Not for everyone, but I liked it!

Rating: 7/10 (5 July 2007)

A friar at an orphanage finds a creative way to raise money to provide for the children he takes care of: he becomes a masked wrestler who makes more money to lose than to win. A hilarious addition to Jack Black's filmography, Nacho Libre is a story of empowerment of the individual and that the underdog can often surprise even the toughest critics. The humor is directed mainly at viewers between the ages of 13 and 17, but adults can also enjoy the jokes and comedic situations.
The directing style was very well done in certain instances, but was more often than not a basic approach to filming. The color scheme was effective in representing the idea of a typical Mexican monastery with browns and tans and other earthy tones, but then throwing in vivid reds and bright blues for the wrestling costume of Ignacio (Black). In addition, although it was sweet, the subplot of a love story between Ignacio and Sister Encarnacion (de la Reguera) seemed to be thrown in for no reason than to attempt to make the film "well-rounded". The orphans were the most lovable throughout the film, especially the one who convinces Ignacio to keep pushing on with his childhood dream of becoming a famous wrestler.
Although not for everyone, I certainly enjoyed this film, if for no other reason than it was a fun way to pass a couple of hours. A typical underdog story of triumphing over impossible odds and getting the girl of your dreams, Nacho Libre is a light-hearted, uplifting story, but in essence seems to be better suited for a teenage audience.