Wednesday, February 7, 2007

“Nacho Libre”


Best Comedy of '06.

Seriously… Everything about this film rocks. Director Jared Hess, fresh off the cult-hit “Napoleon Dynamite,” gets the opportunity to play with a bigger budget, brighter stars, and better Hollywood material. Hess maintains his stoic and understated tone of humor that thrives on awkward situations and the unordinary, while indulging in the subtleties of highly unique characters. Enter the reigning champ of physical comedy, Mr. Jack Black. Just turn the cameras on and move over rover because Black entertains with even the simplest of gestures ("Nachooooooooooo"). Then throw in some of his signature musical numbers, tons of clever dialogue, and a spectacular supporting cast… you’ve got yourself a main event.

*Expanded Review in "Comments"

1 comment:

Man with a Van said...

*EXPANDED REVIEW:

Seriously… Everything about this film rocks. Director Jared Hess, fresh off the cult-hit “Napoleon Dynamite,” gets the opportunity to play with a bigger budget, brighter stars, and better Hollywood material. But make no mistake; despite the lights of the main stage, this is not the typical slapstick brand of comedy that has become the custom (the type the critics expected). Hess maintains his signature stoic and understated tone of humor that thrives on awkward situations and the unordinary, while also indulging in the subtleties of highly unique characters.

Enter the reigning champ of physical comedy, Mr. Jack Black. Just turn the cameras on and move over rover because at any moment Black can entertain and captivate with even the simplest of gestures. When Nacho imitates his wrestling arena introduction for the convent by proudly/nervously yelling, “Nachoooooooooooooooo,” he manages to shift through 4 different and intense facial expressions, livening an otherwise one-punch joke. Black must have studied some serious Telemundo for this gig, which is obviously written for him, and he drives the bus the whole way home in style.

Also, this comedy is consciously constructed, telling an endearing story that sympathizes with its characters and avoids making fun of itself, from writer Mike White (TV’s “Freaks and Geeks” and the ultimate Jack Black flick, “The School of Rock”). Then throw in some of those signature JB musical numbers, tons of clever dialogue, and a spectacular supporting cast that piles on the creative layers… and you’ve got yourself a main event.