This review contains spoilers.
When I heard that “Clika” was backed by Los Angeles-based Mexican American record label Rancho Humilde, I knew I had to keep tabs on the film. However, after passing its August release date, I didn’t hear anything about “Clika” until the new year.
Directed by Michael Greene and released on Jan. 23, reviews from critics online bashed the film’s storyline, promotion and execution. Between inspiration from classics like “8 Mile,” “Friday” and “Boyz n the Hood” and giving Latinos more opportunities to be in the film industry, I was confused as to the existence of this hate-train.
The film takes place in Yuba City, California, a well-known agricultural hub in the Central Valley. Chito (Jay Dee) is a migrant who works in the fields picking peaches with his homies Flaco (Uziel Pantoja Delgado) and Blunt (Daniel “DoKnow” Lopez).
However, an unexpected rise to fame on social media brings conflict to Chito’s personal life.
So, the only thing that I could do was follow my instinct, head to the cinema and watch the film for myself.
Winter gear, a half-hour commute to AMC Theatres and five minutes to spare before trailers commenced: I was ready to see why “Clika” was receiving much hate from fans and strangers alike. Nine movie-goers, including myself, sat towards the top row and held our own predictions.
As the film commenced, a quick tour of the city showed its vital sources of economic value; busy factories and farms commencing operations for the day. At 3:30 a.m., an iPhone alarm wakes Chito up, and a bedroom showcases both the Mexico and United States flags.
After putting on workwear and kissing his sleeping mother, Mari (Nana Ponceleon), goodbye, Chito walks to the peach farm with a lit cigarette as the sun begins to rise. Labor under a hot sun, singing corridos tumbados and writing lyrics in a navy blue notebook showcases Chito’s dream of becoming a prominent singer in the música mexicana scene.
Upon bumping into his uncle, Alfredo (Cristian “Concrete” Gutierrez), however, familial struggles are revealed.
Chito shares that the home, once owned by his now-deceased grandfather, doesn’t have a stable income, and the bank is ready to foreclose on the generational location. The solution to the problem? Execute “runs,” or trafficking loads of marijuana with Alfredo across the state to quickly make money.
Thankfully, the problems are addressed via the lucrative business, and Chito’s personal life is vastly improved. Shooting a music video that goes viral, dating veterinarian student Candy (Laura Lopez) and a meeting with music executives that ultimately turns out well for the artist paints the picture well.
However, if there were no conflict in the film, then it would clearly be inauthentic and, frankly, boring. Although this section came in the later half of “Clika,” it offered sadness, shock and anger for players like Chito and Alfredo, who are both involved in a life-or-death situation after a 400-pound deal.
After stepping away from the marijuana business, Chito gives his all to writing and recording music while rebuilding his relationships with Mari, Chuy (Josh Benitez), Candy and Alfredo. Brief moments of live performances and photographs with loved ones beautifully wrap up the film.
Tracks from Rancho Humilde artists such as Fuerza Regida, Junior H and Los Farmerz brought a smile to my face. Not only are the songs recognizable, but they reminded me of late nights with friends, live corridos tumbiados and a whole lot of positive energy.
As the leadman of Herencia de Patrones, whose tracks were prominently featured, Jay Dee’s acting debut is quite impressive, as he evokes poignant emotions of joy, sadness and panic through his storyline. Pantoja’s skills as a guitarist and Lopez’s comedic presence add immensely to the trio’s dichotomy throughout the film, especially when moments of tension are present.
Do we have to strictly compare “Clika” to its inspirations? Absolutely not. They can simultaneously have similar and different elements to them. No need to shame first-time actors or even dogpile on executive producer Jimmy Humilde’s responses to criticism.
The mere fact that we have a film like “Clika,” that loosely models Jay Dee’s experience from farmlands to fame, is beautiful. As an avid listener of corridos tumbados and fan of Rancho Humilde artists, the film showcases the ambition Mexican Americans hold in the U.S., whether they are in the music space or not.
At its core, “Clika” is a love letter to the hustlers, workers and the next generation seeking to chase their own idea of the American dream in this country. With the release of the album “El Mundo Es Tuyo” that is directly inspired by the film, I have one thing to say: son “Cosas De La Clica.”
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