Review

Review Date: 22-June-06
Spoiler Rating: Low
Juju Judgment: Just OK

Nacho Libre (2006)

If you've seen the previews for "Nacho Libre" you've seen the movie's best parts: Jack Black arrayed in a cape and stretchy pants, Jack Black flexing his buttocks in misguided seduction, Jack Black flaming a nun's desire by crushing tortilla chips atop her salad, etc. Yet these teasers are awfully funny and the rest of the picture is affable, so the lack of hidden treasures doesn't get panned by me. Director Jared Hess and his collaborators reveal good intentions beyond the lowbrow in offering a comedy about a simple cook in a Mexican orphanage who dreams of a life with more meaning. Having grown up in the orphanage and taken the vows of a friar, Ignacio (Black) is a man of God devoted to his young charges and their culinary needs. At the same time, however, his head is turned by the spectacle of popular wrestling and its heroes, and by the doe-eyed Sister Encarnación (Ana de la Reguera) who comes to teach at his formerly all-male environment.

One of the more endearing qualities of "Nacho Libre" (notable in the trailers) is how the actors play it straight, although there are a few scenes of varying quality where Black lets loose with the ham (or is it cheese?). (Most amusing is the song Ignacio writes to Encarnación while grappling with destiny in the "wilderness.") A 100-minute movie can't be hilarious all the time, so it helps to have a sympathetic hero and tried-and-true story of a little guy reaching for his moment in the sun. A good buddy line helps too, so Ignacio, transformed into the mock-studly Nacho, is blessed with a sinewy sidekick (Héctor Jiménez) who pushes him in his quest to become a wrestler and take down the obnoxious reigning champion, Ramses. And who can deny the pathos of a fat little orphan (Darius Rose) who rides in the wake of Nacho's dream?

Of course, the movie does occasionally resort to fart gags, fat chick gags, and theatrical smackdowns in the wrestling ring (which amused me solely because they made two big guys down front practically pee their pants). For some, these will be the high point of the experience. For me, "Nacho Libre" is a cute and harmless diversion which is thankfully not pinned down by stupidity.

Copyright © 2006 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.