La Cucaracha

This is an interesting movie. Not the normal type of role for Eric Roberts but as usual, he does a perfect job.

Things start off interestingly with Walter running for the local cantina for some beer and it gets even more interesting from there.

Robert's character Pool seems a bit shallow at times and leaves me wondering about his wanting to be a writer. I wonder what he would have written?

Good movie - don't miss it.

This is a top favorite Robert's film for me!

It's an odd casting for Roberts for some, but in 2023 it just shows how capable he is in practically ever genre! I'd love to see him do more of this!

THIS film is very quirky, dramatic, humorous at times ( thanks to roberts comedic talent) and a lot of not what you would expect. I'm not sure why but, I got wonderful smidgens of those wonderful old Sergio Leone films melded with modern expressionism. It's very different to describe this one because it doesn't fit neatly into a 'box'! It's part western, part drama, part comedy and a lot of surprise.

Well worth a watch if you like all above.

Eric Roberts and Joaquim de Almeida. Great actors. This movie has that cool Mexican atmosphere that was apparent, albeit in a different tone, in Desperado, the film that opened my eyes to Joaquim de Almeida.

After first viewing, the film seems merely average and sort of lost in little details, but once one goes back to delve deeper into its content, we see a film that can be simply interpreted as a character study, that of Eric Roberts. In that, it is most excellent.

If you take the film as that, you will enjoy it immensely. However, if you're expecting a true structure of a film with a solid, moving plot, well then perhaps you may be let down by this one. Whatever, I liked it.

A haunting and exceptionally tight film...a great ensemble cast, from top to bottom; skillfully and thoughtfully directed...keep an eye out for this guy!

There are plenty enough reviews that summarize the plot and give the synopsis of the story but they rarely ever tell you about the movie itself and why you might like to see it. So, if you want to know what the movie is about read the plot outline, read some of the other reviews or read the back of the DVD box. If you want to know why I think this movie is really good, read on.

One of the things I like best about La Cucaracha is that nothing is revealed too soon. Like an intricately folded napkin in a fancy restaurant, the characters slowly unfold their secrets allowing glances at their true selves and in so doing, completely undo their original appearance. It is not until the very end that you know who anyone really is. Eric Roberts gives one of the most engaging performances and plays one of the most likable characters I've seen from him. He gives subtle urgency a whole new meaning. Don't be surprised if you find yourself leaning forward in your seat, your forehead furrowed as you listen to Walter coming clean with his true identity. You may even find yourself rethinking all those assumptions you've made about the people you've met in your past and the things you've done or have yet to do. The rest of the cast is spot on as well. Their characters are all dealing with the deep emotional impact and ramifactions of their own deeds and you feel their pain, you see it etched on their faces. Aspiring filmmakers can learn a lot from this one. The camera work and lighting are so precise that they work as unseen hands in helping the characters reveal themselves to us and each other. Audiences who just like watching a good movie with a good story and interesting characters will love it too. This movie shows the real magic and artistry of film-making.

James McManus wrote a really tight story with just enough humour to keep you from being drawn too deeply in the dark depression that is Walter's life. Jack Perez has once again proven his ability to pull an enormous and beautiful rabbit out of a very small hat. For a real treat and one of the best commentary tracks ever made, buy or rent the DVD.