Review of A Better Life (2011) by Jeremy W — 15 Aug 2011

This film centers upon the pairing of a father and son's journey into the urban streets of Los Angeles. The Mexican patriarch struggles to maintain a job while at the same time trying to provide for his son 'The Better Life' he never had. During their journey together they will establish what being a true father will do for his son. Some of you film buffs can easily see a plot connection that correlates to the old Italian cinema of 'The Bicycle Thieves'. This truly is a performance based film as Demian Bichir delivers such a moving performance as the father to the son, and touching base on the issue as an illegal immigrant. Chris Weitz helps portray the vision of L.A. just as it was meant to those less fortunate.

After all the blockbuster films that have laid their special effects and colorful 3D presence, it's nice to see a simple dramatic film, to quell the soul and ease the heart.