Echo Park

I just watched Echo Park on Netflix, it touch me in so many ways.

This movie was incredibly faithful to the pulse of our community. I lived in Echo Park for many years, and also in the nearby Silverlake area; there is no doubt that writer Amanda Marsalis and director Catalina Aguilar Mastretta understood exactly how special it was, and is, to belong to such culturally rich communities.

The cast was equally incredible, especially Mamie Gummer, who I dare say is another the Meryl Streep in the making! I have a root connection to Echo Park, growing up on Echo Park Avenue. My grandparents lived at 1513-1/2, literally just a couple of doors down from Elias' gallery showing.

Connection or not, I'm a fan of this movie, pure and simple. Hats off to the entire Echo Park team.

A brilliant first film by director Amanda Marsalis, 'Echo Park' succeeds in bringing interesting and unique characters to life. Actors Tony Okungbowa and Mamie Gummer deliver the performances of their careers in an intimate portrayal of characters from different worlds brought together in Echo Park. By making the distinctive area of Los Angeles, Echo Park, into a character of its own, it joins the ranks of other great films like Chinatown, Midnight in Paris, and LA Story.

This is an independent film that dares to tell a story about Los Angeles that does not rely on Hollywood stereotypes and plot devices and story clichés that permeate most movies produced in Hollywood. (Most of those films are not even shot in Los Angeles, but move their productions overseas, or up north to Canada to save money). The look of the film is not just emulating Echo Park, it IS Echo Park. For this reason I recommend this film to everyone. It is superb.

It's completely impossible to find this movie to stream. ANYWHERE. I would even gladly buy the film. Why did it disappear off of the face of the earth!? I was born and raised in Los Angeles and the entire feel of this movie is so cool. Did you know that the lead actress is Meryl Streep's daughter? Yep! I was surprised too. And do you recognize the lead actor? Yep! Old DJ from the Ellen show. I always missed him when he left the show. I loved him in this role. The little family in the neighborhood was very cool too. Have you ever driven through the neighborhood of Echo Park Hills? It's pretty treacherous and absolutely amazing! Bring this movie back!!!

I think it is easy to oversimplify a description movie. Paradoxically, the flow and quietness bring clarity and simplicity to a young woman's life crisis. I felt her introspective determination keenly as she navigated into her own vision of life for herself and away from the expectations that surrounded her in both sides of the decision. I love this movie, and see some new subtle expression each time I watch.

I really enjoyed the flow of the movie and the storyline. Nothing spectacular but just a good enjoyable movie pertaining to life sometimes. The music was a good addition to it as well.