March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

"The Infiltrator” Going Undercover in the Drug Trade:

By Nick Boyd

“The Infiltrator” is a fascinating true story of a U.S. customs agent named Bob Mazur, played quite well and believably by Bryan Cranston. The movie takes place in 1985 with Mazur going undercover for the government to gain the trust of drug suppliers working for the Medellín Cartel and other corrupt bankers as he poses as a money launderer. At all times, Mazur tries to be very careful, so as not to reveal his true identity. John Leguizamo also gives a good performance as Emir Abreu (Mazur’s partner), who can be reckless at times, but whose savvy street smarts prove to be helpful.

Mazur is even provided by his department with a fake fiancé named Kathy Ertz (played by Diane Kruger). She is also a federal agent, getting the opportunity to experience her first undercover mission.

Well into the movie, Mazur meets Roberto Alcaino, high up in the drug trade business, played very suavely by Benjamin Bratt. Alcaino is married with a daughter and Mazur is trying to use him to get to Pablo Escobar, who is at the top of the Medellín Cartel. Alcaino and his wife take a real liking to Mazur and Kathy and the feeling is mutual. The Alcaino’s invite the two agents into their home for dinner and Mrs. Alcaino even gives Kathy some very expensive jewelry. Trust and loyalty are important attributes to Roberto, but little does he know that Mazur and Kathy are taking advantage of he and his wife. At the same time, late in the movie when the Alcaino’s show up to an event, Mazur truly regrets that they are present, even being in the position that he is in, as he actually cares about the couple.

I found the scenes with Olympia Dukakis playing Cranston’s aunt Vicky to be extraneous. Cranston seemed too old to have two elementary school aged children. Also, it seemed too over-the-top when Cranston’s character smashes a waiter’s face into a cake because the waiter brought a cake saying “Happy Anniversary.” (Cranston was out to dinner with his wife when he spotted one of the drug-level associates that he had befriended and invited him to sit down with he and his wife. He accused the waiter of getting the order wrong saying it should have said “Happy Birthday” for his wife.)
This well-made film skillfully shows the intricacies of working undercover to obtain information. It requires that the viewer pay close attention as the narrative does not spell things out and is in the end a satisfying experience.

in News
Related Posts

Customers at These Palisades Stores Can Get Cash Rewards for Sharing Their Experience

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Thumzup is Starting its L.A. Footprint Expansion with Pacific Palisades Thumzup, a company which aims to democratize the social media...

Homeless Man Sentenced to State Prison for Crimes Against Homeless Women

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Man Pleads No Contest to Series of Sexual Assaults Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, has pled no contest to a series...

(Video) Series A Coffee Now Open in Beverly Hills at 8328 Wilshire Blvd

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Located in the space that formerly housed a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Try the Black Pearl Iced Coffee. @smmirrornews...

Los Angeles County Braces for Heavy Rain, Snow, and Possible Thunderstorms Over Weekend

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

National Weather Service Issues Alerts for Flooding and Possible Tornado  According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service...

Hotel Workers to Speak Out on Harassment Endured at Santa Monica Hampton Inn

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

The Hotel Is One of Five Hotels in the Charter City That Are Still in a Labor Dispute By Zach...

Santa Monica Rotary Club Raises Over $21,000 for SMC Guardian Scholars Program

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

This Grant Will Provide Essential Support to Current and Former Foster Youth Enrolled at the College The Rotary Club of...

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....