Under The Same Moon

UNDER THE SAME MOON (PG-13) Paula Riggen’s feature directing debut, this poignant film showcases a troubling social issue in a story so compelling as to evoke tears from even the strongest in the audience.  A touching tale of a little Mexican boy, Carlitos (Adrian Alonso), and his heroic attempt to travel alone from Mexico to L.A. to find his estranged mother, will capture your heart. All politics aside, the raw emotion involved in Carlitos’ plight sheds a very personal light on a persistent topic of debate, illegal immigration.

Fine performances are found throughout the cast. Authenticity and believability are top-notch. For example, the performance of Eugenio Derbez as an unwilling mentor to the young Carlitos is outstanding. Watch for a cameo from America Ferrara of Ugly Betty fame. Filmed in Spanish with English subtitles, Under the Same Moon loses nothing in translation. A standing “O” was given to the Sundance 2007 premiere of “La Misma Luna.” And you may just agree with their reaction!

Mary K. Morgan is a member of the St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association. View more reviews at St. Louis Film Reviews