárez's main focus and concern is on his kids, 'Radical' soars when the spotlight is on them as well, thanks to the heart they bring"

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