Despite Serious Flaws, I Liked It Anyway

Rating: 5/10 (17 January 2008)

It is very easy to describe what is wrong with this film. There's a legitimate case to be made that the film is culturally abusive and myopic, and the humor in the film is often stale, forced and dysfunctional. It is much harder however to describe what is right with this film, and why overall I enjoyed watching it.
To begin with, as much as Jack Black's channeling of Ricardo Montalban seems offensive, and cheap, there is some love given to Mexico in the film. Specifically the camera demonstrates the beauty of Oaxaca splendidly  and the director of photography uses every opportunity to show the audience the rich, and impressive landscape of Oaxaca, as well as its impressive and unique architecture.
The music that blends with the film, is also eclectic, and interesting, I found myself wondering what interesting song I would hear next as the film progressed. The Elfman composed ambiance is good, Jack Black's compositions are designed to be over the top, but the real gold lies in the genuine music that is sprinkled throughout the movie.
The story however has some serious warts. The pale allusion to the trials of Moses (and his slow, arching struggle against Ramses), never really flies. I get the metaphor of the "godless idols" being slowly defeated by a man with religious and morale conviction to free his children from starvation, but it was never really hammered home. As such, the general struggle of Nacho never truly captivates you, and of course the ending can be seen a mile away. There are also a lot of superfluous elements to the film, little diversions that go nowhere and stifle the ability to build real interest in the main characters.
I have to say though, that the wrestling in the film is downright entertaining. I am not a pro-wrestling fan by any stretch of the imagination, but some of the athleticism and impressive choreography in the "fight" scenes, resemble a ballet more than a fight, albeit a crude ballet of elephants and freakish dwarfs, but a ballet none the less.
The direction is quirky, unique and somewhat interesting to watch, the film is light, never takes itself seriously, and has one or two moments where the actors wink directly at you along the way. Watching the camera work was very interesting, and I thought overall the film was crafted well, but could have used some serious overhaul in the script and story. The comedy falls flat in this movie and far too often to really be forgiven.
I spent some time in the state of Oaxaca in the early 90's. I had forgotten how beautiful a place it was. This film reminded me of that beauty, with some spectacular shots of its bright blue sky, its lush green mountains, and architecture that blends so well with the overall landscape. For that reminder, I was grateful. So the landscape coupled with the wrestling scenes (that are fun to watch if you enjoy well-rehearsed and well-timed slapstick) was enough for me to enjoy the film, but probably not enough for me to recommend it without prejudice to others.