I found this film very OK. I would agree, it has that something that could make it a very nice film, but...
TL Jones, just as Clooney in Syriana, is trying to widen the world vision of his fellow countrymen and give the less fortunates of this unequal world, the voice they deserve. But what I found annoying was the too obvious clichés: The rich, arrogant and superficial Americans on one side, the poor, innocent but nice Mexicans on the other side and in the middle, Pete Perkins, role played by TL himself. It was too "black and white" and lacked of nuances that would have made it even more spicy.
This is, I think, TL's first try as director, but I don't believe he had to stretch his talent as he didn't had to reinvent the wheel. See for instance "21 grams" and you'll know what I mean.
The film could have put a little bit more focus on the issue of forgiveness, but that came a little bit too short too my taste.
Nevertheless, I would highly recommend to anyone. When actors go behind the camera, it is most of the time always worth it. I think of Eastwood, De Niro, Clooney and many others I don't remember the name right now....
(6++)7/10
TL Jones, just as Clooney in Syriana, is trying to widen the world vision of his fellow countrymen and give the less fortunates of this unequal world, the voice they deserve. But what I found annoying was the too obvious clichés: The rich, arrogant and superficial Americans on one side, the poor, innocent but nice Mexicans on the other side and in the middle, Pete Perkins, role played by TL himself. It was too "black and white" and lacked of nuances that would have made it even more spicy.
This is, I think, TL's first try as director, but I don't believe he had to stretch his talent as he didn't had to reinvent the wheel. See for instance "21 grams" and you'll know what I mean.
The film could have put a little bit more focus on the issue of forgiveness, but that came a little bit too short too my taste.
Nevertheless, I would highly recommend to anyone. When actors go behind the camera, it is most of the time always worth it. I think of Eastwood, De Niro, Clooney and many others I don't remember the name right now....
(6++)7/10