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DeyeJoe
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Reviews
Nacho Libre (2006)
The ONE to Watch: Héctor Jiménez
Alright, so I'm a bit biased, having recently served as Camera Operator on another film co- starring Héctor Jiménez.... Killer Pad... The hardest part of that job was trying not to ruin the sound takes with my explosive laughter!
Héctor has a great sense of physical comedy, reminiscent of Charles Chaplin... his mere appearance on screen is bemusing.
Overall, Nacho Libre shares this same kind of comic simplicity: it plays out as if the actors are on stage, relying on their own sense of timing, rather than using editing techniques to set the pace of the humor ... Jared Hess definitely understands this approach to comedy.... it is what gives Napoleon Dynamite its on-screen power.
There is a very encouraging message carried in the writing of Nacho Libre that does not overshadow the humor. The story is simple, the characters are equally uncomplicated, yet they are respectively sincere and sympathetic. It makes for a charming, warm and enjoyable "feel good" experience.
Yes, Jack Black carries the day as the movie's "Hero," but I guarantee you'll be laughing harder at Héctor! He's the One to Watch in this film.
Along for the Ride (2000)
Story, characters and photography overcome the obvious low budget.
I enjoyed this film for its "slow" development. The background of the characters and their relationship to one another is revealed the way one peels an onion: one thin layer at a time.
The plot, characters and photography overcome the obvious budget limitations to the point where one can forgive the occasional "roughness." In fact, this rugged (ragged) motif, set against the Mexican Desert, actually helps propel the story.
There were brave attempts on the part of the Cinematographer to give visual distinction to the "fantasy" sequences. These touches, perhaps a bit too subtle for the average viewer, would have been greatly improved with more money and resources, I am sure. It does, however, demonstrate the spirit of the overall film: This was obviously a work of passionate storytelling.
Cats & Dogs (2001)
If you've ever had a pet cat or dog... This one is a MUST SEE
I had the pleasure of viewing this very clever film with my 10 year old daughter. Her opinion: "It was GREAT" (and believe me, she can be quite picky)
I was especially humored by the "Russian," a cat in serious need of an attitude adjustment.
The special effects were just a tad hoaky, but it suited the spirit of the comedy perfectly.
If your children liked "Spy Kids," they will thoroughly enjoy this movie. If you have ever had a pet cat or dog, this film will really tickle you too!