Review of Chop Shop (2008) by Ld P — 13 Oct 2009
Chop Shop (2007) the story of a 16 year old living alone in a plywood room above an auto shop in New York City. Willets Point (a k a the Iron Triangle), in the area around Shea Stadium. I did not see Ramin Bahrani's first movie Push Cart Man.
This film Chop Shop is very realistically shot with almost a documentary style. A dropout who's living on his own, Alejandro (Alejandro Polanco) peddles candy on the subways, sweeps up and hustles business for a body shop owner (a gruff but decent Rob Sowulski) and does whatever else it takes to get by.
The boy occupies a room at the back of the shop, which he later shares with an older sister (Isamar Gonzales). His dream is to buy a food truck and operate it with her. Dollar by hard-earned dollar, they save up the money to do it.
Most liked this film Ebert called it one of 20 best films of 2008 (and it probably is) However I did not particularly care for the movie. Bahrani gets high marks because I am sure it is difficult working with a child actor and getting good results in this film.
This is a gritty realisic film. It was sad for me to see this child's unfulfilled dreams (his struggle to make some sort of a "family" for himself) and his older sister turning tricks. There is a sense of impending doom in the film.
Alejandro is such a good kid but the adults in his world take everything he has to offer and give little in return however thankfully the film does not end in tragedy. It is short 88 minutes. 3 stars.
This review of Chop Shop (2008) was written by Ld P on 13 Oct 2009.
Chop Shop has generally received very positive reviews.
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