Tio Papi (2013)
Cast includes: Joey Dedio (Trick), Kelly McGillis (Top Gun), Frankie Faison (The Silence of the Lambs), Elizabeth Rodriguez (Side Effects), Jerome Preston Bates (Shaft)
Director: Fro Rojas (With Me)
Genre: Family Drama (90 minutes)
The lively Latin beat and the footage of upper New York City sets the stage. But the scene moves on to Ft. Lee, just across the George Washington Bridge. “How are we ever going to catch up? We’re so far behind,” Daniella says. “We’re going to get through this,” Raul promises. Back in Manhattan, Ray Ray is clocking out… 64 hours this week. He’s determined to save for his dream of moving to Florida. Back in Ft. Lee, Daniella and Raul get the littlest ones to bed… the middle two get to stay up a while, and the oldest two are going to babysit. With six kids it’s not easy to plan a night out. Meanwhile, Ray Ray meets friends at a local club. “Forgot to mention it… I invited Cheeky.” Cheeky is Ray Ray’s ex-girlfriend. “We both had fun,” says Ray Ray. “Glad that was enough for you,” says Cheeky. She wants kids, but apparently Ray Ray doesn’t. A car accident in Ft. Lee is about to upend everyone’s life.
When Social Services deliver the six kids to Ray Ray’s little apartment, it’s supposed to be temporary. Ray Ray is their only relative… Daniella’s brother… “Do I have a choice?” Ray Ray explains that he’s not good with kids. Ms. Warden has already figured that out, but she needs Ray Ray to be strong… until she can find more suitable homes for the kids. “It’ll be faster if we split them up.” “Everything’s gonna be OK,” Ray Ray tells the kids. “OK? How stupid could you be!” exclaims Manny. Anyway, Ray Ray’s stuck with Vanessa, Manny, Angela, Angelo, Lola and the littlest, Nico. “We need to set some rules… keeping the place clean… picking up your things.” Ray Ray’s clueless. Before long the seven of them are living in squalor. The toilet’s clogged, and when Ms. Warden comes for a home visit, Manny’s outside relieving himself on the wall. It’s not a good situation, but she agrees to give Ray Ray another 30 days. “You know you’re like a brother to me,” says Gilly. “You need help.”
When Ray Ray manages to talk Cheeky into helping out, things turn around rather quickly. She really does have the touch, but she’s already made plans to move to Miami in six weeks. It’s going to take more than clean dishes, fresh paint and bunk beds to turn Ray Ray into Tio Papi (Uncle Daddy). Tio Papi is a warmhearted family drama, with many touching moments. Despite ample opportunity to add a bit of grit, there is nothing gritty about this movie. In many ways, it feels like a throwback to films of an earlier era, which may appeal to some viewers. Ray Ray starts the film knowing what he wants but changes his priorities as the story unfolds. The filmmakers clearly want to deliver a positive moral… showing that doing the right thing leads to happy forever-afters. There are many challenges along the way, but in the end… “Honesty comes from honor. That’s all a man has.”
1 popped kernels
A carefree bachelor suddenly inherits his sister’s six children… at least until Social Services can place them in suitable homes
Popcorn Profile
Rated: PG
Audience: Young adults
Distribution: Limited release
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Cruises comfortably
Visual Style: Unvarnished realism
Language: True to life
