El Chicano (2018) User Reviews (33)

A little slow

[drjgardner · 5/10 · 4 May 2019]

There are some good things here but the film drags for the first hour and once the action takes place, there isn't a lot and what there is seems a little style-ized like John Wick. Unfortunately there isn't much background to explain how the hero gets his abilities. And the villains aren't exactly formidable so that prevailing over them isn't a big deal.

That being said, the story was OK and I liked the Aztec references. It's a good idea and I hope they do the next one with a little more thought.

If you want a film with a more authentic feel, try "Avenge the Crows".

EL CHICANO: A VIGILANTE IN THE CITY OF EAST LOS!

[babyjaguar · 6/10 · 7 May 2019]

"El Chicano" has a limited release across the country and directed (and co-written) by Ben Hernandez Bray, distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment and produced by WarParty Films. Hernandez Bray is from the San Fernando Valley and of Irish and Mexican descent. He has been directing TV episodes of DC's Arrow and Super Girl series. Before his directing, he started as a stunt coordinator and his newest film explores a Latino "superhero" or "anti-hero", a vigilante in L.A. against gang and cartel subcultures complete with weapons and face mask adorned with pre-Columbian insignia .

It stars Raul Castillo, Aimee Garcia, Jose Pablo Cantillo, David Castaneda, Marco Rodriguez, Sal Lopez, Marlene Forte, Kate Del Castillo and George Lopez in a non-comic role. There is an interesting angle in the story as an urban war brews between Mexican nationals (cartel syndicates) and Mexican American communities ("El Chicano" is on this side). This film is dark, showing "barrio" culture steeped in violence.

Reviews have been both negative and positive; some feel the story takes too long to develop but it follows an "origin" story. While other reviews feel that when the action begins, it's strong with blood and violence. Considering that Hernandez Bray was a stunt actor and coordinator, this film delivers with fight action scenes and it's part of the AMC independent series.

Basically Mexican "Batman Begins", but not as spectacular

[piggulu · 5/10 · 6 May 2019]

Was hoping this would be a surprise hit but it was pretty lacking. Takes way to long before it kicks into gear since most of the major events/details are done previously in the background. So the audience is always playing catch-up blind. But when the action comes it is nicely violent and gory. Then the movie is over just as quickly.

I didn't particular care for the story, which involves rival gangs, the cartel, and the mystery of the lead's twin brother's death (not a spoiler, it is established very early on and this site's synopsis isn't exactly comprehensive). The movie opens with them as kids one night, then jumps forward in time 20 years. Unfortunately, we see nothing of them growing up so you don't get a good grasp of the relationship drama that the film wants to portray. Some of it felt overly convoluted/confusing, other times like basic scene padding.

But on the other hand, this is a decent origin story so if there's ever a sequel then they should be able to skip all this fluff and really knock it out.

A Punisher rip off!

[chatpilot · 4/10 · 4 May 2019]

Okay, I went into this movie with high hopes. Watching the trailer reminded me of the Marvel character The Punisher and the Netflix hit series. The first hour of the movie was a snooze fest. It dragged on and took forever to develop the story. Once we get to some real action we find that the fight scenes although good in my opinion were not shot very well.

If you were going to see go to see Kate Del Castillo as a drug lord forget about it. The scene of here in the trailer is the extent of here active participation in this film. The acting in general was wooden and unconvincing and One other annoying aspect of this film was the the main character kept having flash backs to the same exact scene of his childhood over and over again. This is definitely a one time watch for me. If you go in not expecting much you may not be disappointed.

I was Entertained

[seansoulo73 · 6/10 · 21 March 2021]

Just happened to find this movie on a Saturday night film scrolling expedition. As an Inglewood, Cali boy myself I decided to watch because the cast included a few Hollywood heavy hitters like George Lopez, Emilio Rivera and Noel Gugliemi. More backstory on the story's hero could have been included, but I was entertained by this East Los superhero story. Our brown brothers and sisters need more of these.

A shallow action movie that leaves you with nothing else.

[cruise01 · 4/10 · 1 August 2019]

El Chicano (2 out of 5 stars).

El Chicano is that latino type of superhero with a story that plays like every origin superhero movie. But taking the concept and setting in East Los Angeles with cartel. However, the plot is forgettable. It is about twin brothers that are opposite with the law; one is an officer and the other is the opposite. When one loses his partner. He swears he will get revenge and kill anyone responsible. He covers himself up, wears a mask, and rides a motorcycle. Breaking into clubs and fight with the bad guys. The story is flat out dull. Every character is one dimensional and forgettable.

The acting is terrible. Everyone in the movie is giving a tedious performance. Every actor is delivering the same performance like the others. The script is emotionless, shallow, and dull.

It does have some action and shoot out sequences. The direction is just boring with characters that are really hard to care for. The script is missing the emotional connections with the good guys.

Overall, El Chicano is not that good of a superhero film. It is just a shallow action film with no emotional connections with the characters. The story is flat out boring and forgettable. Do not forget the actors in the movie seem very bored with the movie.

Mexican Punisher

[danielcereto · 7/10 · 3 August 2019]

If you love The Punisher and Mayans MC, this movie is for you. Not a pretentious movie. Quite simple revenge movie but the main character is great, El Chicano. Love it for what is it, an action movie about a Mexican-American legend.

A movie with a good story but not good execution

[jamesswmedia · 3/10 · 27 September 2018]

The idea of creating a Hispanic superhero is amazing considering the huge Hispanic Market that exists in the USA and in America.

The story has the potential to create a good product. Unfortunately, the movie falls short on the delivery. It stalls during many scenes and the story does not flow as it should.

The most dissapointing part is the casting. Acting is not believable in any of the scenes. In one of the scenes, the main character's girlfriend tells him "all I see is rage in your face" when the audience noticed no reaction on his face at all, it is troubbling.

Brutal Revenge

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 27 April 2021]

If you are an avid movie watcher and lover you will likely recognize a lot of faces in this (from the latin/hispanic american acting community especially). And there are some surprise short instances of people popping up. There is also a lot of violence in there ... and some buddy bromance to a degree.

Quite a few things that I did like (including the thriller/cop part) ... but it also feels like the movie is dragging at places. Also there is not the connection I'd wish we establish and nourish. But it is what it is, for a low budget movie, this is quite well made ...

Disappointing!

[nolacan · 3/10 · 5 May 2019]

If you want a realistic taste of "the life" you'll do better to watch Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke in "Training Day," or the current hit "The Mustang." Both of these films are a must see with quality acting.

Movie About Real Latinos

[dfe51 · 8/10 · 5 May 2019]

I'm no Roger Ebert, but the first thing your hit with from the opening scene, is WOW these are real Latinos, playing themselves in this movie. the list of "Paddy's', playing Mexicans in films is as long as your arm Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Paul Muni.the other thing that makes this movie different is the way the present the East LA Latinos culture, graffiti and all. I know some people got excited last year about "Crazy Rich Asians", but that movie plot has been making the rounds in Hollywood for decades, the just inserted Asians to update the movie. this movie takes you much deeper in a real culture, a culture we need to understand if we are ever to get along.

El Chicano (2018) (Released 3 May 2019)

[andyhain · 5 May 2019]

Best by far recent crime and cops movie... better than DETROIT, likely best since END of WATCH !!! Wow, this just plows right on without missing a beat. Fantastic cast presents as realistic a cops/crime movie as I can recall. Highly recommended, convincing and a moving film with an expressive and impressive cast all around !!! I can hardly wait to add the dvd to my collection, as I am sorely tempted to see it again after only two days.

A Latino superhero is born!

[dabhr · 7/10 · 6 February 2020]

I loved it! I'm hoping that this is the first of more to come, I'm waiting on the sequel!

Boring

[linosol · 1/10 · 8 January 2020]

Very boring in my opinion as a regular consumer do not recommend it

Not sure why the hate...

[ianhughey · 7/10 · 27 July 2023]

This movie was BY FAR better than a lot of these ratings are giving it. The acting - for the most part - was really good. The storyline was a genuine one. It shows pride in one's community and the citizens who are willing to protect it.

I do wish there was an actual ending to it, because unfortunately, it probably won't have a sequel... but one can hope.

All-in-all, people shouldn't look at the majority of these reviews and shy away from giving this movie a shot. Action, family, crime, a wee bit of mystery...

I can't believe we need to write so many characters. In usually a very succinct person. I'm going to go make myself breakfast now.

Watch this movie.

Ideas become boring execution

[kreichtier · 2/10 · 1 August 2019]

Been working on this review instead of actually watching the movie It sucks

boring af

[villainqueenlioness · 1/10 · 12 April 2021]

Not a good movie, dont watch it because it looks like a very low budget movie.

pretty decent

[FeastMode · 5/10 · 29 September 2019]

This movie has a bit of a straight-to-dvd feel to it. some of the acting is bad. but i enjoyed it for the most part. the music was awesome. the action scenes weren't great but were mostly pretty good. a few questionable parts and dumb moments, but decent overall (1 viewing 9/28/19)

Outstanding... Many other low reviewers WRONG!!

[feev · 8/10 · 11 October 2020]

Very enjoyable from start to finish. I think it could have been made into a three-part trilogy with more background detail and history of how each main character became who they are. But nonetheless very well done with a surprisingly pro-american message that is very much lacking these days and what America most definitely needs... GREAT JOB Filmmakers!!

I Turned It Off

[leoric-50571 · 3/10 · 7 September 2023]

So Slow And Boring I Turned It Off Yeah I Could Have Fast Forward I Shouldn't Have To.

The Begining Didn't Even Give The Characters A Proper Backstory.

The Mother Was An Enabler Of Crime. The Brother Was A Moron I Know Family Is "Important" Not If It's This Family.

The Protagonist Seems To Randomly Stumble Upon Plot Points, As If Purely By Luck.

Again Too Much Very Poorly Done Character Development, If You Can Call It That.

The Antagonists Are So Stupid It's Almost Comical. I Laughed At How Stupid They Were. I'm Surprised People This Dumb Have Lived As Long As They Have And Gotten Far In Life.

Trash Trash Trash.

Boring

[ykjdh · 1/10 · 3 December 2022]

Latino here, didn't care for this attempt at folklore action. It attempted to make some kind of superhero comic book out of the barrio. The problem is too many cameos by an all star Latino cast with nothing exciting to say or do. I usually like my action movies to have action in them. I also hate movie where folks are stereotyped.

The lead character allegedly made it out the hood but returns to the hood talking that "chignon" slang. Yes, because all Latinos who leave the hood talk with fake Mexican accents. The worse part is the acting. Especially the female lead villain who might be nice to look at but can't act in kindergartner's Christmas play. As if it's not bad enough she even screams her lines as the movie closes vowing revenge.

George Lopez is wasted here as a police captain. One bright spot is Frankie quionones. Aka, creeper, as Pelion the snitch. If you like your action movies boring, stupid comic book characters, and Latino celebrities stereotyped then this might be for you. For those who have a higher IQ, I recommend a loud pass.

Gritty

[stwyford12 · 10/10 · 6 May 2019]

The fighting scenes were incredible! I loved this movie because it gritty and had a lot of passion

MOVIE DELIVERS AT A HIGH LEVEL

[LaGrange73 · 10/10 · 30 October 2018]

I didn't know what to expect, walking into this film but I was blown away by what I saw. The acting, action and story are first rate. I saw this at the film festival in Calgary and didn't have any knowledge of it beyond the fact it was shot locally. The movie really works on every level and I especially loved the score. I'm hoping this gets a decent release because it should be seen in a movie theater like I saw it.

Genre Creating Hit

[forzanerazzurri · 10/10 · 26 March 2019]

El Chicano looks set to define a new genre of Latino action films. The film is authentic, has great cinematography and remains entertaining from start to finish. Overall, a refreshing entry in a hero/action genre that has gone stale in recent years.

Well done!

[therightpm · 10/10 · 28 February 2020]

I'm African-American... My Mexican-American brothers and sisters did a wonderful job with this film!