Watch American Lowrider

American Lowrider is a drama movie that tells the story of Danny, a former gang member, and car mechanic who is struggling to keep his life together while also taking care of his troubled teenage son, Luis. The movie is set in East LA, and it explores the world of lowrider cars, a cultural phenomenon that is deeply rooted in Chicano and Mexican-American communities.

The central conflict of the movie is between Danny and his son Luis. Danny has been trying to stay away from his former gang-related activities and maintain his clean record, but Luis is drawn into the gang life, which threatens to destroy the fragile peace that Danny has built for himself and his family. Luis is a rebellious and angry teenager who is hostile towards his father, blaming him for not being there when he needed him the most. Danny, on the other hand, is struggling to connect with his son, who he fears is repeating the same mistakes he made in his youth.

The movie begins with Danny trying to restore an old lowrider car that he dreams of competing in a local lowrider contest. The car has sentimental value to him since it belonged to his deceased father, who passed it down to him. Danny's passion for lowrider cars is not just about the aesthetics; it is also a way for him to escape his past and connect with his community in a positive way. However, his dream is threatened when he is forced to take care of his son Luis, who has been expelled from school and is hanging out with the wrong crowd.

As Danny struggles to deal with his son's rebellious behavior, he also finds himself clashing with his former gang leader, Cesar, who still considers Danny to be part of the gang. Cesar wants Danny to help him sell drugs, but Danny refuses, knowing that it would ruin his chance to be with his family and compete in the lowrider contest. This puts Danny and his family in danger, and they must navigate the dangerous world of gang violence.

Throughout the movie, Danny and Luis must confront their past and present demons to come to a better understanding of each other. Danny's fierce determination to protect his family and his passion for lowrider cars inspire Luis to let go of his anger and join his father in restoring the old car. In the process, the two of them bond, and Luis comes to appreciate his father's sacrifices and struggles.

The movie handles the subject matter of gang violence and familial strife with sensitivity and nuance. It explores the complexity of the Chicano and Mexican-American communities in a way that is rarely seen in Hollywood movies. The lowrider cars are not just props; they are an essential element of the cultural identity and history of this community. The movie pays tribute to the resilience and strength of this community, despite the challenges they face.

The acting is also top-notch, with Valente Rodriguez delivering a powerful performance as Danny. He brings a sense of gravitas and understated emotion to the role, conveying the pain and struggle that Danny has gone through to redeem himself. Erlinda Navarro as Danny's wife and Demetrius Navarro as Luis also do an excellent job portraying complex characters that are not defined by their stereotypes.

In conclusion, American Lowrider is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in exploring the Chicano and Mexican-American culture and the world of lowrider cars. It is a poignant and heartbreaking story of family, redemption, and sacrifice that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

American Lowrider is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.