‘Cesar Chavez’ Trailer Gives Us a Look at Michael Pena as the Legendary Activist
The 'Cesar Chavez' trailer shows off a template that should prove familiar to anyone who goes to the movies with any regularity. It takes an important person with an incredible life story, makes his name the title of the film and casts a recognizable face in the lead, painting a portrait that screams, "This is the definitive story of our subject and, yes, we would appreciate all of the critical attention you could throw our way.' While it's easy to be cynical about biopics like this, 'Cesar Chavez' has one thing going for it beyond the vital subject matters: star Michael Pena.
Pena may not be the biggest name in Hollywood, but he's one of the most talented and consistent, capable of pulling off drama and comedy effortlessly. (Heck, he's supposedly in talks to join Marvel's 'Ant-Man'). Naturally, playing Mexican-American labor activist Cesar Chavez requires him to break out his serious side in a major way. Chavez remains one of the most beloved figures in recent American history, so screwing up something like this would be a pretty big deal. Of course, we expect that an actor of Pena's caliber will bring the goods, even if the movie surrounding him looks awfully familiar in terms of structure and tone.
Behind the camera is Diego Luna, directing his second feature film after 2010's 'Abel.' If you haven't seen that film, you've probably seen Luna onscreen as an actor in movies like 'Elysium' and 'MILK.' He's a dependable guy when he's in front of the camera, but does he have the prowess to make 'Cesar Chavez' as powerful as it deserves to be? We can answer that question in a few months.
'Cesar Chavez' arrives in theaters on March 28, 2014.