The Big Shot-Caller

My husband and I really enjoyed this movie. It is earthy, authentic, refreshingly quirky, and has a lot of heart. It has a sincere message of hope and there are a lot of moving moments. Jamie (portrayed by David Rhein) is one of the most likable characters we have seen in a long time. His gentle, quiet, sweet nature makes him instantly relatable. The director, Marlene Rhein, is also a very gifted actress as well as director. She plays the part of Jamie's supportive sister who is fighting with her own troubles with passionate fortitude. We look forward to seeing it again and will be on the look out for more Marlene Rhein movies.

I caught this film last spring at the Quad Cinema when another film I was going to see was sold out. I'm so glad it worked out that way. What I came upon was a beautiful little indie about the power of believing in yourself. Beautifully shot and genuinely written, this film is about real life and real people. Everyone I was with could relate to the main character and his difficulty in connecting. A poetic, intelligent and sincere attempt at inspiring the everyday person, this lovely little narrative has hilarious moments and wonderful quirks that you just don't see in the plethora of superficial Hollywood movies. It moves slowly at the beginning, and is somewhat reminiscent of Godard's "Masculine Feminine." With the intermittent Spanish voice-over, it had that "foreign film" feeling with a modern edgy New York style. Basically, it was refreshing and unique. It is heartwarming and somewhat spiritual, in a down-to-earth way. I would have liked to see more Salsa dancing, but I delighted in the relationship between brother and sister.

Such a heartwarming movie. I saw it twice because it was so touching. The first time I watched it I went by myself. The second time I saw it I wanted to bring a friend so that she could see for herself why I raved it so much. After seeing it for the first time, she agreed with me that the movie was very touching. There are fine young actors in the movie. They portrayed their characters delightfully. The story leaves you feeling inspired. Teaches you never to give up on life no matter what obstacles you face. Inspirational messages of hope, faith and love. Made me believe even more that there IS life after love. Once I get a hold of the DVD, I will for sure watch it again!!

This is definitely not your run-of-the-mill Hollywood fluff. Down to the details, this film speaks to the loneliness in all of us and the troublesome quest to find self assurance in a world of disconnection. Jamie Lessor and Lianne Lessor, played by real life brother and sister, David and Marlene Rhein, have been estranged for ten years when Lianne tries to get in touch with him. He wants nothing to do with her, nor with anyone, until he falls easily for a 'Gold-digger' he meets who relentlessly breaks his heart. With nowhere to turn, he must rely upon a sister he detests, who dances to house music and speaks street jargon, even down to her spiritual philosophies (ie, God as 'The big shotcaller.') She is a wise, albeit broken character, well-played by director Rhein. What unfolds is an engaging and real journey of dysfunctional family and the bumpy road to self-esteem. Often humorous and delightfully quirky, the film delivers the message that the good stuff is within. The music and dance scenes are shot with real passion. Rhein apparently got her start in music videos, including stints with 2Pac and Amy Winehouse. Like any indie film I've seen, the film has its slower moments, but I must say, this one brought me real joy.