Reto a la vida

A very simple plot of Julio Alvarado being released from jail, then converting into somewhat of a social reformer in his neighborhood. He gets beat up a lot, and sings some songs along the way. It is very hard to criticize this motion picture because it has so much heart. And Alvarado replete with various facial expressions wins best acting honors. He in fact would have made a good silent film actor as one can understand the story just by paying close attention to his face. Olivia Collins as the proverbial prostitute with a heart of gold comes in second as far as acting goes, with Jaime Garza as a hopeless hospitalized drug addict third. The whole cast, most of which should be familiar to Mexican film fans, really act very well as an ensemble. Action superstar Jorge Luke doesn't really have much to do in the movie,but a well known name always adds interest to a films viewing. Besides the very basic storyline, the only real shortcoming is the lighting which is non existing. Could this be a budget cut or was the director making a statement on the "dark" side of life on the mean cruel streets? Don't expect too much and you'll like it.