Calçada da Fama

I thoroughly enjoyed "Star Maps." I found it to be a very unique and original film that was totally unpredictable, something which you don't see too often in today's films (I'm still trying to figure out what was up with Carlos' brother). I think anyone who has ever dreamed of coming to Hollywood to become a movie star or who has a crazy family they want to get away from, will relate to the character of Carlos and what he is striving for. Good acting from all.

"Star Maps" appears to be a sincere dramatic product which simply spreads itself too thin. The film attempts to focus on the problems, unusual in both quantity and character, which beset a Mexican family in Los Angeles. However, it spreads itself to thin, lacks purpose, plays out uneven, is occasionally hard to swallow, and when it runs out of time it just quits. Overall the film has its moments but they're too few and too far between. A somewhat gritty drama with strong sexual content, "Star Maps" just doesn't measure up. Most likely to be appreciated by indie lovers and Mex-Am audiences. (C-)

I saw this movie and really liked it! The acting was excellent and the characters were very well developed. Even the smaller parts were notable, especially the part of the Bel Aire Man played by Bill Gordon. I recommend this movie to all art movie fans.

STAR MAPS

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Dolby Stereo

The dreams of a Mexican-American boy (Douglas Spain) are shattered by his abusive father.

STAR MAPS is a reasonably engaging, though somewhat downbeat, examination of frustrated idealism amid the seedier side of life in Hollywood. The film's cynical narrative mixes dysfunctional families, mental breakdown, suicide, prostitution (male and female), sex and violence into a brew which simmers nicely without ever boiling over into something truly remarkable.

"Star Maps" is a unusual for a Hollywood film. It is quite literate and does not follow the conventional Hollywood film structure. In fact, it views like a film version of a literary novella. This is probably it's weakness and it's strength. I am being very vague because I do not like to step on anyone's enjoyment of film by inadvertently spilling the beans. Just take my word for it that "Star Maps" is a literate movie with very talented Hispanic actors and actresses.

"Star Maps" is the bittersweet journey of a Mexican hustler who wants to be a famous actor but finds that goal challenged by his extremely dysfunctional family. This movie is a great Hollywood coming-of-age story in the vein of "Where The Day Takes You" and "Eddie Presley". Definitely worth a look!