Ballo Ballo

Art is subjective, you either like it or you do not. Movies and music are no different. However, nostalgia is a whole other story. 'Explota Explota' is, first and foremost, based on nostalgia for all of us Gen Xers and Boomers, especially those from Italy, Spain and Latin America who grew up on Carrá's music. While the causal American listener may have heard of her, make no mistake, Raffaella Carrá sold upwards of 60 million albums worldwide so yes, a movie made from her songs was inevitable. At a time when Varieté was big on TV (even in the USA), she came and conquered much like the film's main character. Carrá was the veritable showgirl. She sang, she danced and she put on a show like no one's business. However, at the time censorship was also a big thing, especially in countries like Spain and Argentina, and even Italy. This, along with Raffaella's infectious songs, and a love story woven in, is the basis for the film.

Why the long disclaimer? Because if you know all this, you'll love the film. If not, you may either not get it, or alternatively, may become addicted to Raffaella's songs. Her music was always, first and foremost, FUN. And this movie is FUN. Her songs were always a bit campy, tongue-in-cheek and highly addictive, and remain so to this day. So, it stands to reason any movie based on her music would be equally so. It HAS to be. Utilizing this, the film is also made to dress up (and address) an otherwise terrible period in Spain's and much of Latin America's history, and wrap it up nicely into a romantic fantasy of love and music. Colors are rich and enhanced, acting tongue-in-cheek and musical numbers in full 70s blast. That's the point.

That said, it is not any campier than Mamma Mia, it's success due mostly to ABBA's music and nostalgia surrounding it. 'Explota' follows the same vein of taking select songs from a world famous singer and weaving them into a storyline for a film. Some of the actors are not the best of singers (some, however, are), but neither were they in Mamma Mia. But the music numbers and choreography on 'Explota' is top notch and closely imitate 1970s television variety show. Watch some Raffaella Carrá music clips sometime! As such, the film fits the time period exquisitely.

While the film itself is not a biopic about Raffaella, it is often related to her pushing the envelope against the censorship. Her song 'Tuca Tuca' (featured in the film) was highly controversial at the time (it was about sex....), and some of her songs were censored in Spanish and had to be re-recorded. The film uses these facts and cleverly weaves them into the story.

Is this an Oscar winning film? No...though it did get awards. Then again, have you checked out what gets an Oscar nod lately? What I do know is that I first heard of this film being a Carrá fan since I was 11 years old and became addicted to her music. My partner had not known much about her when he met me, and years later I catch him humming her music in the kitchen. I watched a few clips of the film on YouTube one evening and was so keyed up, I could not get to sleep until 2 AM! I then watched the film, which had the same effect on me. Energy is through the roof, actors and their characters are likable, and if you know some of the stories in Raffaella's songs (Like 'Lucas') you'll get even more of a kick out of this experience. Colors are rich and vibrant, and the treatment of Raffaella's songs (some huge hits, some not as much -- but they carry the story forward) is fantastic. Above all, it is pure nostalgia and FUN! If you've had a rough day and need light and fun, watch this. I guarantee you you'll feel a lot better and lighter after doing so.