'Filly Brown' Review Roundup: Jenni Rivera's Film Receives Mixed Reviews; Critics Hail Gina Rodriguez

On April 19^th, the new Jenni Rivera movie "Filly Brown"  opens in limited release.

The movie, also starring Gina Rodriguez and Edward James Olmos, tells the story of a promising hip-hop rhymer from Los Angeles who finds herself in a gray area when a record producer offers her a compromising shot at stardom.

The film, which premiered at the Miami International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival, has scored mixed reviews. Variety stated, "A trite piece of storytelling, with character development and plot points that feel not so much lived in as borrowed from other movies."

USA Today stated, "Unfortunately, the film is marred by a story, situations and stereotypical characters that strike all-too-familiar chords."

Twitch was a bit more positive and stated "There's nothing much new here. But the performances and the milieu make 'Filly Brown' an entertaining, honorable installment in a story that is the American Dream incarnate, and has been ever since the first wannabe showed up on Tin Pan Alley at the beginning of the last century."

Hollywood Reporter complimented star Rodriguez stating, "Gina Rodriguez's magnetic star turn keeps this often overwrought film engaging, even when the script lets her down."

The movie was directed by Youssef Delara (Bedrooms) and Michael D. Olmos (Splinter).

Rivera died last December in a plane crash. Rivera's last documented footage is currently part of a reality TV show "I Love Jenni." Her family is also planning on releasing an English language album she recorded before her death. She will also compete on April 25^th for the Billboard Artist of the Year.

Olmos was nominated for an Academy Award for "Stand and Deliver" and is best known for his work on "Selena" and "Blade Runner." He will next be seen in "Go for Sisters" and "2 Guns." Rodriguez was last seen in "The Bold and Beautiful" and will be seen in "Snap and "Sleeping with the Fishes."

"Filly Brown" is rated R for language, some drug use and violence and will be released in 188 theaters by Indomina Media.