Pick-a-Flick

Here’s a good one to get things started. I convinced myself to rent this movie because of the great reviews that it had received. It was still a tough decision because the movie is subtitled so to me it’s equivalent to reading a short story with really detailed storyboards. Since I’m lucky to read one novel per year, convincing me to read my way through a movie is like talking me into a fight with Floyd Mayweather.

Plot: The story is told by Rocket, a young boy growing up in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. He tells a story about how two hoods, named Lil’ Ze and Benny, took over the drug trade in the slums and became the major crime lords of the city. The installation of a new boss in the slums brought with it a period of peace because everyone knows they will have to answer to Lil’ Ze if they break the law and bring the police around.

Twist: When Lil’ Ze’s friend Benny is killed, the only bond between the slum’s two drug lords dissolves as well. This begins a long war in the City of God and a new hood emerges.

Memorable Line: “I’m a playboy now!”

My Thoughts: Although I had to rewind several times due to the fact that I read at a third grade level, I really enjoyed this movie. It also helped that story is based on actual events, which was verified by small clips at the end of the movie.

Who Will Like This Movie: Almost anyone will enjoy it, but lovers of gang, mob, and crime stories will love it.

Rating: 9 out of 10