When I saw a preview for Nacho Libre, I thought it would have the goods. Those goods being a Napolean Dyanmite-esque movie thanks to the same director, wrestling, and much hilarity thanks to Jack Black’s acting and the writing. And although they each deliver something, it’s not exactly what I had hoped.
The story is actually not a bad idea. A monk (Jack Black) wants to be a pro wrestler, but God forbids it. But he does it anyway so he can get money to get better food for the orphans at the church. Nice and cute, plus, how often do we get a monk-turned-wrestler plotline? It’s always kung-fu monks. I’m tired of kung-fu monks - it’s about time we got a wrestling monk!
In order to succeed at the wrestling, Jack picks up a tag partner and their battle their way to fame and utlimate glory…all for the kids.
A thought on the title, as King Tom wrote, “nacho libre” translates into “free chips” - which is actually the case. You see, the church runs out of nachos for the kids, so Jack wrestles to get money to buy the nachos so he can give them to the kids - thus, free chips. I’ll admit, without that plot point, it is really nothing more than just a catchy name.
Unfortunately, despite an almost original story, the movie doesn’t deliver as you would hope - at least if you’re a Napolean or Jack Black fan. It seems Jack is a hit-or-miss type of guy; there doesn’t seem to be a lot of grey area with him. To his credit, however, he always seems to put his best foot forward at whatever part he has. Even the best actor can’t turn a weak part into an Oscar part.
The movie certainly has its funny parts, lines, and scenes. Jack Black acts with this awkward accent throughout the film that I think really holds him back. He does so well on his own with inflection and expressions that some of that was lost in the filim.
I won’t say the film drags, but it feels a little underdeveloped. I wanted more to happen with all the characters - in that X3-ish type of way.
Honestly, I was hoping for some more wrestling in the film. I love the Mexican wrestling for the visual and style only. Sure, the high-flying is cool, but there is a style that good ol’ American wrestling (entertainment) does not - and will never - have. But the movie is jam packed with actual luche libre wrestlers, even if in cameo-esque parts. Of course, most luchadors wear masks, so you wouldn’t recognize them anyway…
A good point to the film is really the soundtrack. The theme song, “Religious Man” (which was a bitch to find) is a great little tune, albeit extremely obscure. Apparently, however, the music for the movie was a complete mess due to various artists coming and going on the project. Namely Beck and Danny Elfman.
So, if you liked Napolean Dynamite, you won’t be impressed. If you like Jack Black, you’ll feel a little jipped, but happy and entertained all the same. Certainly don’t go for the wrestling…but go for the fat kid, he’s great.
