source: 1st Strike

Moviecut—1st Strike

Love this movie. One of Danny Trejos best works. Johnny Ortiz did a great acting job. Sometimes you roll with the wrong crowd when you grow up and loyalty is strong. This movie portray this well. Nice filmmaking in LA. It had some great shots of LA, the sky rises, the murals and art of LA. Watched it on comfort of my phone.

Juan (Johnny Ortiz) bordering on manhood becomes involved with a gang. His uncle Manny (Danny Trejo) is an ex-con turned Hollywood film star as art imitates life. He robs a bank and Juan unwittingly drives the get away car. We know Manny somehow dies in the escape, the 4 million dollars is missing, and Juan faces time. Manny hired a lawyer prior to the robbery. The action is all flashback to the robbery and Juan's life. The film is filled with monologue about poor kids having to join gangs and then the law not giving them a break because they aren't white. When Trejo isn't preaching, it is the lawyer. The film has way too much preaching and not enough presenting a story for their case. Guide: F-word and nudity (uncredited strippers)

This movie blew me away, very real and well acted. I could really feel and relate to the characters. I've watched it over and over and highly recommend it. There's action, suspense, excitement and drama while being very real. The characters were well developed and really pulled me into this move. It's a movie gem!

Best film I've seen on the effects of prison on a family and how the system works. Smart & real look at Hollywood and its racist depictions of Latinos as well. This is also the best performance ever outta Danny Trejo. The writing and Directing are tight and well crafted. Bravo Boricua Films!

1st Strike