Goofy, disposable fun

Rating: 7/10 (11 July 2006)

"Napoleon Dynamite" director Jared Hess leaps forward as a filmmaker with his second effort "Nacho Libre." The movie is more cohesive, sweeter, and it jettisons much of the ridicule that soured so many audiences to "Napoleon." (And which made the movie play like Todd Solondz ("Welcome to the Dollhouse") for kids.) With this second effort Hess shows much more promise and has me looking forward to his third effort.
The movie is definitely weird. The opening fifteen minutes are charming, strong, and straight out of Wes Anderson ("Rushmore") right down to the twee and international pop soundtrack. The movie then tosses in a little Jann Svankmajer ("Little Otik"), followed by Sid and Marty Kroft ("Land of the Lost.") The story follows Nacho (Jack Black) as he tries to realize his lifelong dream of becoming a real luchador, or wrestler. The movie, like "Napoleon", lacks momentum, but its comic inventiveness is so refreshing that I was still entertained.
A weird, at times surreal film recommended for its unique vision and unbridled goofiness.
Read more at http://solipsisticblog.blogspot.com/.