All Night Bodega (2002)

Director:

Felix Olivier

Writers:

Michael Philip Del Rio (additional Spanish dialogue), Felix Olivier,

Stars:

Jaime Tirelli, Tammy Trull, Blanca Camacho

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jaime Tirelli	...	Ralph
Tammy Trull	...	Venus
Blanca Camacho	...	Eta
Romi Dias	...	Juanita
Gabriel Salvador	...	Papo
Ricardo Puente	...	Jesus
Laz Alonso	...	Angel
Anibal O. Lleras	...	Ramon (as Anibal Lleras)
Michael Philip Del Rio	...	Pedro (as Michael Del Rio)
Lisi DeLeon	...	Osita Negra
Gwendolyn Chavez	...	Perra
Gia Henderson	...	Inez
Anthony Ruiz	...	Sylvio
Juan Piedrahita	...	Ricky
Denia Brache	...	Ricky's Mother

Storyline

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, violence, sexuality and some drug content

Details

Official Sites:

Xenon Pictures

Country:

France USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

12 May 2004 (France)

Also Known As:

Land of Opportunity

Box Office

Budget:

$75,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Noé Productions, Canary Films, Digital Olive

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

Gritty, real, gripping.

Venus is a very realistically portrayed fifteen year-old girl who is on the brink of failing in school, and barely maintaining a relationship with her well-meaning but fed up stepmother. There are dangerous temptations all around her (gangs, crime), but she thinks she can fend for herself. It doesn't take long for things to go from bad to worse, and unfortunately Venus ends up trusting the wrong people--all just so she can avoid authority. The scary part is, she is a typical teenager.

This gritty film held my interest up until the final scene, which may or may not be a disappointment for those used to Hollywood endings. On my first viewing I was disappointed, but the second time I was not, but I can't say why without revealing too much. Suffice to say that once I got to know those characters, it mattered what happened to them, more than in many films with higher budgets and known actors.