Down for Life

I rolled into TO for the last weekend of the 2009 TIFF (Toronto Int'l Film Festival) and went on a whirlwind movie spree, seeing nine movies in two days. Some, like My Son, My Son What Ye Done, were god awful, pretentious art-house junk and others, like Jennifer's Body, were pretty good, but head and shoulders above the other eight was Down For life. This gritty inner city drama, which is apparently a true story inspired by a New Times article, crackles with realism and the performers seem to be simply living rather than acting at all. The action scenes are gripping and look more like Youtube than Hollywood, thanks to the skilled direction of little-known director, Alan Jacobs.

Jessica Romero, was cast right off the streets of East Central to play the lead role of Rascal, the streetwise leader of a small women's wing of a Latino gang. The whole story takes place in a single chaotic day in her violence-filled life. Conflict surrounds her, both inside and outside the gang, as well as in the home. On top of all this is a looming deadline for entry to a summer writing program that Rasacal is being encouraged to apply for by a concerned teacher played by Danny Glover. The program might be an escape hatch to a better life or may just add to her problems. The crisp story moves along quickly and eventually takes us a scene so jarring that viewers seemed to jump back in their seats as one.

Down For Life is a current and raw film made in the vein of such inner city classics as Boyz n The Hood. It is an independent film and may be hard to find, but as the best film of 2009, thus far, it is well worth the effort. If you would like to read more of my reviews, slide over to realmoviereview.com.

It was watchable but not as good as the others raved about it being or the 7.1/10 average score would suggest (which is very high for this kind of movie, or any movie on IMDb in general for that matter).

One look at the ratings description and you see that almost 66% (currently) when I'm writing this have given it a 10, which is a bit suspect to say the least, add that to the fact that all but 1 of the other reviews (currently) have done nothing with their accounts except to review this movie and made a post on the messageboard saying how good it was. And that has to raise an eyebrow of suspicion regarding potential foul play.

Anyway, I'm not suggesting that it's the worst movie of all time or any of the sort, there are qualities to the film that I'm sure plenty people will appreciate but yeah as it is now it is overrated for sure.

It's nothing we really haven't seen before, sure we usually see it out of a male gangmember's perspective and here it is through a female's but it's all pretty much the same o same o.

It should be noted that it is Jessica Romero who has the lead and none of the names on the poster and this is the first (and seemingly last at this stage) acting performance she's done and although she seems like 'the type' her acting range is not quite there yet. That is the case with a lot of the other castmembers as well though.

Snoop Dogg is listed pretty high in the credits but he's just in it for like 25 seconds, and I'm not sure what his character is supposed to be.

Anyways overall all still somewhat watchable if you are really into these kind of angsty movies about life in the hood. Originally thought of giving it a weak 6 but I'm giving it a strong 5 instead.

What seems to start out as a basic, straightforward youth drama rapidly evolves into a coming-of-age tale about an often-stereotyped, often-misunderstood and certainly too-often unbelievably true lifestyle of American youth in the streets of metro centers.

Jessica Romero as the lead character Rascal truly captures the authentic street-lifestyle completely. She lives and breathes the part.

Despite my normally removed-attitude when watching dramas, I was compelled to the point of squirming in my seat. A realistic portrayal of the harsh and cruel forces watching and warping the development of inner city youth.

A very raw intriguing true life film that hits one hard in the heart. Knowing the story of how this film came to be because of the redemption of one girl who who found the strength within to save herself and a passion that opened a door to a real and beautiful life is incredibly inspiring!! I would recommend this movie to anyone that lives in a world where are troubles are minimum yet we make mountains out of them. Bieng blessed in many ways with my life is something this movie has shown me.. I believe the strongest, wisest, most amazing people in this world come from true hardships. They understand life and are grateful for more, love more and judge less.

In 2010 South Central L. A., Anjelica "Rascal" Soto (Jessica Romero) is Latina teen struggling with family life and a violent neighborhood. This is based on the true story of teen gang leader Lesly Castillo. The film style is cinéma vérité. The lead actress has her stoic non-professional acting style. The combination can make this a grind to watch. Then there are the moments of devastating explosions. The movie goes from 0 to 60 in a flash and back again. It doesn't get more shocking than Vanessa. Danny Glover and Kate del Castillo deliver good veteran performances. Snoop Dogg is in here too. The issue is the non-acting lead. It's a very indie move. It doesn't always work. It's like catching lightning in a bottle. In a perfect film, Jessica becomes an exciting new acting prodigy. This is her one and only acting credit. There's a reason for that.