Angel

ANGEL RODRIGUEZ is yet another story of a kid whose innate talents and intelligence are misguided until he comes Under the influence of a caring adult, able to share her own vulnerabilities allowing the two to grow into stronger people. At least it seems that is what this little short and rather flimsy film is trying to say. The script is so lean and the attempt to develop characters who are understandable in their own light in order for us to care about the plot line of 'redemption' just doesn't support the film. This is a case where the actors are so fine that they are able to fill in the gaping cracks in the script well enough to maintain our attention, our concern, for the duration of the film.

Jonan Everett, making his strong film debut, is that kind of understated actor whose presence rings true and this presence makes us care about a kid whose actions should repulse us at times. His 'Angel' is a bright young talented kid who longs for something more then the hand he has been dealt. His friends, especially the gender bending Jamie (Jon Norman Schneider) is another newcomer to watch. The camera loves him and it seems there is enough latent talent to make him a fine little character actor. Much the same can be said for his other computer geek friend Raymond (Wallace Little). But the strength of the production is secured whenever the talented Rachel Griffiths (Nicole - the social worker) enters the story. Though we are given little from the script to help us organize her motivations, Griffiths' power as an actress overcomes the hurdles.

Writer/director Jim McKay has done better work in the past: Everyday People, Our Song, Girls Town, and some TV show episodes. He gives us the feeling that he understands the underbelly of the big cities and probably with the next film he will have learned from ANGEL RODRIGUEZ a few pointers to help him correct the deficiencies here. Grady Harp

Jim McKay is making movies unlike most American directors. Sure, they're small productions, and they're not playing at theater chains in the Midwest, but they have more heart and represent real life more than any other American auteur I've seen in a while.

It's a story about a troubled teen, Angel Rodriguez, and the social worker who gives him a chance. The story, however, doesn't make ridiculous leaps; it doesn't form an unrealistic bond between a grown woman and an inner-city boy. It's honest, and it's real. Their relationship is just a spring board into their characters, as we watch them independent from one another for the majority of the movie. THIS IS NOT ANOTHER DREADFUL COMING-OF-AGE MOVIE. Shot on location, great hand-held cinematography, and incredible performances from unknown actors (except for the six feet under woman, of course).

For fans of "Love Streams", "The Son" (le fils), "Il Posto", "George Washington", "Assisted Living", "Raising Victor Vargas", and, of course, "Everyday People" and "Our Song".

This movie is so bad and poimtless that I actually signed up here just to vent about how bad this movie is. What a waste of an hour plus of my time. If my 10 year old scribbled something randomly it would make a much better movie than this. What is twice as unbelievable is how such a bad and storyless movie can be on a paid service like HBO MAX.

I'm not one to trash other people's movies, but I make an exception when they waste an hour and a quarter of my time and return NOTHING. I'll try to be nice and say that the actors are all good, because they are, but there's no story here! Angel's father kicked him out. That's it - no need to see the movie because not much else happens. The only thing that holds your attention through any given scene is trying to figure out what the hell is going on. I spent 5 to 8 minutes at the start of each too-long scene just trying to figure out who the characters were and why they were talking to each other. Right around the time I get a clue, the scene is over and we're on to some other bit of pointless confusion. With dozens of great independent films being made (and ignored) every year, how does garbage like THIS get on HBO?

"Jim McKay is making movies unlike most American directors. Sure, they're small productions, and they're not playing at theater chains in the Midwest, but they have more heart and represent real life more than any other American auteur I've seen in a while. "

• WaterFountain.

Well said. I heartily agree.

Those who didn't like this film should stick with the DieHards, Terminator III's and other assorted in your face, hero's are right, plot point driven drivel that they are used to and NOT come on here to discourage those who just MIGHT be interested in authentic, no delusions, no manipulations, perceptive works of art like this...from seeing it.

Oh and btw, ANNA SIMPSON is HOT.