A Better Life

Directed by: Chris Weitz

Written by: Eric Eason (screenplay); Roger L. Simon (story)

There is an interesting history of immigration and social commentary in American cinema. Unfortunately, I neither have the time, nor the expertise to really get into it here. But, if you're interested, you can start by seeing 1983's "El Norte," or this film - "A Better Life."

In this movie, Carlos (Bichir) is an gardener living illegally in the US. In the attempt to gain upward mobility, in the hopes of keeping his son Luis (Julián) out of trouble, Carlos buys his own gardening truck. But it's a dog-eat-dog world, and his truck - along with all the hopes of his family - is stolen. Carlos and his son travel the streets of Los Angeles trying to find the truck without getting the attention of the LAPD.

This is a movie with a very serious message, and it tells it very seriously. Unfortunately, the film is occasionally very heavy-handed in the way it the issues are presented.

Overall, it's a good movie. The acting - especially from Bichir - is very good. The story has a good pace, reflective at times without becoming too slow. The drama is tense and multi-faceted. It all adds up to a good, meaningful flick.

The movie's biggest flaw (moral heaviness aside) is carried by the main character. Despite every obstacle put in his path, he's a near perfect character. He always manages to do the right thing, always has the right answer, never gets frustrated or angry. He's simply too perfect to be human, and it's frustrating as a viewer to watch a character with such impervious idealism. (I refer to this as the "Ned Flanders Effect.)

It's a movie worth seeing, for sure. In fact, it's very good. Just be ready for the moral heaviness that comes with it.