Cesar Chavez

It should have been made 40 years ago, but this biopic about the Mexican-American leader who spearheaded the fight for farmworkers' rights couldn't be more timely.

Cesar Chavez makes for a fine history lesson, but as drama, it leaves something to be desired.

Michael Pea brings a centered, beckoning beauty to the title character that manages to speak to Chvez nonviolent approach without becoming hagiographic.

Biopics about civil rights icons are usually staid affairs. Cesar Chavez, directed by Diego Luna, is no exception.

With Pea, the question is this: Are the movies brave enough to give him the chance he deserves? He's a wonderful Cesar Chavez.

It's reverential rather than revealing, predictably admiring where it needs to be nuanced and challenging.

Even in a film failing to reach the lofty achievements of its namesake, there is still much to learn and enjoy here.

Though well-acted, Diego Luna's hagiographic film never manages to shine a meager beam.

Loses an opportunity to dig deeper inside the man and, instead, follows biopic convention.

Basically, if you need a history lesson, 'Cesar Chavez' is not a bad way to go. We need histories of heroes. However, you can find more history on Wikipedia.