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CINEMA
Now Showing: Puerto Rico’s Film Festival
An international affair hits home
A few days ago, my sweetie and I hit the movies. We’re sometimes on different sides of the spectrum insofar as genre and preference.
My first options are indie, non-English language flicks. He often goes for Marvel and action pieces. But since we both believe in supporting our local industry, we agreed on a Boricua film.
Picando Alante, directed by Israel Lugo, brings us to the reality of a family struggling with the reality of losing their home. In this comedy (I call it somewhat dark), we find the main character, Marysol (played by Marisé Álvarez) trying to convince and her family to begin growing weed.
“Please use the scientific name, cannabis” she implores them.
Her parents, brother, and sister eventually agree. But things start to go awry when their harvest dies due to a problem with temperature regulation. Compounded by debt owed to some shady folks, Marysol and her family find themselves trying to get out of very difficult situation.
I won’t spoil the ending. Catch the trailer to see for yourselves (note: it’s in español).
