El Chicano

"El Chicano" has a limited release across the country and directed (and co-written) by Ben Hernandez Bray, distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment and produced by WarParty Films. Hernandez Bray is from the San Fernando Valley and of Irish and Mexican descent. He has been directing TV episodes of DC's Arrow and Super Girl series. Before his directing, he started as a stunt coordinator and his newest film explores a Latino "superhero" or "anti-hero", a vigilante in L.A. against gang and cartel subcultures complete with weapons and face mask adorned with pre-Columbian insignia .

It stars Raul Castillo, Aimee Garcia, Jose Pablo Cantillo, David Castaneda, Marco Rodriguez, Sal Lopez, Marlene Forte, Kate Del Castillo and George Lopez in a non-comic role. There is an interesting angle in the story as an urban war brews between Mexican nationals (cartel syndicates) and Mexican American communities ("El Chicano" is on this side). This film is dark, showing "barrio" culture steeped in violence.

Reviews have been both negative and positive; some feel the story takes too long to develop but it follows an "origin" story. While other reviews feel that when the action begins, it's strong with blood and violence. Considering that Hernandez Bray was a stunt actor and coordinator, this film delivers with fight action scenes and it's part of the AMC independent series.

Best by far recent crime and cops movie... better than DETROIT, likely best since END of WATCH !!! Wow, this just plows right on without missing a beat. Fantastic cast presents as realistic a cops/crime movie as I can recall. Highly recommended, convincing and a moving film with an expressive and impressive cast all around !!! I can hardly wait to add the dvd to my collection, as I am sorely tempted to see it again after only two days.

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".

Just happened to find this movie on a Saturday night film scrolling expedition. As an Inglewood, Cali boy myself I decided to watch because the cast included a few Hollywood heavy hitters like George Lopez, Emilio Rivera and Noel Gugliemi. More backstory on the story's hero could have been included, but I was entertained by this East Los superhero story. Our brown brothers and sisters need more of these.

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.