Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great Performances, But A Lack Of Character Insight, Make For An Insignificant "Angel", November 2, 2006
This review is from: Angel Rodriguez (DVD)
I'm not sure what I was supposed to be left with after viewing "Angel Rodriguez"--a slight, well meaning drama that had it's premiere on HBO. Restrained and dignified performances by Jonan Everett and Rachel Griffiths are definitely worth watching. The slice-of-life approach is interesting--we seem to be getting just enough information to want to follow these characters, but ultimately not enough to understand them. And however much I wanted to recommend and like "Angel Rodriguez"--I'm afraid it really just left me feeling a bit empty.
Angel, played by Everett, is a high school senior. He has been thrown out of his house by his father and is now trying to make his way on the streets. Angel, as presented, is an intelligent kid with loads of potential. He has quite a few friends, computer savvy, decent grades, and a well spoken and polite manner--it's a thoughtful portrait of a relatively normal kid. Apparently he doesn't get along with his father's girlfriend which is the crux of the problem at home. But, the backstory is never really developed. His father is also upset that Angel can't hold down a job and is a liar--but we never learn any details of this and it doesn't seem to gibe with the Angel we see.
Rachel Griffiths is a high school counselor who opens her home to Angel. Not only does she bring Angel home, she leaves him there unattended and gives him a key. This is such an altruistic, and questionable, decision for a counselor (whose husband doesn't object)--you know she and Angel must have a special bond. Maybe, but it's never seen in the film either. We are never let in to what draws this woman to Angel--their relationship is never seen as anything other than polite and professional.
Angel does have a couple of flashes of anger which are incongruous with the rest of the film. But that's the problem. The film never allows us to know or understand Angel. The film never allows us to know or understand Griffiths' character. And then it just ends. And while I appreciated and admired much in the film, especially it's performances,--it all seemed rather pointless. I never expected big drama and big answers--but I needed an insight into these characters if someone actually wanted me to feel anything. Really about 2 1/2, I'll round up for good intention. KGHarris, 11/06.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful day in the life film, January 22, 2009
This review is from: Angel Rodriguez (DVD)
"Angel Rodriguez" is a made-for-HBO film about a teenager who's trying to get his life together. Angel, played by Jonan Everett, is first seen moving into his high school counselor Nicole's (Rachel Griffiths) spare bedroom because his Dad kicked him out.
Angel's definitely a likable guy. He's got plenty of friends, including Raymond (Wallace Little), good grades, and he's a talented programmer. So, why's he out on the street? His Dad alleges the kid's a liar and a thief, but it seems more like Angel's inconvenient since Daddy's got a new girlfriend, who doesn't get along with Angel.
Nicole, Angel's counselor, is taking a pretty big risk giving a high school kid seeming cart blanche access to her home and her house keys with nary a blink.
"Angel" had me watching attentively for more, but the script didn't precisely provide it. The actors did and I wished I could have seen more than just this short 'slice of life' with some serious inconsistencies. The film's well worth watching just to see the actors interact, but doesn't provide the depth I was hoping for.
Rebecca Kyle, January 2009
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A day in the life . . ., February 18, 2008
This review is from: Angel Rodriguez (DVD)
This striking HBO film by director Jim McKay portrays a day in the life of what the media would call a "throwaway kid." Rejected by his parents, with no home, he continues going to high school and has plans some day to have his own computer company - not a far-fetched goal, as he is clearly bright and knowledgeable about computers. But with his back against the wall, and befriended only by other marginal kids, his only lifeline is a school counselor who tries to keep him from being defeated by the circumstances of his life.
McKay's portrayal of his central character, Angel, is both gentle and realistic. He knows that the boy has both strengths and weaknesses. Tempted to steal from someone who has given him a place to stay for the night, he steals. And we learn that he is capable of a murderous rage. But there's also a struggle going on in him to persevere, be responsible, and not give up hope. This mixture of traits makes him a compelling study in youthful complexity. The role is played convincingly by a nonactor, Jonan Everett. Meanwhile, Rachel Griffiths as the school counselor demonstrates the remarkable ability to make us forget that we've seen her for several seasons as a continuing character on "Six Feet Under." The DVD has a sparse commentary by McKay, who admits that he'd prefer to say nothing and let his film speak for itself. While it's clear that the purpose of the film is to tell a story, it owes much to the cinema verite style of documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, whom McKay acknowledges as a prime influence.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
