Proof Sheet

So, I gotta spill the beans about this film that I caught at a Festival in Los Angeles while on vacation - I love independent films, but this one, man, oh man, it's like a wild rollercoaster ride through a maze of clues and jaw-dropping moments that had me glued to my seat. If it was in the theaters I'd be watching it again to see all the clues I missed the first time around.

Angel, the main character in this story, let me just say, he's a total rockstar, and adorably sexy. Starting off all innocent and BAM! - he's hit with the harsh realities of life (I feel completely related). You can't help but cheer for the guy as he digs deeper into the mystery behind some freaky photos on a proof sheet.

What I loved most is how this film throws you into a Latino neighborhood in LA of 1999. It's like a breath of fresh air, seeing a group of Latino actors killing it on-screen. I mean, why don't we get more movies like this?

A shoutout to the director - he's got some serious skills. The whole movie oozes this doom-and-gloom vibe, set in that freaky week between Christmas and New Year, right at the turn of the millennium. Talk about adding some extra spice to the mix!

But, the real kicker is when Angel goes to his cop-dad for advice. The old man drops a truth bomb - "Don't trust what you see. It can get you killed." That line stuck with me through the whole flick, making me second-guess everything Angel was uncovering.

Proof Sheet ain't your run-of-the-mill mystery. It's like a new-age film noir, mixing the old-school magic, very Hitchcockian, with a modern twist. If you're into wild rides, surprises that'll make your jaw hit the ground, and a bit of that classic noir vibe, Proof Sheet is your ticket. Trust me, you won't regret it.

I loved the freshness of this contemporary LA Noir with its all Latino cast. The actors are amazing, the turns surprising, the characters engaging, the narrative compelling, and LA looks so darn great! I"m a Noir fan, and this very personal-feeling Noir is a fabulous addition to the canon.

Too many Hollywood Noirs think if they hit the same tropes, if they cast the usual tough guys and load it with guns, they're given a free pass to make the same ol' same ol'. But this was not a creaky 'homage', this was a compelling ensemble of characters we haven't yet seen in Noir and rarely in any genre, working class Latinos --and especially the young star, what a performance! One to watch.

Ever since I had the pleasure of meeting the writer/director, Richard Kilroy, and the producer, Alejandro Delgado, I've been captivated by the narrative. The setting in 1999 struck a chord with me, evoking a profound connection to my own past and formative years. Upon my arrival in Los Angeles, I immediately identified with Angel (Leo Llenas), a young Latino who navigates the complexities of falling for an immigrant girl, portrayed by Catherine Lidstone, hailing from Mexico.

Without divulging any spoilers, I must express that the performances in this film are truly exceptional. The storyline's depth and darkness hold the audience in rapt attention, leaving them yearning for more. The pinnacle of the movie lies in its climax, offering a delightful and unexpected surprise. I definitely recommend experiencing this cinematic journey!

This suspenseful movie expertly pays homage to 70's paranoid classics such as The Parallax View, The Conversation, and Chinatown, while still managing to carve out its own identity. The influence of these films is clear, with a gripping atmosphere of tension and mistrust that permeates every scene. It's the kind of film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, unraveling layer after layer of intrigue as it moves toward a climactic conclusion.

The performances are particularly strong across the board, with the cast delivering memorable, nuanced portrayals. Maria Conchita Alonso, in her brief but hilarious cameo, adds a refreshing moment of levity amidst the tension. Her scene is so delightful and unexpected that it nearly justifies the price of admission on its own, showcasing Alonso's ability to steal the spotlight even in smaller roles.

The film excels at building suspense, with a tightly woven plot full of twists and turns. Its pacing is deliberate but never drags, as it keeps you invested in the mystery unfolding on screen. The cinematography and sound design also work in harmony to heighten the sense of paranoia and unease, drawing the audience deeper into the story's labyrinth of deception.

But what really sets this film apart is its jaw-dropping finale. It's the kind of ending that sticks with you long after the credits roll, providing a shocking and satisfying conclusion to an already tense narrative. Fans of thrillers and mystery dramas will find this movie worth their time, as it balances homage with originality, resulting in a gripping cinematic experience. Definitely worth checking out for anyone who enjoys a good, suspenseful story with a killer ending.

Proof Sheet is like a wild rollercoaster set in the gritty backdrop of LA '99, and boy, did it grab me right from the start. This noir is all about unpredictability; it's a rollercoaster of intrigue. Keeping you guessing and totally hooked. No wonder it's making waves in the festival scene! If you're into mind-bending movies that mess with your head (in a good way), this one's a must-watch. Kudos to the talented cast and crew for delivering a film that stands out and leaves a lasting impression. This is a smart film. You nailed it! - they've cooked up a flick that stands out and sticks with you. Don't skip this thrilling ride - grab some popcorn - or not, I didn't need it - :-) and enjoy the suspense!

It's a gem!