Miss Bala movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Miss Bala

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 104 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: C

IN A NUTSHELL: This is a PG-13 remake of a 2011 Mexican film also called Miss Bala (English Subtitled). I adore Gina Rodriguez and was hoping for a fun blockbuster for her to star in. She’s definitely the best part of the movie, which disappoints on several levels.

By the way, “bala” means “bullet” in English. The “e” symbol for the drug gang stands for “Estrella” which means “star.” Star doesn’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of people who should be very afraid of a drug cartel.

Do you think this movie will make people start talking about a border wall?

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

A LOT of Spanish with no subtitles
You see a girl in her underwear. Other girls wear skimpy clothing.
Gangs
Alcohol and drugs
Lots of gun violence, but very little blood
A surprisingly low amount of profanity considering there are dangerous drug lords and corrupt police. Some critics say that, because of the subject matter, this movie should have been rated R. That’s probably true, but I’m always happy to have more PG-13 options out there.
Talk of rape and prostitution
Kidnapping

THEMES:

Who would you become to save your family?
Female empowerment (The director is a woman, Catherine Hardwicke)
Friendship

THINGS I LIKED:

I think Gina Rodriguez is absolutely fantastic in Jane the Virgin: Season 1. She was really good in this movie, but I was disappointed that the script didn’t allow her to really show off her talents.
I really like Anthony Mackie in anything he does, so it was nice to see him in this film, although his part was very small.
SPOILER: It ends with the promise of a sequel. I love Gina Rodriguez enough that I would actually like to see her in a sequel, as long as it’s written better than this film.
There are a few deliciously tense moments, but just as many missed opportunities.
Ismael Cruz Cordova has really cool green eyes.
It’s been years since I’ve been to Tijuana. I used to live in Carlsbad, California which is in San Diego County. The movie shows nicer parts of Tijuana, although most Americans only know the touristy border shopping areas. I was so surprised to see an aerial view of the Mormon temple that was recently built in Tijuana at the end of the movie (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). It’s really beautiful.