Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

This movie made Teenage Space Vampires look like Citizen Kane. To those that have actually seen Teenage Space Vampires, it was really that bad. The producer's strategy of hiring line cooks from the Taco Bell on Crenshaw & Slauson to star in the movie obviously backfired. I watched this movie for a good laugh, knowing it was going to be terrible. Unfortunately, it was bad beyond laughter, leaving me praying for a power outage. You're better of alphabetizing your spice rack than sitting through this train wreck of a film. For those who reviewed this movie positively, I must have seen a different version than you. This movie did not contain one interesting or sequential plot line. It now claims the title of the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. Congratulations!

What a piece of garbage. I'm willing to put my paycheck on the fact that all these "positive" ratings so far have been from the actors or the "director" of this sorry excuse of a film. The acting is horrible. The only actor that's OK is the "Raul" guy, and his little love interest... other than that... wow, what a waste of time. Did the director absolutely HAVE to include those two idiotic sex scenes in the movie??? I'm sure he thought it would add to it, but it didn't. What's up with the chick that "gets it" in the "out house" by the train tracks? Whaaaaaat???? Or the scene where they go purchase drugs from the black dude in the ghetto...I'm sure in real life, you go pick up the drugs, then walk back to your car and then walk BACK to the building with the cash in your hand to pay, yea OK....This movie is so below par it enters the comedy realm at best. Skip it, unless you want to have a good laugh. This is by no means a true depiction of the "street life" in Chicago. Not even close. You can just imagine how GREAT "Drive by" must be......my goodness some people really should just stick to their day jobs, and if this is their day job, maybe they should look for a career change!

This is one of the most surprising urban films I've seen so far. The quality of the acting, the production design and the cinematography of this film is truly impressive for a low budget film. Mr. Frausto, I congratulate you on your achievement as an independent filmmaker. This film really pulled me into the world of gang life on the streets of Chicago. It observes you into the story completely and it doesn't let you go. It is raw and it surely felt real.That's the power of this film. It reminded me of "Mean Streets". Also, I have to mention the original music. It was superb. The hip-hop music was right on target. I truly recommend it. It's a must see film!

Once Upon a Time in the Hood is a movie true to reality and a storythat carried me from beginning to end allowing me to feel thepurpose of each character in the movie. There was some greattwists and surprises throughout the story that really caught me bysurprise. The action scenes also kept me at the edge of my seat. Ireally enjoyed this movie and I highly recommend it. It is a greatindependent movie and I hope to continue to see more of Juan J.Frausto's work. I also had the opportunity to see his movie, "DriveBy" are very heartfelt movie. Chicago is a city with a lot of talent and with great Latino movies,lets support it.