I recently saw Michael Greene’s new film, “Clika,” and it’s fascinating. The title refers to a slang term within the corridos tumbados music scene – basically, a group or crew, but within this really interesting blend of Mexican storytelling and American trap music. It’s a modern take on traditional corridos, adding rap and hip-hop elements and focusing on the experiences of Mexican Americans. What makes it even more special is that Jay Dee, the frontman of the band Herencia de Patrones – who are really pioneers of this sound out of Yuba City, California – stars in the film and it’s loosely based on his own life. It’s a really authentic piece of work.
Jimmy Humilde, a record executive and the CEO of Rancho Humilde, produced this film with the goal of showing that Mexican American stories deserve to be told on the big screen. This is a worthwhile and timely effort, especially now when Latino Americans are facing unfair scrutiny. If Humilde and director Greene succeed with “Clika,” it’s because they’ve highlighted the importance of these stories, as Latino representation in film is often severely limited.
This film will also introduce the music of Jay Dee to a broader audience. For some, he’ll be a new artist to discover, while his existing fans will enjoy seeing his talent on screen.
While “Clika” has some positive aspects, it would have been better suited as a documentary or concert film about Jay Dee. The few moments of actual concert footage near the end, showing his character Chito achieving musical success, are far more engaging than the predictable gangster storyline the film forces onto Jay Dee’s life.
The new release, “Clika,” out January 23rd, tells the story of Jay Dee’s path from growing up on a farm to achieving online success with his band, Herencia de Patrones.
The main weakness of “Clika” lies in its script. Penned by Greene, Humilde, and Sean Sullivan McBride, with story contributions from cinematographer and producer Ski-ter Jones, the film feels like a collection of tired tropes. It relies too heavily on characters talking and narrating, which highlights the cast’s inexperience. Instead of letting the story unfold visually, the film simply tells us what’s happening, making it hard to connect with the characters or understand their motivations. The emotional impact feels forced, and several plot points don’t quite add up.
Okay, so this movie hits a lot of familiar notes – it’s the classic story of a small-town kid with big ambitions, desperate to get out from under the weight of a simple life. Our main character, Chito, just wants more than farm work, and honestly, the actor playing him really lived that life himself. The plot kicks in when his uncle gets involved in some illegal activity – transporting marijuana – to save the family home. Chito gets drawn in, and predictably, things escalate quickly. He enjoys the money and the lifestyle, but it’s clear from the start that this can’t last. Ultimately, the film delivers a pretty straightforward message: there are no easy routes to achieving your dreams, and shortcuts always come with a price.
The movie relies heavily on overused clichés and doesn’t do a good job of establishing the main character, Jay Dee, or highlighting his personality and talent. The only performer who feels natural on screen is DoKnow, who plays Jay Dee’s friend and producer, but even he’s stuck with cheesy, outdated scenes—like a predictable slow-motion shot of a woman (Paola Villalobos) meant to feel overly suggestive, more reminiscent of a 1980s comedy than a realistic story about someone overcoming hardship.
The story could have been much more engaging with stronger visuals and a better sense of setting, helping viewers connect with the music, understand its popularity, and learn about the context surrounding its creation. Currently, the presentation doesn’t quite do justice to Jay Dee’s talent, and he appears uncomfortable.
Corridos are known for their storytelling, and the newer ‘trap corridos’ blend this tradition with fresh narratives and sounds. Unfortunately, the film ‘Clika’ doesn’t quite live up to its potential. While it’s a significant and worthwhile film in terms of what it portrays, it lacks the artistic flair and energy needed to truly capture its subject’s spirit.
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2026-01-24 03:01