Though it’s a lot rougher along the edges, Spanglish is, essentially, a better picture than the recent Closer, if for no other reason than that it showcases only one self-absorbed psychopath as opposed to four. But honestly, I appreciate the positive notes struck by the melodrama: it offers a lift that Closer never achieves.

The story tells of a mexican immigrant Flor (Paz Vega) who finds work in the home of the upper class Clasky family, led by a self-absorbed psychopath in Deborah (Tea Lioni) and the good, kind, easygoing John (Adam Sandler). John and Deborah are married, heaven knows why. They also have a daughter Bernice (Sarah Steele), who struggles with various pre-teen issues such as weight and school, and a son Georgie (Ian Hyland), who we don’t see much of.

Thus follows multiple storylines, including Flor’s protective relationship with her daughter, Cristina (Shelbie Bruce), Flor’s budding relationship with John, John’s dissipating relationship with Deborah, Deborah’s positive relationship with Cristina and struggling relationship with her own daughter Bernice, Flor’s positive relationship with Bernice, John’s inner struggle to keep balanced between work and home, Deborah’s inner struggle to find herself, and Flor’s inner struggle to become herself.

It all amounts to some great material and leads to a number of good scenes, many of which bring mild laughs and tears. But most of the storylines are not well resolved, and it all ends up feeling rather messy. I was thoroughly engaged throughout most of the film, but kept thinking to myself, all this time spent on all these problems better pay off in a heck of a conclusion.

It didn’t. There is no conclusion. It’s all a bunch of rising action that reaches no definite climax. The unfortunate part is, it could have been a really good film. Cut out at least a half hour of unnecessary drama, and you could have a nice, tight, affecting story. The underlying positive note is that Spanglish does offer two worthwhile characters in John and Flor.

Spanglish is a journey worth taking for its bits and spurts of life and humor, but it’s weighed down with so much extra baggage, your ready to get off by the end.

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