VoML Postfilm Mini-Report: Rudo y Cursi (2008)

TOP BILLED ACTORS
Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Guillermo Francella, Dolores Heredia, Adriana Paz, Jessica Mas, Salvador Zerboni, Tania Esmeralda Aguilar

DIRECTOR
Carlos Cuaron

3 MAJOR THEMES

1. Sibling Rivalry
   
2. Living the Dream
   
3. More Money, More Problems
   

BREAKDOWN
While Rudo y Cursi was directed by Carlos Cuaron, whose brother Alfonso helmed the great Y Tu Mama Tambien which also starred Bernal and Luna, the two movies are markedly different. Rivalry is a theme throughout both but in this film the two play brothers, Tato and Beto, who work on a banana farm and dream of success in their respective passions, singing and gambling. The two are also very adept soccer players and are discovered by a scout while playing a local league game. Their skill as soccer players and instant celebrity provides them an opportunity to pursue their true passion, but may also come with harsh realities for both.

The film was enjoyable, mostly because of the chemistry and overall likeability of the two leads. It's a little funny to think that people with the physical builds of Luna and Bernal could succeed as world class athletes but the film at first does a good job of showing reaction shots of fans rather than the actual plays the two make. When action scenes are finally shown, they are more comical than anything (see Tato's celebration dance) but I suspect they were meant to be that way. The ending was tense and kept me guessing the entire time. I would say that this is a must see for fans of the two leads but also enjoyable for fans of film in general.

I WILL GIVE…-PSon