Once Upon a Time in the Hood

This movie made Teenage Space Vampires look like Citizen Kane. To those that have actually seen Teenage Space Vampires, it was really that bad. The producer's strategy of hiring line cooks from the Taco Bell on Crenshaw & Slauson to star in the movie obviously backfired. I watched this movie for a good laugh, knowing it was going to be terrible. Unfortunately, it was bad beyond laughter, leaving me praying for a power outage. You're better of alphabetizing your spice rack than sitting through this train wreck of a film. For those who reviewed this movie positively, I must have seen a different version than you. This movie did not contain one interesting or sequential plot line. It now claims the title of the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. Congratulations!

I really liked this film. It is set in the gang infested neighbourhood nearby Chicago's Little Village. Raul's destiny as a member of the Latin Crowns street gang seems predetermined, more out of circumstance rather than making the choice to be a gang banger. Raul (Mauricio Mesa) seems to simply be following in the footsteps of his older brother Freddy.

The film moved along at a steady pace. It kept you hooked and there was never a moment that I felt bored. In particular the lasting images that I have of the film are that of blood and gore and tormented teenage souls.

Raul's relationship in the film is touching because it is so pure and seemedly unaffected from his gang banging lifestyle, where women are their lifestyle are treated merely as sex objects (a gang bang in exchange for coke is one of the scenes that comes to mind.

In summary I say watch it. There is the blossoming love story, betrayal, deceit and lots of shooting. Ingredients for any good film.

Once Upon a Time in the Hood is a movie true to reality and a story

that carried me from beginning to end allowing me to feel the

purpose of each character in the movie. There was some great

twists and surprises throughout the story that really caught me by

surprise. The action scenes also kept me at the edge of my seat. I

really enjoyed this movie and I highly recommend it. It is a great

independent movie and I hope to continue to see more of Juan J.

Frausto's work. I also had the opportunity to see his movie, "Drive

By" are very heartfelt movie. Chicago is a city with a lot of talent and with great Latino movies,

lets support it.

Once Upon a Time in the Hood is a film to see. I enjoyed it from the beginning to end. Being a Chicagoan myself, I know this is how is it and the director

did a great job and gave it all to the audience. I highly recommend this film to everyone who lives life in the gang way.

It could help you make a difference. I look forward in viewing more films from this Chicago director.

I have also seen Drive By and enjoyed it as well. Que viva el Cine Latino!!! Hasta pronto

This is one of the most surprising urban films I've seen so far. The quality of the acting, the production design and the cinematography of this film is truly impressive for a low budget film. Mr. Frausto, I congratulate you on your achievement as an independent filmmaker. This film really pulled me into the world of gang life on the streets of Chicago. It observes you into the story completely and it doesn't let you go. It is raw and it surely felt real.

That's the power of this film. It reminded me of "Mean Streets". Also, I have to mention the original music. It was superb. The hip-hop music was right on target. I truly recommend it. It's a must see film!