Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo

So many good films, but this is a great California Story. There are parts that don't work. The frequent comment by an attractive non-introspective actresses is a detraction. And the first of the film, Danny comes across as eccentric and not genuine, but as the film develops the man comes through and one can not come away impressed. There is one former prison guard out there that did Danny a solid by keeping his mouth shut. We are the beneficiary of Danny and some grace.

They should have this film included in the Required High School Curriculum. Excellent!!

This is the second biography of Danny Trejo I have seen. However, this one is very different because instead of others talking about Trejo, most of "Inmate #1" consists of Trejo himself talking about his experiences and telling his life story. Because of this, I think you get to know more about him and appreciate his huge transformation from a street punk to a role model.

While I watched, I was surprised that my wife watched along with me and the story captivated her as well. And, after it was over, she talked and talked about what a nice role model he's become...and how interesting he was in the film. Overall, a truly well made film about one of the most interesting figures in Hollywood.

Watched the world premiere last night at the Calgary film festival. It was so good. I left the theatre so I inspired. I would recommend this film to everyone.

Danny Trejo is an extraordinary person coming from a very ordinary background and his story doesn't need embellishment, litle movie tricks to garner emotion or other crap like that. And that is why this little documentary is a decent one, not as in relatively good, but as in not disrespecting the viewer. It tells the story and that is it. It does have some people that kind of bring up their own opinions without actually having anything important to say, but they show their support for their friend, so it's OK.

In the film you learn how a Mexican gangbanger went to prison, got a break and never looked back. After more than 365 movies under his belt, Trejo keeps humble and helps other with drug addiction, going to prison to present his points and accepting almost every role thrown his way. I knew some of the story, but it is a great one to be told and I was happy to have seen this documentary. Trejo is 76 years old, still going strong and working as much as ever. Many people from Hollywood could learn from him.

Bottom line: See this old man, with an incredulous look on his face, talk about the life that should have ended him in his youth. He still can't get enough of life. A man to be admired and respected.