I Like It Like That

I Like It Like That

Year: 1994

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: English

Director: Darnell Martin

RomanceComedyDrama

Lisette finds every day feels like Independence Day after her husband is jailed for looting. Determined to claim her own freedom, she navigates a chaotic neighborhood, contends with a sibling questioning gender identity, a demanding mother‑in‑law, and a cast of colorful local eccentrics.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – I Like It Like That (1994)

Trace every key event in I Like It Like That (1994) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Blackout and arrest

During a summer blackout, Chino is arrested for looting, leaving Lisette to face the financial and emotional strain of supporting their three kids. The incident exposes the fragility of the couple's life and sets Lisette on a risky new path. The neighborhood buzzes with tension as everyone wonders what comes next.

One summer evening Neighborhood during blackout
2

Lisette pursues her dream and lands a job

Encouraged by her transgender sister Alexis, Lisette chooses to pursue her dream of modeling. She lands a job as the personal assistant to Stephen Price, a major record-label producer hoping to sign a Latin group. The new role drags her into the music business and a potentially dangerous power dynamic.

Soon after arrest Record label offices
3

Release and paternity claim

Magdalena and her father secure Chino's release from custody, triggering a confrontation with Lisette. Magdalena publicly claims that Chino fathered her son, Ritchie, further destabilizing Lisette's already fragile marriage. The lie intensifies Lisette's fear of losing everything.

Shortly after arrest Prison / Magdalena's house
4

Lisette moves in with Alexis

Facing a broken household, Lisette moves in with her sister Alexis to regroup and rethink her future. The shift pushes her to re-evaluate her priorities and the legitimacy of her marriage. Alexis becomes a critical sounding board as Lisette navigates her new career.

Alexis' apartment
5

Work affair and distractions

At the label, Lisette's relationship with Stephen Price intensifies as their chemistry spills into the office. While they have sex, Price keeps answering calls, distracting her and revealing a power imbalance. The episode strains Lisette's professional boundaries and her self-respect.

During work Stephen Price's office
6

Firing and confrontation

The next day, Chino is fired from his job after his criminal record becomes a liability. Lisette confronts him, insisting on proof that she slept with another man to justify her actions in the affair. The confrontation underscores the collapse of their trust.

The next day Chino's workplace
7

Li'l Chino's trouble and Chino's rage

Chino discovers Li'l Chino's involvement in drug dealing when his son buys ice cream with money, triggering a violent outburst in front of the block. He lashes out, slapping and beating a boy as neighbors look on, while Alexis tries to intervene. The scene exposes the dangerous consequences of their unresolved issues.

Afternoon Neighborhood street
8

Li'l Chino runs away

Li'l Chino runs from the scene and ends up at Alexis' apartment, seeking refuge with Lisette who refuses to take him in. Chino later retrieves his son and takes him home, leaving Lisette to grapple with motherhood’s demands. The family fracture deepens as the kids witness the adults' conflicts.

Evening Alexis' apartment
9

Angel reveals paternity

Back at the apartment, Angel reveals that he is Ritchie's real father, intensifying Chino's sense of manipulation by Magdalena. Lisette, meanwhile, processes the truth about her own marriage and the baby drama. The revelation adds another layer of betrayal to the already fractured relationship.

Evening Apartment
10

Mother's rejection of transgender identity

Alexis and Lisette discuss their family dynamics and the mother's unresolved issues. Alexis travels to visit their mother, who responds with disgust at Alexis’ transgender identity. The visit reveals the mother's continued rejection and the siblings' struggle for acceptance.

Next day Their mother's house
11

Lisette asserts professional boundaries

Price pushes for more, but Lisette rejects him, declaring he's not a sexual person and risking her job. They argue, and she nearly quits, but ultimately agrees to keep working with Price. The incident marks a turning point in her independence and professional boundaries.

Next day Record label offices
12

Home reconciliation begins

Lisette returns home and speaks to her children about forgiveness, gaining a small measure of reconciliation with Li'l Chino. Chino arrives home with a new sense of responsibility, but he remains wary of Magdalena’s influence. They hash out their flaws and commit to trying again.

Morning Bronx home
13

Mid-credits: a hopeful family night

In a mid-credits scene, the family goes to Coney Island with the Mendez Brothers filming a video. Lisette and Chino appear to have reconciled as they ride a Ferris wheel, share a slow dance, and fall asleep on the train. The sequence hints at a hopeful, renewed family balance.

Mid-credits Coney Island

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:04

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Narratives in this thread are propelled by relational conflicts, particularly within a marriage or immediate family. A central event—such as a betrayal, a financial crisis, or a secret revealed—forces characters to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate their bonds. The plot unfolds through emotional confrontations and moments of introspection, leading to an ending that is often nuanced rather than neatly resolved.

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I Like It Like That Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in I Like It Like That

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Characters, Settings & Themes in I Like It Like That

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