Page "La Bamba (film)" Paragraph 38

Janet Maslin, writing for The New York Times, was impressed with Lou Diamond Phillips ' performance, and wrote, " A film like this is quite naturally a showcase for its star, and as Valens, Lou Diamond Phillips has a sweetness and sincerity that in no way diminish the toughness of his onstage persona.

The role is blandly written, but Mr. Phillips gives Valens backbone.