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| Movie Review: Rudo y Cursi Alternate Title: Sibling Rivalry
Story: It is hard to believe
that seven years has gone by since we were introduced to the charm and
talent of Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna
in Alfonso Cuaron's Y tu Mama, Tambien. Together
again, this time as brothers in an energetic, sweet and sour film written
and directed by Carlos Cuarón and produced by
his brother, Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González
Iñárritu (Babel) and Guillermo del Toro
(Pan's Labyrinth).
Rival soccer playing, banana picking country innocents, Beto and Tato,
long for a richer more successful life. Opportunity knocks when a conniving
scout eyes them playing soccer on their local dirt field. In the ensuing
rags to riches story we see how these lovable country bumpkins adjust
to life in the fast lane of Mexico City and all of the temptations it
has to offer.
One of the brothers is nicknamed Rudo (tough) and the other Cursi (corny)
as they make their way to the 15 minutes of fame they so yearn to attain.
As they always say 'be careful what you wish for.' This charming, funny,
semi-tragic morality play takes us through the rise and fall of the
two adorable brothers. You will laugh, you will cry, you will root for
them and you will thoroughly enjoy this frenetic, high energy treat.
Goooooooooooooooooal!
Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAMlwcJchoQ Acting: Gael García Bernal as Tato, is adorable,
charming, totally in character and one of my favorites. Diego
Luna as Beto, reminded me of Charles "Chachi" Arcola
on the sitcom Happy Days and was also terrific in his part. Guillermo
Francella as Batuta was perfectly sleazy. Trivia: Gael García Bernal
was born in Mexico and studied acting in London. His favorite actor
is Javier Bardem and would love to work with him in the future. He played
Ernesto 'Che' Guevara twice: in Fidel (2002) (TV) and in Diarios de
motocicleta (2004). Diego Luna Alexander was born in
Mexico City, Mexico on December 29, 1979. His mother died when Diego
was only two in a car accident. He soon became immersed in his father's
passion, entertainment - he is the most acclaimed living theatre, cinema
and opera set designer in Mexico. He has been best friends with Gael
García Bernal since childhood.
Predilection: I am a huge fan of Gael Garcia Bernal.
Critters: A squirrel monkey and some cocks in a short
but squirmy cock fighting scene.
Food: Freeze dried soup with shrimp.
Sex Spectrum: Some boobs and a fumbling sex scene
in a kitchen. Many male tushies in the showers.
Blatant Product Placement: A Hummer
Soundtrack: Perfectly fitting including one hilarious
video by Tato of Cheap Trick's 'I Want You to Love Me' that is worth
the price of admission.
Visual Art: There are two paintings featured that
made me laugh out loud. Hint: one is of a hologram with Jesus' eyes
moving around.
Theater Audience: Fairly crowded for a Sunday afternoon
on Mother's Day. Quite a few Spanish families enjoying the film together.
Weather: Hot
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: I do not like cock fighting even if
we do not actually see them fighting.
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout. Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: The big screen is always much
more fun. For some rentals try any of these Gael Garcia Bernal's
six Oscar-nominated films: * De tripas, corazon - (Best Live-Action
Short Film) * Amores Perros - (Best Foreign Language Film, Mexico)*
El Crimen del Padre Amaro - (Best Foreign Language Film, Mexico)* Y
Tu Mamá También - (Best Original Screenplay)* The Motorcycle
Diaries - (Best Song, Best Adapted Screenplay) * Babel - (Best Picture,
Best Director, Best S. Actress, Best S. Actress, Best Original Screenplay,
Best Editing, Best Score)
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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