Nacho Libre
The chubby Ignacio is a cook by day and a masked wrestler by night.
If you don't expect much, it's easy to giggle through Nacho Libre, said David Frese in The Kansas City Star. It ain't exactly an Oscar prospect, but the sight of Jack Black's belly in spandex should keep this movie's core demographic happy. Black plays Ignacio, a cook who decides to follow his dream to become a luchador'”the Mexican equivalent of a professional wrestler. He transforms himself into Nacho, a mustachioed avenger with an accent that seems to come alternately from rural Mexico, Castro's Cuba, and 'œthat faraway island nation of Bongistan.' 'œTwo contradictory aesthetics are at work here'”the deadpan and the body-slam,' said Michael Phillips in the Chicago Tribune. Co-written by School of Rock's Mike White and directed by Napoleon Dynamite's Jared Hess, Nacho Libre finds itself in a comedy no man's land somewhere between the two. Where Napoleon was ironic and Rock was sincere, Nacho Libre falls flat on its face. It's possible that this movie will grow on me, but I seriously doubt it, said Owen Gleiberman in Entertainment Weekly. Movies such as Anchorman and The Cable Guy disappointed fans at first look, but those same fans came back, bought the DVD, and watched it a hundred more times. But the lovable losers in those movies had a 'œglimmer of soul' that kept viewers engaged. Nacho Libre's just a fat guy in tight pants.
Rating: PG
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Leaked memo adds to speculation of Justice Roberts' MAGA stance
In the Spotlight A new report details how Roberts has allegedly gotten closer to former President Donald Trump
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Preeclampsia: The dangerous pregnancy condition is affecting more women
Under the Radar The condition of preeclampsia is on the rise and can be deadly if left untreated
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: September 19, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published