Watch A Timely Maneuver

The 2008 film A Timely Maneuver is a mystery-drama starring Bill Mendieta, Amanda Noret, and RonReaco Lee. The movie is directed by Mari Marchbanks and is co-written by both Marchbanks and Mendieta. The film revolves around the story of a struggling Los Angeles photographer, Simon (played by Mendieta), who begins to unravel a mystery that involves his deceased father, a famous artist named Antonio Nuñez.

The movie starts with Simon taking pictures of an old beach house in Malibu. Through his camera, he sees an invisible message that says "Look for me". Simon gets intrigued by this and starts an investigation that leads him back to his childhood home in Texas. Soon after, he meets an old childhood friend, Lila (played by Amanda Noret), and discovers that his father's death was not an accident, but rather a murder, which had been covered up by the authorities.

As Simon starts to investigate further, he discovers that his father had been involved in a complicated web of events that stretched back decades. This includes discovering that his father was part of a larger movement of Chicano muralists who used art to express their political and social views. Nuñez's work was particularly influential, and a valuable piece of art created by him had gone missing.

Simon begins to dig deeper and finds that his father's past was more complicated than he had originally thought. Nuñez had been involved with a group called "The Resistance," who had been working to fight against government oppression in Mexico. In addition to this, Simon discovers that his father was romantically involved with a woman named Nila, who was also involved with "The Resistance."

As Simon continues to unravel the mystery, he finds himself in danger. There are those who don't want him to get to the truth, and he realizes that he might not be able to solve the mystery before it's too late. The rest of the movie is filled with action, plot twists, and revelations that all lead towards the final reveal of what truly happened to Simon's father.

Overall, A Timely Maneuver is a complex and engaging mystery-drama that keeps the viewer invested in the story. Mendieta's performance as the lead is convincing and carries the movie well. The supporting cast also gives strong performances, especially Amanda Noret as Lila, who provides a touch of romance to the movie. The film also succeeds in shedding light on Chicano muralism, a cultural movement that too few people are aware of.

The movie is filmed in a way that aligns with its themes. The use of camera angles and movement displays a sense of urgency and danger. The film's color palette is muted, conveying the sense of gloom and foreboding that the characters experience. Moreover, the movie employs a non-linear narrative, which is not always successful but does help to keep the viewer engaged.

In conclusion, A Timely Maneuver is a thrilling mystery-drama that is worth watching. Its strong performances and unique exploration of Chicano muralism make it stand out from other movies of its kind. The well-executed plot twist and final reveal add an extra layer to the already captivating story. The film manages to be both complex and engaging, which is a rare feat. Anyone looking for a good mystery movie that will keep them on the edge of their seat and is not afraid to tackle complex themes should give A Timely Maneuver a chance.