How rare is it to find something at the video store that totally exceeds your expectations?! I spend a lot of time traveling and working in Mexico, so I'm familiar with a lot of the great actors from that country, and when I saw this on the shelf at Blockbuster I decided to give it a try. It was a pleasant surprise.
This film takes a clever, original idea about writing a traditional how-to-succeed-in-business book about a ruthless drug lord and runs with it. Sure it's not a big budget picture, but the actors are all deeply committed to their roles and deliver great performances. Jose Luis Franco is a standout as Angel Santana, the kingpin, and Mauricio Islas is great as Santos, his enforcer. What I enjoyed most about this film was the backstory of these two criminals growing up together, and rising to the top.
If you want a lot of big budget explosions and car chases, watch a Michael Bay film, but if you want a fresh take on a crime thriller with fascinating characters, then rent this movie. Thumbs up!
