El Chicano

If you are an avid movie watcher and lover you will likely recognize a lot of faces in this (from the latin/hispanic american acting community especially). And there are some surprise short instances of people popping up. There is also a lot of violence in there ... and some buddy bromance to a degree.

Quite a few things that I did like (including the thriller/cop part) ... but it also feels like the movie is dragging at places. Also there is not the connection I'd wish we establish and nourish. But it is what it is, for a low budget movie, this is quite well made ...

Was hoping this would be a surprise hit but it was pretty lacking. Takes way to long before it kicks into gear since most of the major events/details are done previously in the background. So the audience is always playing catch-up blind. But when the action comes it is nicely violent and gory. Then the movie is over just as quickly.

I didn't particular care for the story, which involves rival gangs, the cartel, and the mystery of the lead's twin brother's death (not a spoiler, it is established very early on and this site's synopsis isn't exactly comprehensive). The movie opens with them as kids one night, then jumps forward in time 20 years. Unfortunately, we see nothing of them growing up so you don't get a good grasp of the relationship drama that the film wants to portray. Some of it felt overly convoluted/confusing, other times like basic scene padding.

But on the other hand, this is a decent origin story so if there's ever a sequel then they should be able to skip all this fluff and really knock it out.

If you love The Punisher and Mayans MC, this movie is for you. Not a pretentious movie. Quite simple revenge movie but the main character is great, El Chicano. Love it for what is it, an action movie about a Mexican-American legend.

There are some good things here but the film drags for the first hour and once the action takes place, there isn't a lot and what there is seems a little style-ized like John Wick. Unfortunately there isn't much background to explain how the hero gets his abilities. And the villains aren't exactly formidable so that prevailing over them isn't a big deal.

That being said, the story was OK and I liked the Aztec references. It's a good idea and I hope they do the next one with a little more thought.

If you want a film with a more authentic feel, try "Avenge the Crows".

I'm no Roger Ebert, but the first thing your hit with from the opening scene, is WOW these are real Latinos, playing themselves in this movie. the list of "Paddy's', playing Mexicans in films is as long as your arm Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Paul Muni.the other thing that makes this movie different is the way the present the East LA Latinos culture, graffiti and all. I know some people got excited last year about "Crazy Rich Asians", but that movie plot has been making the rounds in Hollywood for decades, the just inserted Asians to update the movie. this movie takes you much deeper in a real culture, a culture we need to understand if we are ever to get along.