MARIA FULL OF GRACE (2004)  **1/2

The acting, directing, and editing are all quite accomplished yet not quite inspired in this story of a pregnant Colombian 17-year old who takes on the job of a drug mule as an easy way out. Lead Catalina Sandino Moreno has a quiet beauty that certainly keeps one’s eyes focused on her, but she may be too beautiful for the role. Writer-director Joshua Marsten doesn’t quite know what to do with the story once Maria is in Queens and her sidekick, Blanca, keeps coming in and out of the plot as needed. Still, it’s a strong effort on Marsten’s first time out if a bit flat.