Diego Luna plays a political prisoner in 80s Argentina who’s joined by a new cellmate, an effeminate homosexual (played by Tonatiuh). As he relates the plot of his favorite movie, they begin to connect. This is the 2nd time that this musical has been brought to the screen. This time Bill Condon is directing and there’s no denying that he knows how to stage gorgeous musicals. When the story transitions into the fantasy, Condon’s creation echoes the Old Hollywood big studio production numbers with beautiful sets, lovely costumes and flashy choreography. Those moments are anchored by a blonde Jennifer Lopez, who’s magnetic in the role. When it’s just the two men in their cell, things are more squalid, but their relationship holds sway. Both actors do a fine job. The balance between the worlds loses some of emotional momentum when it bounces back and forth, but the duo’s final scenes are the film’s most affecting. 
(3 / 5)
