Lowriders

There's an earnestness and a fundamental truth to this familial saga-as well as an appealing, low-budget scrappiness-that consistently make it hum.

A well-intentioned but superficial story about a deep-rooted Hispanic subculture.

Mexican-American culture isn't merely draped over the story as an added element but woven throughout with a casual practicality that respects both the primary characters and their shot-on-location East L.A. setting.

Excels in its depiction of the Los Angeles of 2017... a fascinating cultural exposure, but lacks a truly impactful story.

It's dispiriting to watch "Lowriders" make every predictable move. It clutters an otherwise well-meaning snapshot of a vibrant community underserved by mainstream filmmaking.

Far more creativity went into the various cars' hood murals than into the screenplay.

The script is balanced by earnest performances and an engaging look into a culture that's grossly underrepresented onscreen.

Lowriders has a lot of thoughtful parts that don't quite mesh into a coherent whole.

Lowriders exudes passion from the cast and everyone involved, and the final result is a passion project that is both poignant and socially relevant despite its many flaws.

An earnest and well-acted character drama about family, conflicts, and common ground.