Touches You

One of my all time favorites.

Good concept, poorly executed.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard while watching a movie. The first and only time I saw this movie was in the theatre when it came out and at the time I loved it, but I was 16 at the time so I wasn't expecting to like it as much as the first time I saw it. To my delightful surprise, I believe I may have loved it even more this time around. The comedies that have come out these past 10 years have been complete and utter crap. None of them have been funny. None of them have been clever. And none of them made me laugh out loud the entire time like this movie did. A lot of the credit must go to Jack Black. His comedic talent was on complete display here. His physical comedy has never been more prevalent or impressive. He has proved himself with this movie that he certainly could have been amongst the great silent movie actors back in the day. His facial expressions are hysterical and his movements are manic in the best way possible. The director, Jared Hess, did an outstanding job letting us see all of the amazing action on screen with limited cuts, which is such a breath of fresh air nowadays. The tone of the movie reminded me so much of director Jody Hill's movies as well as his show Eastbound and Down, in the way that we are following a character who has a very limited amount of talent but he believes so whole heartedly that he can do the impossible. The music and the cinematography enhances this similarity as well, and it works gangbusters. I believe this very well may be Jack Black's finest comedic performance and it's the one I will most remember him for. So happy this movie exists.

Ignacio (Jack Black) is the cook in a monastery orphanage. Nacho falls in love with the new teacher Sister Encarnación (Ana de la Reguera). He befriends thief Steven (Héctor Jiménez) as they train to be Mexican wrestlers Nacho and Esqueleto.Director Jared Hess of Napoleon Dynamite fame gets a leading comedic talent. It doesn't really work. There are a couple a slightly amusing moments. Jack Black puts on such an unusual mannerism that it doesn't allow the humor to shine. Instead, it's an one-note character that keeps repeating. This seems like a skit character given a full length movie. He's also not that lovable.

This film hits audiences immediately with its playful and friendly humor, which it sustains very well throughout the film. I have seen this film a good many times and each time I watch it I still find myself laughing and having a good time. The characters are well developed and you want Jack Black to succeed. The supporting cast also does a fantastic job of moving the story along, and adding a quirky but real feeling to the entire film. Every person in the film doesn't go over the top in presentation. So even the crazy wrestlers make sense. This is a great family flick and is entertaining for both kids and adults alike. Definitely give this movie a watch.

Nacho Libre (2006): Dir: Jared Hess / Cast: Jack Black, Hector Jimenez, Ana de la Reguera, Richard Montoya, Peter Stormare: Often funny take on wrestling as a monk who cooks terrible meals for orphans dreams of becoming a top Mexican wrestler. This is so to afford better food for the orphans under his care. Hilarious idea follows formula with awkward training and losing bouts until the predicted championship fight that hasn't the comic payoff that it should have. Nacho Libre and his partner were funnier when they were paid as losers. Directed by Jared Hess who had great success with the independent comedy Napoleon Dynamite. Here the budget is bigger but the screenplay isn't as effective as the simple delivery of the other film. Jack Black as Nacho is the strength of the film while Hector Jimenez plays a street bum who would become his partner and together they make a great losing combination. Why the film couldn't play out more on this level as oppose to creating winner, is beyond me. Ana de la Reguera is flat as a new teacher Nacho falls for. Her function is to do nothing more than be a conquest that is never convincing to begin with. Peter Stormare has done grittier roles of far more quality than this. He plays a character billed as Emperor and that is about it. Amusing view of wrestling and the adrenalin to be something more than the screenwriter seems to arise too. Score: 6 / 10