Trailer Park: “A Better Life” (Directed by Chris Weitz & Starring Demián Bichir)

The director of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" switches from sparkling vampires to Mexican immigrants. Go figure.

After making millions with American Pie, The Golden Compass, and The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Chris Weitz flexes his indie film triceps with A Better Life. The trailer pretty much covers the whole plot, but for those who aren’t familiar with the subject, let us explain. Acclaimed Mexican actor Demián Bichir (Che, Weeds) plays a first-generation Mexican immigrant who works as a gardener to provide for his son Luis (José Julián). In SoCal, where gangbangers roam and five-o's deport illegal migrants, Bichir’s character must fight to maintain his position as a proud, and loving father. As most dramas of its kind, nothing goes suave without conflicts, and we like it that way—with all the touching sentiments combined in a package. Our only complaint regarding the trailer is the usage of “Apertura” by Gustavo Santaolalla as the backdrop. We understand the dramatic effects it offer, but don’t want to stumble upon every film covering Latin-American struggles with the same score. With that said, we’re looking forward to this flick’s release on June 24th as an alternative to this summer’s clusterfucking of blockbusters.

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