Dan's Papers - March 28, 2008 - Flick Picks with Ian Stark

To say that Hollywood cranks out pic after pic that follow successful formulas would surprise no one; but it's always odd when they go right to a tried-and-true vehicle, and yet it still works so well.

Patricia Riggen's Under the Same Moon does just that, by finding a soul in peril, partnering him with a disinterested, crusty caretaker, and then letting the audience weep with tears of joy as the cold-hearted hero finds love and sees how wondrous the world really is after all... yuk. OK, even after seeing this movie do it so well, it's hard to put it to paper and have it sound worthwhile. But just as it happened to "Moon's" older, cynical character, the child in this movie could melt even the most hardened critic's heart.

Adrian Alonso plays Carlitos, a nine-year-old Mexican boy whose mother Rosario (Kate del Castillo) is busy holding down two jobs in the States, practically slaving to gain enough financial solvency to get the boy a green card. He's been staying with his grandmother, who unexpectedly (check that, nothing in this movie is unexpected) passes away. And, taking cues from the Home Alone movies, he hatches a plan to cross the border and find his mom.

He bribes a couple of Americans (one played by "Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera) to smuggle him through. And, after a series of close calls that a plot such as this could not avoid, the kid's in CA, on the lookout for his parent. Young Carlitos almost falls prey to a drug addict, then some seriously nasty human traffickers who have the worst of intentions for him, but of course, in the nick of time, he's rescued and sent off with the aforementioned hardened lug Enrique (Eugenio Derbez), who's grizzled and tension-worn - he's undocumented himself - but has a heart of gold. Naturally. Before long, the grizzled migrant is completely defrosted and helps guide the clever child to his destination.

If you feel that this review is a little too revealing, think again. The fact is, this movie is structured and written like it was made-for-TV, devoid of one original plot twist. A child crossing the U.S. border to find his mother? What would really happen and what happens here are night and day, no question. A quick background check on screenwriter Ligiah Villalobos reveals her former title of "studio executive." Think there's any reason why this tale is perfectly crafted to pluck the heartstrings with the subtlety of a machine gun?

And yet, if you see this movie, bring the whole tissue box. The contrived and impossible story aside, the acting in this film is top-notch. Everyone is magnificent, especially Alonso, who doesn't so much steal the scenes as ransack them. It's frustrating when such a hackneyed film hits the heart button so easily, but the actors and the director, as well as the cinematography by Checco Varese, make it seem effortless and full.

However, some have criticized that this film is putting a pointed view on illegal immigration. True, there are some stereotypical dunderheaded American characters who create an air of danger with their unmistakable dislike of the illegal immigrants - making sympathy for the main characters' plight unavoidable. Considering the situation still burning right here at home, there may be some in the community who won't approve of the film's point of view. But to be clear: This isn't a political piece in any way, even if it becomes one accidentally. This movie, plain and simple, is meant to make you cry and laugh, then cry and laugh, and eventually cry while you're laughing. This flick is Grade A emotional fast food, so don't be surprised by the guilt you feel while enjoying its deliciousness.

Ian Stark is a frequent TV and radio commentator on the film industry, and consults with private organizations on their collections. He is widely published on film and other arts/culture topics.