Spare Parts [DVD + Digital]

Students in math class loved it

I was pleasantly surprised by Spare Parts. I guess that's because I hadn't heard about the movie. The acting was quite good and the production quality was excellent. As always, with a "based on a true story" movie, I wonder how many of the details were fabricated. But, the story was inspirational and it lacked nothing that you'd expect in a first rate movie with actual plot and character development. The subplots were very good and carried some excellent messages. It was a very nice break from CGI and endless battle scenes. Having said all of that, I think I'd be remiss if I didn't address what appears to be the underlying message in this movie. It is one that can take on the "us and them" flavor of so many controversial issues. As a country, do we want to throw out the rules to allow undocumented people in? I do not know the true character of the individuals in the movie. They are portrayed as flawed, but justifiably so. No attempt is made to cover some of the unacceptable behaviors but we are expected to be sympathetic. This is a tough one for me because I believe in being held accountable for one's actions. I had a very flawed upbringing. Does that excuse me from following a reasonable set of rules? No. Do I sometimes fail? Yes. Should the rules then be set aside to accommodate my failures? No. I don't want to over simplify a very complex issue. But, a society needs to have some basic rules. If the rules regarding people entering our country are unfair or unreasonable, fix them. Don't simply ignore them then enable those who break them. I am only second generation born in this country. My grandparents came through Ellis Island, legally and went through the process of becoming citizens. Was that unfair? They didn't think so.

I like movies based on something that actually happened in life and this movie didn't disappoint.

Very good movie, great acting by all. Sadly, even today, many of these children can still have a better chance if their parents or their family would do the same that the congressman did for Oscar Vazquez, sponsor them, submit and request for temporary legal status (in this case based on their achievements) so they can eventually become legal resident and if they chose to, become citizens. My uncle had to do just that. It took some times, he stayed out of trouble with the law and achieved legal status. Sadly also, Mr. Vazquez illegal issues were not clearly explained; as a former investigator, I came to the conclusion that there was more to that story or he would had not found himself on the radar. There can be only 2 or 3 reasons why he was wanted, most common is due to an outstanding order of removal from am immigration judge, prior criminal history, and as the movie portrayed, filing a legal application with false information or fraud. I know people that have being illegally in the USA for years, and I have seem quite a few of them use the proper channels (applying for work permits, filing for temporary residence, etc.) and I am happy to say they are now legal residents or even US citizens.

it's an education into another world existing right now in this country but like Cool Runnings, the challenges presented so matter of fact make the achievement all the more outstanding and inspiring. Amazing things can be accomplished with what others might consider as spare, or even unacceptable, parts.

I live in AZ when this happened and remember how important it was at the time. The show is good and the actors playing the students really did a terrific job. Worth watching.

An excellent family-friendly film that depicts the true story of an impoverished high-school science team and their "coach". Every teen should watch this awe-inspiring tale of grit and guts and integrity. Truly, knowledge is power.

The book is always better than the movie. Don't get me wrong, I loved the movie. But then I had to read the book to know the real life details. While the movie ends on an "up" note, real life has both ups and downs. Indeed, there is a lot more to the story of these young men. I think it should be required for everyone in the U.S. to read this book and/or something like it. There is such a negative outlook on immigrants, and particularly those who came to the U.S. illegally, but what about kids? They are brought here and it's the only life they know. Should they be expected to give up their life and move to a country that is strange to them when they turn 18? And, the portrayal of an immigrant is often negative, yet here is a group of young men who weren't out getting into trouble. They were sharpening their minds and becoming very promising engineers who could certainly contribute to our country. When I read this I can't help but think what a shame it is that public policy is so rigid and so negative that we, as a country, are missing out on great talent like these kids. And, these kids may miss out on a bright future for which they worked hard. It just doesn't seem like the American Dream. Read the story; it will definitely make you think, and hopefully, act.