The Chipotle Diamonds

Quentin Tarantino meets Federico Fellini in this highly entertaining, albeit low-budget, caper film.

A young man trying to settle a nagging debt gets tangled up with a group of diamond thieves, a pair of bumbling, rapacious hit men, and a perverted daughter-and-father revenge scheme. The movie opens at a crazy, minimally successful yard sale featuring an introspective mannequin and a pair of slacker buyers. We are then carried on a raucous ride, with torture and murder at a Mexican restaurant and multiple explosions on the menu, all served by a talented, thoughtful scriptwriter and director. Fast-paced and funny, everything ties together in a sweet, surprise ending.

There's a lot to like in this one, not the least of which is the ticket price: it's available for free on Vimeo.

we screened this feature at our movie series, and we have no regrets! this picture is ambitious and well-crafted. the director has experience as cameraman and assistant director on major Hollywood pictures, so although it's very low-budget, there are some real standout shots and nothing amateurish.

it's a kind of "mistaken identity" crime movie, but with its own flair and a touch of the supernatural.

great writing, thoughtful, surprising, and funny. Stand-out performances by the two stars. if you get a chance, see it! I think the restaurant in the movie (Nueva Onda) sells them for $10, if you happen to be in Austin.

An engaging and entertaining dark comedy, "The Chipotle Diamonds" offers a wry blend of mobsters, alternative youth, and Latino culture. Working with a shoestring budget and a cast of unknowns, writer/director Marcos E. Gonzalez has fashioned a fast-paced and genuinely funny film which also (in its darker moments) startles the viewer with its violence. Chuy, a freewheeling, unemployed twenty something, struggles to keep one step ahead of his landlord, while holding fast to his girlfriend and wise old grandfather. Bill collectors are the least of his worries, however, when a chance encounter with some stolen diamonds and a desperate crew of lowlifes turns his world upside down. Fine performances, a clever script, superb direction and plenty of laughs, make this low budget indie a must see.

This movie is very low budget. But that doesn't stop it from being awesome! The soundtrack, stylized shots, and fast paced sequences keep the action flowing and keep the film interesting. The comedy keeps it light-hearted without making it campy. Especially the one-liners coming from Titos Menchaca and C.K. McFarland as two bumbling, (and hungry) hit men... or maybe hitpeople, I guess. The city of Austin and the restaurant Nueva Onda have co-starring roles in the film as well, which adds to the originality and texture of the rest of the film. The rest of the cast of characters keeps you guessing with their many quirks and idiosyncrasies. Great film, check it out if you get a chance!