The Dope Game

Because I grew up in South Texas and have my whole family there, I watched this flick to see if the story explored that culture -- it didn't, which was disappointing. There was so much more opportunity here than the traditional gangster flick that this is. And isn't Hispanic drug trafficking a cliche? Thank God there wasn't a Latino drug lord who presided over it all with a blatant stupidity containing his self-righteous moralizing about the Gringo North. I could see the slight homage to 'El Mariachi' but I'm glad whole scenes weren't ripped off. Question here: why did we have to see one-sided whole telephone conversations? Isn't that a staple of daytime dramas? We don't need to "see" and "hear" everything, unless you are trying to cover up a weak script, which was evident here. Where was the external threat? Musicwise, I will give them their props, too though: there was conjunto, Norteno music on the soundtrack. Not that I am a big fan, but it adds "local Texas flavor" to the theme. And it also washed over the cheesy faux-horror music background theme. From a technical standpoint, scenes needed some movement. Why did the Director/DP decide to use a static camera the whole time? Buy or rent a bloody wheelchair. Didn't early 60s French New Wave teach us that trick? All the shots were framed whole, without intercuts or close-ups, so the movie dragged along, nothing to liven it up. As far as the acting is concerned, I did like the two leads, if only because I grew up with guys like these. But there needed to be more bonding between these two fellows versus a world weariness that floated them along. Yes, they all could have used some acting lessons. Cursing alone doesn't excuse them from good acting. Just check out any Scorsese pic. The white guy in the music store did okay, but you could see him getting pumped up by the scene. But he was the most believeable of the whole cast, a kind of smarmy Eddie Haskell (Leave It To Beaver) for a new generation. I also liked the Mexican drug connection. His quick scene was appreciated. I dare say, I wanted to watch a film about his adventures instead. With that said, I hope the producers make another movie in South Texas and truely explore it for all it has. And please, next time, leave out the black comedic ending -- everyone could see that one coming a mile away.

I'm a huge fan of the Darkroom Familia, Sir Dyno, and everything Chicano. I've talked with these guys and they're just like a bunch of people I know, except that these guys created a Chicano rap empire by themselves. If you like their music, you will like their movies.

This movie is realistic and there's just a cool factor about it. It ain't for kiddies, obviously, because it deals with the life of drug dealers in Northern California. They use their music as the soundtrack, which works really good with the film. I recommend this movie to Chicano's only, because it was made for us, by us and we're the only ones who can relate and appreciate the drama and the comedy in the movie.... Unfortunately, I only got this movie on VHS, I just wish they made all their movies on DVD.