Now available on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand from Pantelion and Lionsgate Home Entertainment is the film Spare Parts. It stars George Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis, Marisa Tomei and Carlos PenaVega.
When I think about the title, Spare Parts, it sounds like a horror movie. It’s not.
Spare Parts is the story of a group of teens who defy the odds to win a underwater robotics competition. Who knew there were such competitions.
George Lopez stars as a Fredi, a man who takes a job as a subtitue teacher at a tough Phoenix high school. He worked as an engineer for many years, but for some odd reason he takes on a job as a substitute teacher (the reason why is explained later in the film). The school’s quirky principal is played by Jamie Lee Curtis.
Oscar (Carlos PenaVega) wants to join the military but he is unable to because he’s not a legal U.S. resident. In fact most of the kids in his school are “illegal” immigrants who live in fear of being deported.
Oscar approaches Fredi about creating an after school club building underwater robots. He wants to enter a NASA sponsored contest but he needs help and can’t do it on his own.
With Fredi’s help they recruit other boys to join the after school club – Cristian (computer geek), Luis (to provide muscle for carrying things around) and Lorenzo (great with mechanical things).
Each member of the club has their own back stories. Each has something to prove to themselves and their families. Throughout the film we get a little insight into their home life.
Everything is stacked against them from lack of knowledge to lack of money. Determined not to fail the group find a way to overcome all the barriers they face along the way.
The group finally create an underwater robot to enter in the competition. It didn’t dawn on them until they arrive at the competition site that they are going up against many high schools and Ivy League colleges.
Wanting to prove something to themselves they enter the college section of the competition. They felt it was better to come in last place among colleges than last place against other high schools.
Will the group make it though the competition? What place will they finish in? Will being a part of this group have a positive result in their personal lives? To find out you need to pick up a copy of Spare Parts, available where move movies are sold as well as Digital HD and On Demand.
George Lopez played a nice balance between seriousness and comedy. I’m so used to see him in comedic roles.
Marisa Tomei plays Fredi’s love interest, a fellow teacher Gwen. She also provides a bit of comic relief.
This is the typical film about the “underdogs” who go on to accomplish something great. But none the less it’s always nice to see people who others might see as “down and out” go on to do amazing things.
The film is inspired by true events. The boys were featured in Wired Magazine. They did go on to do great things. One of them did get deported, but his story goes on to have a happy ending too.
There are not many bonus features on the DVD. Just some deleted scenes.
This could be a nice film for “Family Movie Night” but not for very young children. For older children and teens this is a good film to teach them that anything is possible, even if the odds are stacked against you.
The run time is 121 minutes, not including the bonus features.
Here is the trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Sarah L says
That looks like an interesting movie. I like that it’s based on a true story.