The Street King (2002)

Using a unique style of having the protagonist speak directly to the audience, "Street King" is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Richard III," set in Gangland L.A. Jon Seda is perfect as Rikki, the gang leader who is carrying a vicious grudge, against the entire world, especially his family. As a child, his mother gave him away to relatives because she couldn't afford another mouth to feed. He returns and, under the guise of familial loyalty, he methodically, "dispatches" each brother who ranks higher than him, as he climbs the ranks of Gangland royalty, to top spot. This film is not for all tastes, and very "un-Hollywood." The main character has absolutely no redeeming qualities, honor or moral compass. He is the definitive "sociopath." This means there is nobody at all to root for, or even to relate to, unless you yourself, are also a sociopath. But J. Sena has so much damn charisma, that he pulls off the impossible, in that he still manages to charm the viewer, even as he is killing off his own family! No, this is not a mainstream film, and it's doubtful the film makers thought this would make any profit whatsoever. But that is somehow commendable. I imagine "Street King" must have a cult following within the gang community, specifically because of it's accurate portrayal of gang mentality, and of this utter lack of respect for human life. Violent and misogynistic, this ultra-low budget movie is definitely worth a look, especially for the off-the-rails performance of Jon Seda, who has 100 times more sex appeal and talent than 100 Johhny Depps..

With LA gang territory as situational backdrop and the convention of soliloquy/narrative storytelling as method, Street King renders a stunning updated headshot of classic villainy. This is chiefly a character study, not a lesson is gang sociology. The narrative device, so effective here, is, of course, a tradition evidenced most recently on film with Kenneth Branagh's Iago -- the Shakespearean baddy bent on punishing Larry Fishburn's _Othello_ while letting the audience in on each turn of his twisted plot and mind -- and with Al Pacino's incarnation of Rikki's mentor, Richard III, in _Looking for Richard_. These characters are desperate, vengeful, self-isolated men, convinced that the world has stolen their birthrights in one form or other, with `the third wall' -- that's us -- their only true companions. They're bent on revenge, and they relish sharing their process.Now in _Street King_ ( alias _King Rikki_) there too goes Rikki Ortega, with an ironic humor that paints his brand of black all the darker a shade of never-gettin'-over-it. Jon Seda gets the idea; so does the script. The audience gets a stylish swine in modern dress.Too bad the film's release wasn't well publicized. As Hillary Clinton might say, it takes a budget. Seda's performance is laser perfect, and there are some other solid performances as well. (Liz Torres as Rikki's mother is particularly fine.) For the drama of pure devilry, this video is worth checking out.

I saw it under the title "Street King" and thought it was really inventive to have one of Shakespeare's more violent plays, Richard III, translated to hispanic urban gang war, drug trade and street politics. Jon Seda is incredibly good as the evil Rikki Ortega who kills his brothers and rivals to gain power. The movies flows and it really captured my attention. Mario Lopez doing a turn as Rikki's childhood friend who grows up to be 5-O and turf rival was even more interesting and cast against type for Lopez. Good job.

"Street King" sticks Seda out front as a Mexican gang member who climbs the ladder of success in the streets of East L.A. by finding creative ways to "off" his competition. Seda explains his stratagem and gang politics by talking to the camera throughout the film thereby providing constant reminders we're watching a MOVIE (duh)! The film offers okay art and technicals but fails on story, breaching reality in every frame as it withers and finally dies a slow death of purposeless mediocrity. Pass on this sophomoric story and waste of talent. (D+)