Carlitos Way: Rise to Power

RATING:

Starring: Jay Hernandez, Mario Van Peebles, Michael Kelly, Jaclyn DeSantis and Sean Combs. Written and Directed by: Michael Bregman.

I had the pleasure of seeing an exclusive screening of the prequel "Carlitos Way: Rise to Power" starring Jay Hernandez. Latinos and fans of the original - you will love it!!

In this prelude to the original with Al Pacino, young Carlito (Jay Hernandez) and his crew of Rocco (Michael Kelly) and Earl (Mario Van Peebles) become successful heroin dealers in 1960s Harlem when they team up with Artie Jr. (Domenick Lombardozzi).

“Heroin had moved in before I got here…I never stick in a needle in nobody” – Young Carlito

Rocco’s misguided younger brother Reggie (Mtume Gant) provides the necessary counterpoint to Carlito justifying his dealings. “You take advantage of your own people.”

This movie has the requisite love story, enough action without overdoing it and a brilliant ensemble cast.

Jaclyn DeSantis plays Leticia, Carlito’s beautiful girlfriend. There is a steamy yet tasteful sex scene between Leticia and Carlito that alone is worth the price of admission.

There are great appearances by undervalued Latino actors such as Juan Carlos Hernández as Leticia’s protective brother Sigfredo and Casper Martinez as Carlito’s pal Colorado, but it is Luis Guzman that steals the show as hitman Nacho.

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs shines as Hollywood Nicky. Mario Van Peebles, Michael Kelly and Domenick Lombardozzi could not have been better cast!

Jay Hernandez is a star in the making. This kid captures the mannerisms, voiceovers and charisma as a young Al Pacino. He's tough, likeable and does justice to the role.

While we still have some unanswered questions at the end (I won’t spoil it for y’all), this is definitely worth checking out whenever Universal decides to release it in theaters.

Peace,
Anonymous Latino Movie Fan