Synopsis

Danny is a young street artist who considers all of Los Angeles his canvas. He frequently risks arrest as he paints incredible murals on bridges and buildings alike. When his older brother is released from prison, past family tensions return to the surface.

Lowriders - Blu-Ray Movie Review

Danny’s father is a legend in the lowrider community and plans to enter his pride and joy “Green Poison” in the local show, hoping to drum up business for his shop. Danny’s brother Ghost builds a competing car but when he loses out, he sends thugs to destroy Green Poison and his father is shot. Danny breaks out of his street art mold and creates a one-of-a-kind car that finally brings prosperity to his family.

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Specifications
Lowriders - Movie Cover
Universal
2016, Color, Rated PG-13, 1 Hr 38 mins
DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: Gabriel Chavarria, Demián Bichir, Theo Rossi
Directed by Ricardo de Montreuil

Rating

Entertainment:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:

Violence: Brief
Sex: Sensuality
Language: Mild

Commentary

Lowriders has the opportunity to present an interesting look into the lowrider and street art sub-culture but falls a little flat thanks to slow pacing and a story that only engages towards the end. That part is, at least, satisfying, but you’ll need to invest about an hour to get there.

Lowriders - Blu-Ray Review

Along the way are a few sub-plots that don’t add much to the film. The family dynamic is well-portrayed by the principal actors but it’s an element we’ve seen in hundreds of previous movies.

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I would have loved to see more about the art of graffiti and the creation of the amazing lowrider cars which get some nice screen time late in the film. Lowriders is worth a rental or download but I wouldn’t watch it more than once.

Technical

The image is rendered in mainly natural colors but covered by a warm, filtery haze that robs clarity. It seems like focus is the culprit rather than film grain or artifacts which are not present. Contrast is well-executed with deep blacks and a mainly bright picture.

Lowriders - Review

Audio is competent but nothing special. Dialog is crisp and well-placed in the front soundstage. There is little need for the subwoofer or surround channels.

Extras

Viewers hoping for more insight into the art and culture of Lowriders will be disappointed by the bonus features which total less than four minutes. You get three shorts that just scratch the surface of the characters and story. A good opportunity has been missed here.

Lowriders - Movie Review