Review of Chop Shop (2008) by David F — 01 Jan 2009

While it certainly seems real with it's non-actor cast, I was still looking for some kinda story or development here. As an orphan fending for himself, life is hard for 12 yr. old Alejandro but then again that's a given.

There's nothing about Bahrani's approach to a heartbreaking life of poverty and survival that is necessarily new here. The relationship he has with his older sister and the hard decisions they both have to make is intriguing and the most involving but ultimately it's a film that's tone is as stuck as the two main characters.

I'm all for real-life storytelling and I certainly don't always need a happy ending but I was looking for a little more spirit or life.