Movie Review: NACHO LIBRE Author: Paul Coffland Sunday, June 18, 2005 U.S. Release Date: June 16, 2006 Distributor: Paramount Pictures & Nickelodeon Movies Director: Jared Hess Writing Credits: Jared Hess, Jerusha Hess, Mike White Cast: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, et al Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: PG OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.nacholibre.com TRAILERS: www.apple.com./trailers Jack Black is at his comedic best with his latest effort, Nacho Libre. When he first appears on screen, he is Ignacio, a low-level friar working with orphaned boys in the same monastery where he grew up- an orphan of a Mexican Catholic and a Scandinavian Lutheran. His primary function is preparing meals for the boys which leaves him unfulfilled and everyone else disgusted because his culinary efforts are unfit for man and beast. If only he could become a luchador and satisfy his need for public acclaim. Nacho is born as he teams with a petty thief, Esqueleto, to form an unlikely tag-team as Esqueleto “only believes in science.” Though they wrestle with little success, they discover, much to their delight, that even the losers get paid, and with the use of a beautifully made mask, Nacho conceals his identity. With money in hand, Esqueleto can lead a more prosperous life, and Nacho provides better meals for the orphans, but still Nacho lacks the personal joy that should be his. When his cover is blown, he must leave his home and wander in the “wilderness”. Upon completing some deep reflection, he realizes that wrestling is not evil if it is done for the right reasons- shunning personal glory while providing for the children that need him. He gets his chance when he draws a match with Ramses, the greatest luchadore in Mexico. (You will have to watch the movie to see how it ends) Nacho Libre is a quintessential summer movie- an unpretentious comedy that requires no explanation or analysis. Jared Hess has recaptured much of the spirit that made Napoleon Dynamite so great, although NL looks and sounds better. It is an uninhibited joyride that provides two hours of side splitting humor- not a bad way to spend a summer evening. PAUL’S GRADE: B+ Paul Coffland is the co-founder and a writer/reviewer for ON-FILM.NET. Send feedback to pcoffland@houston.rr.com.