La fiesta

In "La fiesta" we can see, once more, that a great budget is not needed to make a good film. With only 6.000€, a simple plot and novel actors, directors Manuel Sanabria and Carlos Villaverde deliver a pretty good film that, even though it brings nothing new to the genre, is funny and entertaining without being disgusting or full of clichés and ridiculous situations like some of the latest Hollywood teen comedies.

The characters are simple, but well developed, although in some moments is obvious that they are all actors without much experience but a lot of potential, specially David García Palencia, who fits perfectly in his role and has some of the most hilarious dialogs in the film. The movie also counts with a great soundtrack.

In resume, it is not a master piece, but a hell of a funny movie that shows how much potential the Spanish cinema has when an opportunity is given.

Some people are apparently amazed by the fact that this film cost little more than 6,000 euros, but I'd say it looks exactly like a film with such a budget. However, it's good to see how these filmmakers came from nowhere and managed a moderate success with their movie.

The plot is nothing special, it's obviously inspired in American teenage films like "American Pie", but the filmmakers prefer to quote Kevin Smith as their source of inspiration. The eventual result is quite fun indeed, but it's also easily forgotten. Some of the performers are shockingly bad, and so obviously amateur. Only Alexandra Jiménez managed to call my attention playing Trini, a wannabe actress who works in a supermarket.

As a whole, I'd say I prefer to watch this instead of the latest American no-brainer, but Spanish cinema has much more to offer than "La fiesta". However, and just for the sake of having a good time watching it, I give it a 6/10.

Nowadays,the script writers have no ideas, and repeat their plots once, twice and a hundred times. That's the Hollywood situation. They must learn how to make a movie like that, with only 6000$ of budget, and with friends like actors. This movie is a fresh air in the spanish cinema which, principally, stinks. Maybe the couple of directors have more opportunities for making more films with the originality what they meet.

One of the best Spanish films of the year 2003, if not the better. No doubt. With a budget of 6.000 euros! Almost a miracle. Very natural actors, fresh and funny dialogues, and a acute look at the Spanish parties. A very good work from everyone. A very recommendable film that can be an example to follow for the new Spanish directors.

Not the best film ever, but taking into account the film was made with only 6000EUR and it was the first film of the directors (Manuel Sanabria y Carlos Villaverde), it is entertaining enough. And the actor Raúl Prieto will definitely become famous one day...