Joe Carnahan is a filmmaker that is something of an anomaly. Every now and then, he’ll surprise you with a film that isn’t great, but has some moments that stand out and make you go, “Damn, this isn’t terrible” (“Smokin’ Aces” & “The Grey). Other times, you watch his films that he’s written and you’re like “WTF?!” (“Death Wish” & “The A-Team”). All that to say the latest film Carnahan has written, “El Chicano,” could either be a complete disaster or a surprise superhero film that is pretty interesting and captures an audience.
Judging by the trailer for “El Chicano,” we’re hoping for the latter. In a world of Marvel Studios superhero films that follow a rigid structure and formula, it’s refreshing to see something different. It would appear that Carnahan and director Ben Hernandez Bray subscribe to the Zack Snyder School of Superhero Philosophy, where your vigilantes have no qualms with murdering dudes.
As for the plot, “El Chicano” is clearly influenced by Batman, and it wouldn’t be completely wrong to say there’s a dash of CW’s “Arrow” thrown in for good measure. The film follows a disgruntled LAPD police officer that witnesses his partner get killed and figures the only way to fix his city is to become the mysterious hero known as El Chicano. Sure, this isn’t the type of story that is going to blow minds, but hey, it’s an original concept with a diverse cast, so why the hell not?
Interestingly enough, “El Chicano” isn’t Carnahan’s first foray into superhero storytelling. For the longest time, he was attached to a Fox production of “Daredevil,” which would have been reportedly set in the ‘70s and been a hard-R interpretation of the Marvel character. However, the studio couldn’t get production scheduled in time, and the rights reverted back to Disney, which then turned in the Netflix Marvel Universe.
The film stars Raúl Castillo, Aimee Garcia, Jose Pablo Cantillo, David Castañeda, Marco Rodríguez, Sal Lopez, Marlene Forte, Kate del Castillo, and George Lopez.
“El Chicano” will hit theaters on May 3.
Here’s the synopsis:
When L.A.P.D. Detective Diego Hernandez is assigned a career-making case investigating a vicious cartel, he uncovers links to his brother’s supposed suicide and a turf battle that’s about to swallow his neighborhood. Torn between playing by the book and seeking justice, he resurrects the masked street legend El Chicano. Now, out to take down his childhood buddy turned gang boss, he sets off a bloody war to defend his city and avenge his brother’s murder.