The Price of the American Dream II (2008)

Director:

Michael Amundsen

Writers:

Michael Amundsen (writer)
Rodrigo Ordoñez (writer)

Release Date:

February 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Cast

Julieta Ortiz	...	Laura Munoz
Luis Arrieta	...	Manny Munoz
Nathan Sanchez	...	Carlos Munoz
Nichole Otero	...	Alex Munoz
Jesus Valdez	...	Daniel Munoz
Omar Paz Trujillo	...	Chepo
Julian Trujillo	...	JC
Dale Nelson	...	Paco
Matthew Palmer	...	Grieving father
Elissa Kannon	...	Rebecca Watkins
Rima Krisst	...	Ms. Stolesen
Dennis Foulkrod	...	Basketball Coach
Everette Scott Ortiz	...	Eddie
Martin Barela	...	Meno Munoz
Rosalie Traina	...	Counselor Kerry (as Rosalia Triana)

Also Known As:

Lean Like a Gangster (USA) (DVD title)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Company:

Laguna Productions

Movie Connections:

Follows The Price of the American Dream (2001)

As the price rises higher.

As my previous review would attest, I would've never known about the first film had The Price of the American Dream II not gone into production here in New Mexico. I was absolutely blown away by the story and production values of the first on such a low-budget but wasn't sure if the part II could possibly live up to the first. Was I wrong.

The film continues the story of Laura Muñoz (Julieta Ortiz) now in a struggling situation after the murder of her husband Chendo. With the help of her brother Meño, she moves her four children, Manny, Carlos, Alexandra, and Daniel from Los Angeles to a small town in New Mexico hoping to recover and move back. But soon Manny and Alex begin hanging out with gangsters of the area with Carlos and Daniel struggling to stay away from such things. But Laura also faces her own temptations at gaining back money when her boss attempts an affair. It's only further proof that the price of the American dream has risen.

This film soars above the first part, though it could easily be seen as a stand-alone film. The entire cast, including the six leads which brings in Hollywood actors Julieta Ortiz and Luis Arrieta, is a great ensemble of experienced, first-timer, and local unknown actors. In knowing the history of the making of the film, it is amazing what is done on-screen if you have any doubts. Nichole Otero and Nathan Sanchez who play two of the younger Muñoz children shined on screen above and beyond. They were able to bring out their true talent in the film in itself because at the time, all three were first timers.

Including production, the film never loses sight of the big picture. It took what it had made it even better. Director Michael Amundsen worked to the best of his ability and beyond to give the film the production values that show up on screen. Though it takes place in a small town this time around, the action the story brings in and the situations the Munoz family faces ultimately sets the story into a rolling motion that never takes a moment for you to breathe.

Many who have seen number one thought of this along the same lines when it is a completely different film in script, story, and production. From parties to gang violence and even car chases, Price II will surprise anyone. From locations in the wind-swept New Mexico, the film can also be seen as a work of art in the differences of culture. The darkness of the underground life of gangs to the seemingly bright regions of reality.

Another thing that caught my attention was the music. From the beautifully arranged original soundtrack to the rap songs incorporated into scenes of the film. Composed gorgeously by Rich Ragsdale, the written soundtrack was my favorite part from the low strumming of an acoustic guitar to the sound design from an electric guitar much like the moodiness of 21 Grams. Laguna Productions standard of film-making have risen incredibly over the years. Their usual fare has brought forth such films as these as well as great films in the past that continue to entertain audiences. I hope we can expect more like this.