It’s exciting to watch videos of celebrities as children, where you can see glimpses of the adults they would grow up to become. Witness a young Selena Quintanilla singing “Feelings” in a home video and you’ll notice the same powerful voice, infectious smile, and bubbly laugh that fans would later come to love when she became the iconic pop star Selena. This charming archival footage is the highlight of the documentary Selena y Los Dinos, a delightful tribute to her legacy as a musician and cultural icon.
Selena’s story is familiar to many, serving as the inspiration for Jennifer Lopez’s breakout role in the 1997 biopic Selena. Born in Texas as a third-generation Mexican-American, Selena began singing professionally with her family from a young age and rose to fame in the Tejano music scene with a pop twist. Tragically, her promising career was cut short in 1995 at the age of 23 when she was shot and killed by a former employee. Despite the passage of time, Selena continues to be a beloved and inspirational figure within the Latinx community.
Director Isabel Castro was granted access to a wealth of unseen archival materials by Selena’s family, including home videos and early career interviews. With the cooperation of Selena’s parents, brother, and sister, the documentary paints a vivid and chronological picture of her rise to stardom. Selena y Los Dinos offers a heartwarming and nostalgic look back at her career, with her family members providing personal insights and narration throughout the film.
The documentary showcases Selena’s musical talents and stage presence, highlighting her Grammy-winning album “Selena Live!” and electrifying performances at venues like the Houston Astrodome. While it touches on her personal life, including her secret marriage to guitarist Chris Perez, the film predominantly focuses on her achievements and impact as a performer.
Despite glossing over the darker aspects of her life, such as her tragic death and the circumstances surrounding it, Selena y Los Dinos ultimately celebrates Selena’s cultural significance and influence. The film concludes at the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, where young fans express their admiration for her enduring legacy. A polished and heartfelt tribute, Selena y Los Dinos is sure to resonate with devoted fans of the beloved singer.
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