On this page: BARRIO BOY | DRAINED | GIANTS OF LA MANCHA

< < I N D I E S

That said, the strongly contained performances give each scene a proper kick, as the actors create natural rhythms. Garcia has a simmering charisma that adds insight to his various connections, especially Gonzalez's big-hearted Rafa. And while Kevin is oddly sidelined, Physick brings him to life with sparky energy. All of this feeds into terrific conversations that touch on the problem of endemic homophobia in certain communities where people feel that they have no choice but to hide themselves.

There's a sense that Shinners is trying a bit too hard to include aspects of gay life into the plot, such as Rafa offering to take Quique to a clinic for an HIV test, a sequence that never goes deeper. But he's also exploring a serious issue that few films are willing to approach with this much honesty. So the movie has a lot to say about the Latin American subculture in New York, without ever preaching. And it's engaging enough to offer a glimmer of hope.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

18.Feb.25

The actors are deeply committed, creating characters who are thoughtful and compulsive. Aldington is a likeable puppy-dog, especially when Thomas is mopey and doughy in the earlier scenes, before Rhea transforms Thomas into a leaner, meaner slacker. Ion is superb as the terrifyingly manipulative vixen, while also revealing some secret insecurity. So even if they are an odd couple, their chemistry is intriguing. And it's deliberately frustrating that the lustiness never pays off.

More annoying is the way everything is staged in slow motion, draining the film of energy. Scenes drag on, including entire sequences and subplots that could be deleted without weakening the story. Even more bizarre is the way the movie steals its own thunder by playing ace cards far too soon, undercutting most shocks and surprise twists. That said, the film is still relentlessly entertaining, largely because the actors are so strong. And it's eye-popping to look at, gorgeous and gruesome at the same time.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

13.Feb.25

Everything is so frantic that characters never register beyond their types. But there's nice camaraderie between the three lead children, who pretend to hate each other as expected by their feuding parents, but actually have a strong bond. And the way Alfonso sees the hillside windmills as gentle giants is properly engaging. Meanwhile, Bond-like villain Carrasco pits everyone against each other, which causes trouble for the kids' friendships as well. Well, briefly at least.

The film's heightened tone and nonstop goofiness are somewhat exhausting. Everything is infused with Alfonso's restless flights of fancy, which does allow for bursts of gorgeous visual imagery. So there's plenty to look at as the corny plot unfolds exactly as expected, doing little beyond connecting the various chase sequences, battles and adventures. It's impossible to be bored by a movie that's this busy, and the inclusion of a super-spy corgi and a squadron of attack chickens helps too.

themes, violence

3.Mar.25