Chop Shop

Starring: Alejandro Polanco, Isamar Gonzales, Ahmad Razvi
Directed by: Ramin Bahrani
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Alejandro (Alejandro Polanco) is a street-smart orphan brings his sister (Ishmar Gonzales) to NYC and the two of them struggle to create a life for themselves.

Review:

Tim: This is a small independent film that received great reviews from critics, but I didn't think it was all that strong. I think far too often, critics are smitten with these small independent movies, thinking they are better than they are. Yes, Chop Shop is an interesting look at some fascinating people struggling to live in New York City's Iron Triangle. In fact, this movie is extremely realistic. It often feels like a documentary. And while it might be very realistic, it is also fairly boring. Every movie, no matter the genre or subject matter, has to be at least somewhat entertaining. That is why we go to the movies. Yes, movies can teach lessons, open new worlds of thought for us, cause us to rethink our worldviews, but none of that matters if we aren't simultaneously entertained.

This film's story is a bit weak. Yes, it is interesting, and yes, we have some great characters, but what is the point? I kept waiting for the story to build to some powerful conclusion- some moment where I recognize why I've been sitting here for an hour and a half. That moment never comes. The film simply fizzles out, possibly in an "edgy" and "independent" way to show that this movie doesn't have a beginning or an end, but really just shows a small snippet of these characters' lives.

The cast is good simply because they are all believable. Alejandro Polanco is amazing as Ale. He seems so wise beyond his years, street smart in a tough living type of way. He was truly impressive on screen. Ishmar Gonzales is good as well, and really seems believable as his older sister. I did enjoy watching these two on screen.

Sadly, Chop Shop is not a great movie. It is certainly an interesting and realistic movie, but its storytelling ability is a little weak, and ultimately, adds up to very little. If you are one of those people who love independent movies simply because they're so anti-big-studio movies, then you will probably love this. If you instead like or dislike movies based not on what they are or who created them, but instead on their own merits, you'll probably be disappointed here.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



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