by D. Movieman

“The streets don’t love you back.”
— Anonymous

One of the more tragic realizations I’ve had as an adult is that success doesn’t necessarily eradicate one’s inner demons. In fact, if left unchecked, success (as well as fame) can significantly amplify them. Even the late and great Tina Turner once said, “The good did not balance the bad. I had a terrible life. I just kept going.” What makes this confession so painful is that for so many, the pursuit of success is an earnest one with good intentions. More often, it’s an earnest desire for stability; for peace, security, and a way to provide for those closest to us. What eventually corrupts this desire is not success itself, but the internal and external forces that refuse to let success be enough.

A similar dilemma finds its way to Chito (JayDee), a young Mexican American who dreams of musical stardom, but must contend with the daily reality of financial instability. When a music video of his goes viral on social media, his dream suddenly feels within reach. However, when his mother faces the imminent loss of her home, Chito turns to his uncle—whose business is rooted in the drug trade—for employment. From there, he finds himself caught between the fast but dangerous certainty of illicit riches, or the steady yet uncertain promise of the music he’s invested in.

What I appreciate about Clika is its desire to not only celebrate Mexican American culture, but the music that encompasses it as well. I distinctly recall how the 1997 film Selena was my introduction to Tejano music, and the same for 2006’s El Cantante with Hector Lavoe and salsa music. Similarly, Clika provides a rousing introduction to corrido tumbados, a blend of traditional Mexican ballads that contain elements of trap and hip-hop music. Unsurprisingly, this is where the film truly shines. I say this because JayDee is already firmly rooted in the music world, having fronted the trap corridos band Herencia de Patrones since their emergence in 2018. Throughout the film, these musical performances retained a distinct energy and intensity that pulled me in and kept me constantly engaged.

Akin to films like 8 Mile, Clika is a loosely inspired, semi-autobiographical story. As such, the film ultimately stumbles attempting to integrate fictional plot elements alongside its musical ones. The allure and temptation of easy money through Uncle Alfredo (Cristian E. Gutierrez) and his involvement in the drug trade is where Clika centers Chito’s moral dilemma. However, its inclusion undercuts the importance and impact of Chito’s musical journey. It also shifts the film’s distinctive voice into generically familiar crime drama territory. The beats are too obvious in their setup and payoff, and far too underbaked.

Similarly, the performances lack the polish to elevate the storytelling. Clika marks JayDee’s official foray into acting, and while his performance captures his natural presence as an artist, it struggles to convey Chito’s emotional complexity. Even with the comedic charisma of DoKnow as Chito’s producer friend Blunt and the dramatic intensity of his ever-vigilant mother Mari, the film never finds its footing in shaping its characters. Ultimately, the plot explores the genuine darkness of the drug trade but lacks the conviction to narratively resolve it. Rather than fully reckoning with the impact of Chito’s choices, it quickly pivots towards his redemption arc and music success, framing it as a happy ending.

Fundamentally, Clika frames perseverance and passion as more fulfilling than the allure of the streets, with Chito discovering purpose beyond financial gain. Ironically, like its protagonist, it falters by listening too closely to the streets and not nearly enough to the bold intensity of its music. The result is a film that knows where its impact lies, but never learns to fully trust it.

Rating: 7/10