Khali the Killer

The opening scene of the film sets expectations for savage brutality at any moment. And with that tension Jon Matthews is able to insert cathartic, playful humor to great effect. The score, which channels American Westerns, is a surprisingly perfect fit for this unconventional crime drama set in LA.

Richard Cabral fills his role so completely and convincingly that it came as no surprise to learn that Cabral has roots in gang culture. The only thing not believable is that his character doesn't speak much Spanish, because he has the pronunciation of a native speaker. But his powers of sensibility and fearlessness create so much emotional authenticity that it's often easy to forget you're watching a work of fiction. A strong supporting cast and unexpectedly subtle cinematography results in some stunning storytelling for a highly relevant story.

I'll keep it simple, it's a great film, well acted, directed and moreover, entertaining. Obviously not gonna be everyone's cuppa tea but I dug it. Yes, not gonna break grounds in film making but was a genuinely entertaining and decent film. Not sure why it's got such a low score. Acting is really good, story is simple and kinda predictable but in a good way. I think, just see it yourself and make no preconceived judgement and I bet you'll enjoy it.

The title was a bit misleading but I really liked where this film went. Richard Cabral played Khali beautifully and with a really convincing passion and frustration. An ex East LA gang member gone solo who doesn't speak Spanish but knows lot's of Spanish phrases as pick up lines. Corina Calderon is also very talented, beautiful and convincing in her role as the ex and current love and co-motivator. Khalis grandmother is also his motivation. There is a certain level of both humour and desperation in all of the main characters throughout the film. The male nurse and the grandmother in particular stand out for some likable absurdities. Like the title, the opening scene would lead you to expect a slightly higher level of hit man skill and less vulnerability from Khali than transpires but it all seems to work in the end. Overall while a bit slow burning the film left me smiling and wanting to see a lot more of the characters. Definitely a film worth watching

I'm not sure if this film glorifies homicide or just shows what life can be like as a repentant murder. Whatever the case, I became quickly empathetic toward the hit-man Khali even though I'm introduced to him while he's killing four or five Cholos who have first been tied up and gagged. There's loads of humor in this film, which keeps it buoyant and from being a real downer like so many gang films these days. Watch this one only if you like movies about L.A. or gangs, maybe. I lived just south of Melrose at Vine and Willoughby back in the late 80s. Not sure what it's like now, but back then it was a war zone.

He's a hit-man. He's suppose to be a culinary master, but his kitchen is empty. He's suppose to be Latino, but he doesn't speak Spanish. Terribly written and with a fake 70's style that is grating and laughable.

Obviously written and directed by someone who doesn't know anything about Latinos. Pathetic.