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A mixed bag at the movies, this weekend:
* “Nacho Libre“–Jack Black stars in this patently dumb, unfunny, and just plain cheesy comedy about a Mexican monk who is a wrestler by night, cook of slop by day. In fairness, I should probably not review this movie, because I walked out in the middle, one of 2-3 times I’ve done that in my life. But the movie was THAT bad, not to mention, filled with bigoted portrayals of Mexicans (and Blacks). The Catholics aren’t treated too well, either. If you liked the “Three Stooges,” you’ll love this movie. But otherwise, don’t waste your time. Apologies to Larry, Curly, Moe, and Shemp, because they were, at least, funny.

* “The Lake House“–Readers of this site know that I generally dislike chick flicks. Still, I found this romantic science fiction fantasy movie charming and enjoyable, if a much duller 2000s version of a Schlussel favorite, 1980’s “Somewhere in Time.” Starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, two actors I usually avoid at all cost, this remake of Korean film “Il Mare” is about two inhabitants of a lake house, one current and one former, who fall in love through a series of letters. But for one problem, they discover a time warp–one is living in 2004, the other 2006.

And that’s the main problem with this movie. They handwrite letters to each other, anguishing over how they will ever meet up. But, hello, they could have easily used the internet or, even, good old fashioned telephone directory assistance to find each other. This is, after all, only a two year difference and it is in the 2000s, not the 1930s. And that’s what makes suspension of disbelief severely difficult with this movie. Ditto for a tree that grows from a mere sapling to a giant one in just two years.
Could have done without the–not one, but THREE!–pronouncements about “global warming” inserted into this film and completely irrelevant to the plot. Thanks, liberals.
This is no “Somewhere in Time,” though it badly wants to be. Still, it’s a light-hearted, escapist, fun movie with a happier ending than “Time.” And FYI, there is no sex or violence in this film. But, in the end, the most interesting thing about it is the very cool, unusual lake house that connected the two main characters.
Bottom Line: Skip “Nacho Libre,” but check out “The Lake House.”