Greetings again from the darkness. Surprisingly, this movie doesn't choose sides in the political hot potato that is immigration reform. Instead, it plays as an intimate story of hope and desperation centered around the daily life of a father and son.
The father is Carlos (played by veteran actor Demian Bichir), an undocumented worker in Los Angeles who scrapes by working as a gardener and landscaper for another illegal immigrant. Carlos is raising a 15 year old son who was born in the U.S. They are alone because the mother bolted after discovering the high life available in this great country. Carlos, on the other hand, believes in work ethic and the bond of a handshake. His son Luis (Jose Julian) is fighting the daily battle of the streets - whether to join a gang for respect. Luis shows little outward respect for his hard-working father, who comes home sweaty and exhausted every day of the week.
When Carlos' boss approaches him about buying his truck and tools, Carlos first balks because he simply has no money, and he is intent on remaining "invisible". In his case, a simple traffic stop would mean deportation and the loss of his son. After a night of pondering, he borrows the money from his sister and buys the truck. Carlos tells his son that things will soon be better - better house, better school, etc. Luis is dubious and offers little support.
The story takes a turn when the truck is stolen by a day worker whom Carlos was trying to help. If you have ever seen Vittorio de Sica's "The Bicycle Thief", you will recognize some similarities. Father and son grow closer as they hunt for the thief. Luis sees his father's thoughtful actions and has trouble processing his calculated methods. The youngster is more about lashing out to show power. It's the only method he has seen at his school. Father knows best comes into play here.
The film is interesting enough and the scenes with both father and son are exceptional. As a whole, the film seems a bit empty as we really only get glimpses of the desperation and confusion that these two face every day - in completely different ways. It's directed by Chris Weitz, who has an unusual resume which includes both "Twilight: New Moon" and "About a Boy". His newest film really just reiterates what we already know about illegal immigrants. Some are here to milk the system, while others are here for 'a better life'.
The father is Carlos (played by veteran actor Demian Bichir), an undocumented worker in Los Angeles who scrapes by working as a gardener and landscaper for another illegal immigrant. Carlos is raising a 15 year old son who was born in the U.S. They are alone because the mother bolted after discovering the high life available in this great country. Carlos, on the other hand, believes in work ethic and the bond of a handshake. His son Luis (Jose Julian) is fighting the daily battle of the streets - whether to join a gang for respect. Luis shows little outward respect for his hard-working father, who comes home sweaty and exhausted every day of the week.
When Carlos' boss approaches him about buying his truck and tools, Carlos first balks because he simply has no money, and he is intent on remaining "invisible". In his case, a simple traffic stop would mean deportation and the loss of his son. After a night of pondering, he borrows the money from his sister and buys the truck. Carlos tells his son that things will soon be better - better house, better school, etc. Luis is dubious and offers little support.
The story takes a turn when the truck is stolen by a day worker whom Carlos was trying to help. If you have ever seen Vittorio de Sica's "The Bicycle Thief", you will recognize some similarities. Father and son grow closer as they hunt for the thief. Luis sees his father's thoughtful actions and has trouble processing his calculated methods. The youngster is more about lashing out to show power. It's the only method he has seen at his school. Father knows best comes into play here.
The film is interesting enough and the scenes with both father and son are exceptional. As a whole, the film seems a bit empty as we really only get glimpses of the desperation and confusion that these two face every day - in completely different ways. It's directed by Chris Weitz, who has an unusual resume which includes both "Twilight: New Moon" and "About a Boy". His newest film really just reiterates what we already know about illegal immigrants. Some are here to milk the system, while others are here for 'a better life'.