Chop Shop (2008)

- 3 1/2 Eberts

I had never heard of this movie, but Roger had it as a 4 star movie and then he named it as one of his Great Movies. It is about a boy and his sister who live in poverty near Shea Stadium in New York City. The boy works hard at odd jobs and also works in a chop shop. On the side he steals hubcaps, sells bootleg DVDs and is not above stealing a purse.
His sister works in a food wagon and does tricks on the side. They are desperate to make money so that can get a real livelihood. I thought the actors were really good. They contributed greatly to the documentary feel that the movie had.
It's hard to describe how realistic the movie looked and felt. It was almost like someone with a hand held camera followed some real people around, except the quality of the film is so good.
I can understand why Roger liked it so much. It really is a beautifully made movie.