Selena | Full Movie | Movies Anywhere

Because the movie is a giant fan letter, it spends much too much time on such warm family interactions and not enough on matters that would strengthen the plot and educate people who aren't that familiar with her or her music.

Writer/director Gregory Nava clearly knows where his loyalties lie. But to homogenize Selena so thoroughly is wrong.

Director Gregory Nava might have done us all a favor by tightening up the script. Still, fans of the music, which mixes traditional Mexican styles with rock music, should enjoy the movie for its many songs and Lopez's convincing portrayal.

It's touching and sad, and you leave the movie wishing Selena had lived to do more. Even if you can't really remember anything you heard her sing.

When I see Selena, a movie as sanitized as an intensive care unit, I'm not seeing through the eyes of a devotee studying a saint. I see a long picture with more syrup than a pancake house.