Tag: Jorge Lendeborg Jr

AMERICAN CARNAGE (2022)

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Directed By: Diego Hallivis

Written By: Diego Hallivis And Julio Hallivis 

Cinematography: Unax Mendia 

Editor: Alex Marquez 

Cast:  Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Jenna Ortega, Allen Moldonado, Eric Dane, Brett Cullen, Yumarie Morales, Jorge Diaz, Bella Ortiz, Catherine McCafferty 

After a governor issues an executive order to arrest the children of undocumented immigrants, the newly detained youth are offered an opportunity to have their charges dropped by volunteering to provide care to the elderly. Once inside the eldercare facility, the volunteers discover the governor and the facility’s supervisor have cooked up a horrifyingly depraved conspiracy that endangers the young and the old in this twisted thriller-comedy.

Well this film certainly is never truly surprising as it seems to play by all the cliché rules that one is used to. 

There are a few qualities that I can give the film. The young cast is likable particularly the three leads played by Jenna Ortega (One wishes she had more to do with her role) Jorge Lendeborg Jr (who is always cast in these kinds of lower budget straight to streaming kind of films of this type but never quite gets the starring roles he deserves in bigger projects)  and Allen Moldonado here as the wise guy comedic role that he has been playing on so many television shows, So far it is his expertise. 

Also, the film at least is trying to say something being subversive with its political message and allegory that fits into not only the politics of the time, but unfortunately even current politics. Just putting it under a teen horror window.

The film is entertaining enough as you watch it, but it’s instantly unforgettable after you watch it. It’s a popcorn movie with a message even as it tries to be something bigger and better.

It’s a film that just constantly feels like it falls too short in many categories in violence, Exploitation characters,  scares.

It seems better suited for an introduction into horror movie with a bit of satire as it seems to play more for a teen audience, but it’s rating and some material might keep it out of their grasp. Even as it seems perfectly to fit with that audience.

It’s not terrible. It’s just basic that could be a lot tighter and faster but at least it seems to try.

As the film plays like a Hispanic exploitation film. Where all the bad guys are caucasian. I have no problem personally with that as would like to see more films like this. Though one wonders why thebdsrkest skinned character. Who is black and Spanish mixed is the only one of the heroes to murder someone on screen. Even though heroically. 

Most likely the audience will come here for Jenna Ortega even as she plays one of the smaller leading roles there’s nothing here that might indicate her future superstar status, but she does. What is required of the role perfect as a follow-up to her Disney show STUCK IN THE MIDDLE and the film THE BABYSITTER 2: KILLER QUEEN 

Put out by Blumhouse Productions. This might have worked better as an episode of their horror anthology series INTO THE DARK. In which episodes go from 60 minutes into feature film length. 

Grade: C 

CRITICAL THINKING (2020)

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Directed By: John Leguizamo 
Written By: Dito Montiel 
Cinematography: Zach Zamboni 
Editor: Jamie Kirkpatrick

Cast: John Leguizamo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Rachel Bay Jones, Jorge Landeborg Jr., Corwin C. Tuggles, Angel Bismark Curiel, Jeffry Batista, Will Hochman, Zora Casebere, Ramses Jimenez 

Miami – 1998. Poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. “T” Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign battlefield.

Wish one could say this film Is different than the many a teacher makes a difference but unfortunately though similarly based on a true story. It hits many familiar beats of the genre.

Though I will say this one is a little rougher around the edges than most and a lot of the drama and plot points are left hanging to a certain degree. Letting us see some change or some who were at each other’s throats at peace with one another.

Which might be frustrating for a viewer but leaves the story and film with some realism. As it doesn’t exactly tell us what happened to some stories or characters but it does offer an endpoint. Even while some scenes and conversations feel missing. 

The film isn’t cookie-cutter, but the audience knows what will happen for the most part as we just watch how the film Will get us there.

The film isn’t exploitative. This isn’t urban porn where there seems to be no hope and it is nice to see a movie and know a story where a person of color helps the diverse students towards a goal. Someone who knows what It’s Like in the neighborhoods and what it’s like to be discriminated against and undervalued.

The teacher helps them to learn lessons not exclusively teach it to them and gives them hope. He doesn’t necessarily save them, just guides them to their own salvation.

The cast keeps the film moving and sparkles. John Leguizamo in his directing debut. Co-stars as the teacher and shows a talent behind the camera. 

Grade: C+

NIGHT TEETH (2021)

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Directed By: Adam Randall 
Written By: Brent Dillon
Cinematography: Eben Dolter
Editor: Dominic LaPerriere 

Cast: Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Debby Ryan, Lucy Fry, Raul Castillo, Alfie Allen, Megan Fox, Sydney Sweeney, Marlene Forte, Ash Santos, Jaren Mitchell 

A college student moonlighting as a chauffeur picks up two mysterious women for a night of party-hopping across LA. But when he uncovers their bloodthirsty intentions – and their dangerous, shadowy underworld – he must fight to stay alive.

This feels like a film that is more interested in being cool and having street credentials. Rather than being good or at least entertaining.

Even when it is good, which is rare, it feels like it wants to be stylish over everything. One of the film’s few saving Graces is that style. Not to mention a likable cast.

Which includes a familiar cast as well as two cameos for no real reason but pads the cast list with some more recognizable names.

The story tries to do modern updates and add action. While also having a dive-read cast that makes it become more urban and offers an Us Vs. Them outlook. As the vampires are usually European in lineage and caucasian. Also, the differences seem more upper crust and prejudice against others, not of their lineage.

Whereas the vampire hunters are more people of color but also made more to look like gang members. Even though they are more the heroes of the film.

The film’s story is kind of a horror movie version of the film COLLATERAL. While the film is heavy on the action at times that seems more focused on the horror aspects. The film also feels more inspired by BLADE overall but not quite as good or original as that film. Maybe trying to offer one for a new generation of sorts to claim as their own.

The villain of the film played by Alfie Allen seems more like a brat and not as dangerous. Due to us more being told how bad and dangerous he is but rarely seen. Especially as he barks orders and threatens. Rather than take any Action.

The film seems to show more strength for a character who can only come with power overall. As it plays into too many Hollywood and nightlife cliches of hipness 

In the end, the film feels like a time waster with barely a point other than everyone looks good. While also planting an obligatory love story.

Grade: D 

BUMBLEBEE (2018)

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Directed By: Travis Knight
Story & Written By: Christina Hodson
Cinematography: Enrique Chediak
Editor: Paul Rubell

Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Pamela Adlon, Jason Drucker, Stephen Schneider,John Ortiz, Glynn Turman, Len Cariou, Fred Dryer, Megyn Price 


On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.

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