The American Dream is Alive and Well in New Film ‘Spare Parts’

Sandra Miska

True-life films about young people accomplishing extraordinary feats are always a crowd pleaser, and the upcoming “Spare Parts” will undoubtedly be no exception.  This family film tells the inspiring true story of four Hispanic high school students from Phoenix who went up against M.I.T. at a national underwater robotics competition.

The American Dream is a prominent theme in “Spare Parts,” as three of the four students were undocumented immigrants from Mexico.

“Spare Parts” was directed by Sean McNamara, who is best known for directing another inspiring true-life film, “Soul Surfer.” Actor/comedian George Lopez served as co-producer, as well as leading actor.  Lopez plays Fredi Cameron, a composite of robotics teachers Faridodin Lajvardi and Allan Cameron.

Since his role in “Spare Parts” required more serious acting than comedy, Lopez had to restrain himself somewhat on set.

“In the privacy of the makeup trailer I do [make people laugh], but…it is very difficult for me because if I get to the point where I seem like I’m in a good mood, I’m out of character,” Lopez told Entertainment Tonight,”  “So, I have to stay a little bit focused ’cause the real Fredi’s here, and his sense of humor’s a little bit different than mine.”

The cast also includes Jamie Lee Curtis as the school principal, Marisa Tomei as teacher Gwen, and Carlos PenaVega as team member Oscar Vazquez.  PenaVega, who previously starred in the hit Nickelodeon series Big Time Rush had the opportunity to meet the real Oscar and his former teammates.

“Hearing their story and learning about each one of the characters has been a crazy process and meeting them in person now on-set is pretty surreal ’cause they are completely different but yet the same with how we’re playing our characters,” said PenaVega of the experience to “Entertainment Tonight.”

“Spare Parts” will be released in Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 2015.