Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN

2002 ***1/2 106 mins. (R-Rated Version 100 mins.)

Alfonso Cuaron's sexually charged film about two teenage boys who learn what it takes to become men works and doesn't work in many ways.

I will say that this film does require two viewings, at least. A lot of the loose ends that exist in the first viewing are cleared up in the second viewing, after you know what happens in the end. The music in the film is wonderful, and sets the essential tone for the story. The performances are perfect, and it is evident how the two guys really are best of friends. Therefore, when their friendship is challenged, it works all the more.

My main problem, though, was the narration. It seemed, to me, that the style of the narration was stolen from the French film Le Fableaux Destin d'Amelie Poulain, but just done in a strictly serious tone. While the film is supposed to be about sexual journeying and discovery, it does seem to be a bit too much at times. A scene near to the beginning with the friends lying on diving boards pops into mind first. If the film had a little bit of something else in it, it would have been improved a great deal.

Still, though, this is an enjoyable coming-of-age film that has many great moments.
Not Rated; contains strong sexual content involving teens, nudity, drug use, and language. R-rated version contains a bit less of the same.