Review of Spare Parts
Spare Parts is a 2015 American drama directed by Sean McNamara and starring George Lopez. The film is based on the true story of four Hispanic high school students who, with the help of their teacher, form a robotics club in order to compete in a national robotics competition. With no experience, $800 dollars, used car parts and dream, this group of students compete against the best colleges in the country and eventually defeat reigning robotics champion, MIT, for the title.
What’s interesting about this movie is not just the excitement of the robotics competition, but it’s also about what these boys learned about themselves in the process. This is not your traditional club of overachieving high school students. These four boys are all first generation, undocumented immigrants from Mexico, who were raised in Arizona from a young age. They attend an underfunded public high school where most of the students do not have big dreams or aspirations, and are constantly told how they will not amount to much in life. They’ve all faced adversity in life. Oscar Vazquez is the main student who initiates the robotics project after his dreams of enlisting in the U.S. Army are dashed due to his undocumented status. The fear these students have of being deported is shown throughout the film and it’s something people face daily. Another challenge these boys faced were the lack of money and support from their families. While the other teams competing at the robotics competition were made up of college students who had huge budgets to create their robots, these boys used old car parts and asked for donations to get their robot built. They ended up raising $800 to build their robot and even used a tampon to fix a leak the night before the competition. They overcame adversity and worked together despite not having the advantages the students at these other schools had. There were many times during the film that the boys wanted to give up and quit. One of them faced the challenges of an abusive father and Mr. Cameron stepped in an acted as a father figure to him. These are all challenges many students are facing today.
While watching this film, I found many similarities to Real Women Have Curves. America Ferrera’s character reminded me of Oscar Vazquez in this film. Both are good students who strive to achieve more in life, yet come from impoverished areas with little support from their families. While Oscar’s military dreams were shut down due to his legal status, Ana had the problem of her family needing her to work right after high school. Both students had the help of a teacher who believed in them and both overcame obstacles and proved to be successful. They were able to break the stereotype of the underserved Latino teenager. Unlike in American Me where the new generation of kids grew up to follow in the footsteps of their delinquent older siblings, these students were able to break the cycle and change their futures for the better.
Overall I really enjoyed this film. I felt that it showed a realistic view of immigrant students than what they are stereotyped as. Many believe the stereotypes that Latino immigrants are all criminals who are here to cause trouble and steal American jobs. They forget that there are many first generation students who came here as young children. Many of these students do not even remember being in Mexico. They are just as American as the student sitting next to them. Unfortunately they have to live with this fear of not knowing what will happen to them. After doing some research on the film, it’s interesting to note that Oscar Vazquez continued on to Arizona State University where he founded their robotics club and graduated with an Engineering Degree. Shortly after that he voluntarily deported himself in order to try to gain citizenship by going through the process. When asked if he had ever resided in the U.S. illegally after the age of 18, he answered yes. He was told that because of that he was banned from the U.S. for ten years. Thankfully with the help of a Senator and a few others, he was granted amnesty and allowed to reenter where he then enlisted in the Army and served in Afghanistan. Films like this are very important in helping us to see the other side of immigration issues and see how much it affects families. It’s also important in showing that despite the adversity and disadvantages you face in life, you can overcome the stereotypes and be successful. No one thought this ragtag team of underdogs would be able to accomplish such a feat as beating MIT in a robotics competition. But with the help of their teacher coupled with their motivation and drive, they were able to accomplish something great and become role models for others in their same situations.
Robotics Club with their robot “Stinky”
I enjoyed reading your post very much. I have never heard about this film but if I had children this is the type of film I would show them. There is not too much positive representation of Latino’s in film within the Hollywood movie industry. I would show my future children this film not only to show them the potential every Latino has but to show them that no obstacle is to great to overcome. This film seems to touch down on a subject that is usually not depicted in “mainstream” film, the undocumented status of young people. Someones legal status is a topic that is hardly ever mentioned but affects countless human beings, not just Mexicans, throughout the world. In my opinion a human being can never be illegal.
I agree with Octavio that this is not a typical film subject. It is using Latino’s to depict things other than gangs, immigration, drugs, and violence. It not only positively represents Latino’s but it is showing successful students which I think is even more rare. I had honestly never heard of this movie, hopefully I get a chance to see it.
I also enjoyed your post. I especially liked that you made the comparison to RWHC. Interestingly enough, George Lopez plays the caring encouraging teacher in this movie as well. At times it feels like when Hollywood finds they’re popular token Latino actor they cast him/her in all films where there’s a Latino character. Not to take any credit away from any of George Lopez accomplishments, but it just seems that way at times. I didn’t know this movie was based in a true story. It’s definitely a movie Latino youth should watch.
What a great post. You hit many good points in your blog about the issues that many immigrant people have to the with and how they are always being stereotyped. You, make a good point were, you mention about how immigrants are looked upon in the United States. This movie, remind me of what manny immigrant families have gone through in some point in time here in the United States. By not having the proper documentation many of these people have been separated from their families. Unfortunately, for some of the immigrant people, their goals and dreams are never met because they do not have a way to be legalized, so they end up after high school or college with any low paying job. Were they do not make enough to help their family.
I believe that movies like these one are very important for our Hispanic community to see, so that they can see that if they work hard in life, one can always become successful. This movie, does have some similarities with the with the Real Women Have Curbs.
Ever since the trailer came out in 2015, I’ve been wanting to see it. I like to see films based on true stories, especially when they have a happy outcome. Reading your post and from the readings along with the films discussed in class, I too found similarities to RWHC; brilliant students and the professor assisting them (and both films George Lopez, being the professor) in achieving their goals and pursuing their dreams. Sometimes, all one needs is a little help and push to continue forward. It very interesting on the information you found on Oscar Vazquez. He was very fortunate in obtaining Amnesty, it was sad to know that he was banned from US, when he proved himself to be an excellent citizen and wanted to enlist to protect the US and yet the US wanted to banned him. You touched very good points in your review. Thanks for sharing.
I have seen this film on Hulu a few times, but I have not watched it. After reading your post and the comments, I have become interested. I have added this film to a list of Films to Watch over the Summer Vacation. I like to watch films that revolve around progression, perseverance, and success. These types of films defeat negative stereotypes of undocumented and the first generation of Latinos. I will definitely watch the film as I am a George Lopez fan.
As the first generation of Mexican American, I have always prioritized my education. I believe that because I am a Mexican American woman, it will be harder for me to have the career of my dreams and will get paid less, compared to white man.
Hello Milton,
I agree this blog post is one of the best well written and organized blog posts. The post states various points that are illustrated in the film. Also, films like this one are important for our Latino community to watch. Overall we need more inspirational movies shown to teens and young adults who feel discouraged. We are all capable of great things. Have a great summer vacation.
Hi Irene,
That’s so commendable that you are prioritizing education in your life. I’m sure you are like me in that we will be the first in our families to graduate from college. It is such an accomplishment and it’s a very hard thing to do when you start off with less advantages than others. But that makes it so much more sweeter when you do accomplish it. I know this Saturday I am going to feel so proud of what I have accomplished. Good luck with school and in life!