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Reviews
Angel Rodriguez (2005)
For fans of Cassavetes and the Dardenne bros.
Jim McKay is making movies unlike most American directors. Sure, they're small productions, and they're not playing at theater chains in the Midwest, but they have more heart and represent real life more than any other American auteur I've seen in a while.
It's a story about a troubled teen, Angel Rodriguez, and the social worker who gives him a chance. The story, however, doesn't make ridiculous leaps; it doesn't form an unrealistic bond between a grown woman and an inner-city boy. It's honest, and it's real. Their relationship is just a spring board into their characters, as we watch them independent from one another for the majority of the movie. THIS IS NOT ANOTHER DREADFUL COMING-OF-AGE MOVIE. Shot on location, great hand-held cinematography, and incredible performances from unknown actors (except for the six feet under woman, of course).
For fans of "Love Streams", "The Son" (le fils), "Il Posto", "George Washington", "Assisted Living", "Raising Victor Vargas", and, of course, "Everyday People" and "Our Song".