25 Jul 2006

Nacho Libre

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Hector Jimenez, Richard Montoya, Peter Stormare

Release: 2006-07-18

The rather lovable Jack Black returns to the big screen as Nacho, a monk who is in the closet — no, not a queer, but a wrestler (although some may feel there is little difference between the two, spandex and all). This is despite the fact the other monks in the Mexican orphanage he is in feel that wrestling is the work of the Devil, and the newly arrived nun, the beautiful Sister Encarnacion (Ana de la Reguera), agrees. This disheartens Nacho, but he still decides to don a mask to start a career in the wrestling circuit — and becomes so good he eventually gets a chance to challenge the king of wrestling, Ramses (Cesar Gonzalez) in an exhibition match.


There certainly are comedic moments in Nacho Libre — it's directed by the man behind Napoleon Dynamite after all, one of the best indie comedy gems in recent years. However, despite a short running time, the movie starts to feel a little tired by the middle, and by the end Nacho Libre seems to have lost its fizz. Part of this problem lies in an uneven mix of gags; the other part is because once the movie's focus moves away from comedy to friendship or romance, Nacho Libre falters.


Nacho Libre will still satisfy moviegoers who are just looking for a fun night out — just remember to check your brain at the door. And come dressed in your leisure pants.