"Manito" tells of urban life in a NYC Puerto Rican hood as it follows a buff ex-con, Junior (Franky G), and his little bro, Manny (Minaya), as Manny graduates High School only to see his dreams for the future derailed. You'll find little story in this open-ended slice-of-life-in-da-hood flick which is quick to get down and dirty with family issues and personal problems. What story is in this short 78 minute flick is nothing we haven't seen before but it is very well done, especially for an indie. With kudos from all corners, "Manito" may not be for the public at large but it's grit and realism, good jiggle cam work, ethnic music, and convincing performances make it a rock solid little movie. Recommended for anyone into indie "street" flicks. Mostly English with subs for the Spanish and no CC's. (B)
