Watch Strike One

Strike One is a crime thriller from 2014 directed by David Llauger Meiselman, which focuses on the life of Juan Garcia, a young man who grew up in the barrios of Los Angeles. The movie stars Alan Corral, who also co-wrote the screenplay, Danny Trejo, James Russo, and Reginald VelJohnson. Juan Garcia, played by Alan Corral, is a former gang member who has just been released from prison. He wants to leave his past behind him and start anew, but his old acquaintances keep getting in the way. When his cousin Hector, played by Danny Trejo, comes to him with a job offer, Juan knows he should turn it down, but he desperately needs money to support his wife and kid.

Hector convinces Juan to work with him on a drug deal. Juan knows it's risky, and he tries to stay out of the business, but his cousin's insistence gets to him, and he reluctantly agrees. Juan quickly realizes that he's in over his head when the deal goes bad, and the mysterious crime boss known as "The Matador" gets involved.

As the situation escalates, Juan finds himself in the middle of a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where he must fight to protect his family and his life. He teams up with veteran Detective Ocampo, played by James Russo, to take down The Matador and his gang of ruthless criminals.

The film takes an unflinching look at the realities of gang life in Los Angeles, showing the harsh struggles that people face when trying to leave the lifestyle behind. The writing is tense and realistic, with some powerful moments of drama and action. The characters are well-developed, and the performances from the cast are strong, particularly Alan Corral's portrayal of Juan Garcia, who embodies the conflicted emotions of someone who wants to do the right thing but is trapped by his circumstances.

Danny Trejo, who has made a career out of playing grizzled tough guys, adds some gravitas to the role of Hector. He's not just a one-dimensional thug, but a man who genuinely cares about his family and wants to protect them. James Russo is also impressive as Detective Ocampo, a weary cop who has seen it all and knows how to navigate the murky world of crime.

Despite its gritty subject matter, Strike One manages to infuse some hope and optimism into the bleak landscape of gang life. It's a story about redemption and second chances, where even the most flawed characters can find a path towards a better life. The film's final scenes are satisfying and cathartic, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and resolution.

Overall, Strike One is a solid crime thriller that delivers on both the action and drama fronts. Its honest portrayal of gang life and the difficulties of leaving that world behind makes it a compelling and thought-provoking movie. The cast is excellent, and the direction is strong, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.

Strike One is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.