Rich Kids has topicality going for it, as it explores our society’s disparity of wealth. Matias (Gerardo Velasquez), his brainy crush Vanessa (Michelle Magallon) and their pals are dirt poor teens. There’s a nearby vacant luxury home, and the kids hop the fence for a dip in the pool. The pool party moves inside, and the kids get to experience what to them is fantasy opulence. Drama ensues.
Unfortunately, Rich Kids wears its social message on its sleeve. The dialogue is too obvious and heavy-handed. Rich Kids becomes a predictable screed. Most of the actors playing the kids are too old to pass for high school students, and they just aren’t able to elevate the dialogue.
On the other hand, the opening scene pulses with verisimilitude, and the actors who play Matias’ parents (who I believe are Ricky Catter and Amelia Rico) are really good.
Rich Kids played at Cinequest.