Watch Tio Papi

Tio Papi, released in 2013, is a heartwarming family movie that celebrates the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Directed by Fro Rojas and starring Joey Dedio, Kelly McGillis, and Frankie Faison, the film tells the story of Ray Ray Dominguez (Joey Dedio), a carefree bachelor living in Manhattan's East Village. One day, Ray Ray's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the legal guardian of his sister's six children. Suddenly, Ray Ray has to juggle his career, his social life, and his new responsibility as a father figure to his nephews and nieces.

At first, Ray Ray struggles to adjust to his new role, as he had never planned to settle down or start a family. However, as he spends more time with the kids, he realizes that he loves them and wants to provide them with a stable and fulfilling life. He starts to bond with each child individually, learning their likes and dislikes, and finding ways to connect with them.

The children, for their part, are understandably skeptical of their new guardian. They miss their parents and resent Ray Ray for disrupting their lives. They also have their own unique personalities and needs that Ray Ray needs to navigate. There's Rita (Elizabeth Rodriguez), the oldest sister, who is rebellious and resentful; Che (Gabriella Fanuele), the shy and bookish one; Popi (David Castro), the handsome and popular one; Junito (Brandon Tyler Harris), the sweet and playful one; Kiara (Fatima Ptacek), the sassy and streetwise one; and Taina (Amanda Ferri), the adorable baby of the group.

As Ray Ray tries to be a good role model for the kids, he faces a series of challenges that test his patience and his values. He has to deal with issues like discipline, education, health, and finances, all while trying to provide a fun and nurturing environment for the kids. He also has to face his own demons from the past, including his strained relationship with his own father, who abandoned him when he was a kid.

Throughout the movie, we see Ray Ray and the kids go through ups and downs as they learn to trust and respect each other. They have funny and touching moments as they cook meals, play games, go to the park, and celebrate holidays together. They also have tense and emotional moments as they deal with conflicts, like when Che gets bullied at school or when Popi gets into trouble with the law.

The movie also explores some important themes related to family, identity, and community. It shows how a group of diverse and dynamic individuals can come together and form a loving and supportive unit, despite their differences and challenges. It highlights the importance of communication, forgiveness, and compassion in building meaningful relationships. It also touches on issues of culture, race, and class, as Ray Ray and the kids navigate their Puerto Rican heritage and their urban surroundings.

The performances in Tio Papi are excellent, particularly from Joey Dedio, who brings a mix of humor, sincerity, and vulnerability to his portrayal of Ray Ray. Kelly McGillis is also great as the kids' social worker, who provides guidance and encouragement to Ray Ray as he tries to be a good parent. Frankie Faison is memorable as Ray Ray's aloof and distant father, who eventually comes around to support his son.

Overall, Tio Papi is a charming and uplifting movie that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It offers a fresh and nuanced take on the family drama genre, with relatable characters, engaging storytelling, and a positive message of hope and resilience. Whether you're a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, or just a fan of feel-good movies, Tio Papi will win you over with its warmth and sincerity.

Tio Papi is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 44.