Bob Trevino Likes It

by Mike McGranaghan

If you’ve been feeling cynical about the world and/or people in general, you owe it to yourself to see Bob Trevino Likes It. The movie might just restore your faith in humanity – for 101 minutes, at least. This would be a feel-good story on its own. The fact that it’s based on real events from writer/director Tracie Laymon’s life only increases the warm, fuzzy emotions it elicits.

Lily Trevino (Barbie Ferreira) is lonely and depressed, having just been dumped by her boyfriend. Dad Bob (French Stewart) offers nothing in the way of comfort. He’s a self-absorbed jerk who gets angry after she inadvertently ruins a date he’s on. When he stops answering her calls and texts, Lily tries sending him a Facebook friend request. It quickly becomes clear that she’s accidentally sent the request to a complete stranger, also named Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo). This Bob is seeking connection, too, leading him to not only accept the request but also to “like” one of her posts. The two exchange messages back and forth, eventually developing an in-person friendship that helps both of them find a little personal healing.

The dynamic between the two characters provides the heart of Bob Trevino Likes It. Bob is married and has a job, so he’s more worldly than Lily, even though aspects of his life cause discontentment. He ends up becoming a father figure to his new friend. She, in turn, is not used to anyone doing nice things for her or caring about how she feels. Their individual senses of neediness fit together like a lock and key, opening up possibilities neither one could have expected. His kindness triggers her kindness until they’ve created a great big kind-fest.

Pitch perfect performances add to the story’s touching nature. Barbie Ferreira is charmingly vulnerable and sincere, allowing the viewer to feel the aching Lily has inside. You not only sympathize with this young woman, you want to reach through the screen and give her a hug. John Leguizamo does some of the best work of his career as Bob, exuding decency without coming off as an unrealistic “white knight.” He reveals shades of darkness, suggesting a guy who has been battered in life but refuses to allow himself to grow bitter.

Bob Trevino Likes It celebrates the idea of compassion – a quality the world needs a whole lot more of right now. Many scenes are funny, others the sort of thing that leave you choked up. And if the screenplay occasionally manipulates itself to make a point, it barely matters because the impact is undeniable. When the end credits start to roll, you’ll be asking yourself how you can become a better person. It’s that kind of movie.

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