A Dark Comedy About A Family Growing Weed in Puerto Rico Keeps You Laughing While On the Edge of Your Seat

What:

When you think ‘family bonding,’ you might think of a board game after Sunday dinner.

How about a starting covert marijuana operation? No? Just me?

Well, that’s what happens in Picando Alante, a crime comedy about a dysfunctional family in Puerto Rico.

Talented horticulturist student Marysol has a dream — turn her passion for growing quality marijuana into a legitimate business. Her two problems are 1) she lacks start up capital and 2) medical marijuana operations require a government sponsorship, which only goes to established businesses.

Denied for a bank loan because of the legally grey nature of her start-up, she turns to her family — her two parents and two siblings — hoping they can covertly grow operations enough at home to meet the government requirements needed to qualify for a medical marijuana license.

Her father, who has a weakness for gambling on horse races, initially rejects the idea due to its illicit nature. However, Marysol’s mother soon convinces him and the family to buy in after reasoning the profits can be used to cover Elegido’s gambling debts, which threaten to lose their home.

The plot soon thickens as Marysol ends up in business with some dangerous people and between the crosshairs of local authorities. Not to mention the messy ups and downs that arise in this atypical family business.

Why:

The family is rather eccentric and specific to Puerto Rico, but incredibly familiar in that we all struggle with sibling relationships, in-laws, and parents who all have problems reeling in their worst impulses. It feels very relatable with some unique hilarious characters for comic relief.

The last two minutes felt rushed, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this movie and think it’s a fantastic example of the film talent coming out of Puerto Rico these days.

Overall, this is an engaging, funny movie for an advanced learner. I highly recommend it as your next watch.

How:

Picando Alante has a runtime of 107 minutes (1 hour 37 minutes). It is currently available to rent via Prime Video for $2-3 USD.