As conventional mainstream filmed entertainment, then, Selena may not succeed completely. But as a ritual of celebration and closure it will provide its audience with an opportunity for some cathartic memories, laughs and tears.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 6, 2023

While Olmos is the soul of the film, Jennifer Lopez as Selena is its playful heart. Lip-synching to popular recordings by the singing sensation and bopping to her irrepressible beat, she personifies girlish high hopes.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 6, 2023

Director Gregory Nava might have done us all a favor by tightening up the script. Still, fans of the music, which mixes traditional Mexican styles with rock music, should enjoy the movie for its many songs and Lopez's convincing portrayal.

| Sep 6, 2023

The result feels like a work produced for the Family Channel, to be followed by a panel discussion about family values and a sales pitch for the new Selena doll.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 6, 2023

In a performance captivating enough to lend validity to some of the more heavy-handed "message" dialogue, Lopez emerges as a talent to watch.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 6, 2023

Selena is well-made, hummable, too long yet quite watchable. At its center is a plaster saint.

| Original Score: B- | Sep 6, 2023

If Olmos brings dignity and stature to what could have been a problematic role, Lopez overcomes what must have been a lot of curiosity if not outright skepticism on the part of Selena's fans. They should be satisfied, though.

| Sep 6, 2023

When Lopez is allowed to shine in a few numbers, she generates heat. But the movie flattens out when she is off stage.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 6, 2023

Even as hagiographies go, Selena misses the inspirational beat.

| Sep 6, 2023

Facing the conflicting pressures of this assignment, Nava achieves an honorable compromise -- a sweet if simple-minded fan letter which, like his previous films... amounts to a warmhearted celebration of the indestructible bonds of family.

| Sep 6, 2023

All in all, it's a serviceable tribute, but hardly a memorable experience for those who don't already remember her.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 6, 2023

Well-intentioned by clumsy, Selena hints tantalizingly at the more compelling movie it might have been.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 5, 2023

In capturing the essential appeal of Selena to the millions of Latinos who adored her, Nava has come up with one of the most joyous and effective celebrations of an entertainer's life in memory.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 5, 2023

Selena's fans should find it respectful and appropriately celebratory, but it doesn't have much originality or insight to offer.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 5, 2023

Although Gregory Nava's film is full of sentimental moments of family life, it never quite captures the adulation Selena enjoyed, despite scenes of frenzied crowds.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 5, 2023

It tries to satisfy too many different groups at once and ends up watering down the art so much it satisfies no one.

| Feb 27, 2020

Gregory Nava's 1997 biopic about the Mexican-American pop star Selena Quintanilla Perez... is typical of the genre's excesses, but I enjoyed quite a bit of it, in large part because of the energy and charisma of Jennifer Lopez in the title role.

| Feb 27, 2020

What makes this movie work is Jennifer Lopez's electric performance as Selena, capturing the charismatic aspects of Selena's stage persona and the essence of her maturity as a growing woman.

| Mar 21, 2017

The best thing going for Selena is Selena herself, played with verve, heart, and a great deal of grace by the increasingly busy Jennifer Lopez.

| Original Score: B- | Sep 7, 2011

The result is not a sad film but a happy one, coming across like a big party for her, with lots of smiles and even more music.

| Jul 6, 2010