Alberto and the Concrete Jungle

Saw this online at the Bushwick film festival. By far did not expect anything like it.

I've been able to watch indie films at different film festivals over the years and they always seem to come in the same molds. The ones aiming for "prestige" focus on identity politics and stories that simply want you to empathize with some real lifestyle or socio group. I guess so they can pat themselves on the back for being so cultural. Now I'm not knocking that per say but where's the more nuanced messaging? Where's the actual real artistic perspective? Hopefully you get the chance to see this film because it has one.

Judging from some of the reviews here it sounds like a lot of people are stuck on the New York qualities and funny stuff and good acting. I thought all that was great too. Now obviously I can't speak for the filmmaker, but the real reason this film blew me away is how it reshapes conventions, parodies so many things, and makes fun of the art form itself. All in order to pinpoint our fallacies in glamorizing the modern traveler lifestyle that we see all over social media these days. And what's great is it doesn't tell you a clear socio-moral side, it just makes you aware of the inner conflict we may end up facing. Artistic statements like these are typically reserved for pure "intellectual" cinema - but here you get it in a full-on entertaining package. Please more of this and less Netflix genre fare.

I thoroughly enjoyed this picture from start to finish! It's beautifully filmed, and the characters are fantastic. Their journey and story take you into an unforgettable world that will surely make you laugh and bring a smile to your face. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind adventure!

It kind of reminds me of playing Spider-Man on PS5. This movie takes you around NYC away from the hustle and bustle that movies normally display and brings you into the lives of characters who behave like real New Yorkers. It reminds you that the charm of NYC comes from both the setting and the people. Its a great movie that left my wife and me with a great feeling.

I enjoyed this movie from start to finish! Chris Shimojima does a wonderful job with snapshot views of NYC and lines of travel that give us a glimpse into Alberto Buenaventura's free spirit and wanderlust. Anyone who has spent any amount of time living in NYC will delight in the visual tour of NY's neighborhoods, with local characters and communities that are distinct and vibrant. Alejandro Santoni, who could be a twin of Lin Manuel Miranda, depicted Buenaventura with gusto and charm, drawing you in to his nomadic drive and insatiable curiosity to meet people in places all over the world. His encounter with the equal in strength Marina Giovanni Caron, wittingly played by Julie Voshell, brings a twist to the tale, with unpredictable turns of events layered with slightly more predictable (but engaging) mutual attraction. It takes time throughout the film to figure out their mutual goals and drives, in the hunt for "Z", but it comes together and is highly entertaining. Along the way, they connect with characters from all over, with standout performances by David Pendleton (Darles Chickens) and Rami Margron (Oprah). Voshell shines in her role as Marina, with strength in both her delivery and facial expressions that match Santoni and regularly one up him, which is amusing and delightful to watch. Shout out to whoever decided to have Alberto's cell phone alarm ring daily with a reminder to "call Mom". It made me laugh every time and was one of the many humanizing moments in this grand adventure.

This film is a wonderful journey that shows the adventurous spirit of one man, the celebration of community, and the tour de force that is NY in all its glorious fullness.

I really enjoyed this film. Alberto is a great main character, he has the spirit of adventure that we all wish we could have. As a constant and carefree traveller he personifies the type of people you feel envious and tend to despise because he has the freedom you crave. What happens when you remove the freedom?

Al is involved in an adventure that tests his ability to connect with other human beings. Each little chapter creates a little New York microcosm in a very grounded and at the same time surreal way. You believe these places are real, these people exist... because they do. The use of google earth is smart and original, the music and sound design is well achieved, and the love story is heartwarming and well crafted. This film grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go.