G.W.B.

I attended a film festival and got to see G.W.B by John Ullman. It was exactly what you want in a movie...great plot, fantastic acting and rich camera work. This film highlights the relationships and community vibe of the Washington Heights section of NYC. The plot is well thought-out and its suspense pulls on the viewer throughout. At the end of the film the writer and the cast did a great questions and answers session. You could feel the chemistry between the members of the group....which probably explains why the final product was so well done. John Ullman mentioned that his next film is going to be the story to Larry Levan and the legendary "Paradise Gargage" NYC. I can't wait to see this one as well. G.W.B is A must see, folks. Enjoy and be entertained

Writer/Directer Jon Ullman has made a great film on a shoestring budget with more passion and talent than many top filmmakers could hope to accomplish. The combination of characters, tone, and story wave a city tale as classic as any urban fairytale.

With impressive performances by Luis, Raul's and the freshly talented Rayniel,the film is gritty and real and the backdrop is the perfect setting for the subtle action. As reality closes in on them and those they love, the film gets louder as the tensions rise. The background noises which were passive become more intense stirring the unsettling feeling that comes with injustice. Ullman captures the beat of the streets and the life of the neighborhood complete with the broken dreams and great expectations.

This movie contains a rich plot and an amazingly accurate representation of the often misrepresented Washington Heights neighborhood the story takes place in. Trouble In The Heights features captivating dialogue that would rise the envy of any major budget feature film. It has scene stealing performances from seasoned actors like Raúl Esparza, Luis Antonio Ramos, and Olga Merediz. It also has some refreshing performances from new comers Rayniel Rufino, Antonio Ortiz, and Alexandra Metz. Also a very strong supporting performance from John Rafael Peralta. The confrontation between the movies protagonist and antagonist is really one of the best scenes i've seen in recent memory. A testament to great actors delivering on great script under the direction of Jonathan Ullman. Overall this is a gem of a movie that personifies the magic independent filmmaking.

For those who have never been to Washington Heights in New York, "Trouble in the Heights" offers a visual portrayal of a land inhabited by full blooded migrant, first and second generation Dominican Americans, who continue to maintain their deep rooted heritage while assimilating into the American culture. However, violence is to Washington Heights, what Wall Street is to downtown Manhattan, except the investments are different.

As portrayed by the drug dealing characters in the film, Illegal drugs have dominated the Heights since the 70s, which till this day continues to provoke the kind of violence depicted by "Trujillo" and his crew who show no mercy if you wrongfully cross their path. Unfortunately, for the protagonist "Diego," played by Rayniel Rufino, a struggling chef portraying those living in the Heights who try to do the right thing -- that path was crossed.

With a well selected cast of up and coming actors, Trouble in the Heights is a realistic venture traveling you through crime, drama, family values and of course -- the neighborhood. I don't give it 2 thumbs up, I give it a high five. -dc