The Fast and the Furious

Who:  Amber
What:  The Fast and the Furious
Where:  on cable
Why:  Why the heck not!

This movie is a classic. Don't laugh or try to deny it.

Brian (Paul Walker) is an undercover police officer, and he's super cute.  There has been a car racing gang robbing big rig trucks.  The gang drives up in their super cool racing cars, boards the truck, and takes the merchandise somehow.  Brian has a short window of time to figure out what's going on.

Undercover Brian dives right into to the world of illegal street racing.  He's got a sweet car, which he immediately loses to Vin Diesel (Dom) in a street race.  After the race, the police stop by, and Brian helps Dom get away, so Dom assumes he's a good guy.  Dom's family/gang are questionable about Brian (they think he might be a cop), but Dom is the leader, and he approves.

Dom's younger sister also approves. *Me-ow!*

As Brian hangs out with Dom, his sister, his computer wiz friend, and stupid nerdy friend he realizes that they are all really great people, just trying to live their lives, and racing cars.  Brian reeeeally hopes that they are not involved with the robberies.  There is a rival, evil car racing gang.  Hopefully they are involved.

Lots of car racing, gang shoot outs, and truck robberies later, we find out who really is behind the robberies.  Is it Dom and his crew, or the rival car racing gang?  Will Brian be sucked into this uber-cool life style, or will he arrest the real thieves?   This movie is always on cable somewhere … if you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend it.

Also, laugh at Paul Walker's acting skills. He's a pretty face, but the acting struggles at times.

John Tucker Must Die

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  John Tucker Must Die
Where:  @ home - recorded off cable
Why:  It looked cute

This movie was a big ball of cheesy fun.

John Tucker is the hottest guy in high school.  He's dating the head cheerleader (duh!).  He's also dating the head of the school paper.  He's also dating another stereotypical teen - the earthy, vegetarian.  The 3 girls find out about each other, and they formulate a plan to get back to John Tucker.

Kate, the new girl in town, has no friends.  I find this IMPOSSIBLE to believe b/c she's incredibly hot (Brittney Snow).  She's also super smart, and hangs out with a nerd-ish boy with curly hair.  He just happens to be John Tucker's younger brother.

The 3 ditched girls convince Kate to 'fake' date John Tucker, then break up with him and break his heart.  She goes along with it, b/c she's happy to finally have some friends.  The girls help her become even hotter, and teach her classic dating techniques.

I'm sure you can see where this is going ...

As teeny bopper as it may sound, it was actually a quality movie.  It has a happy ending, but it doesn't end in your typical teenage fashion.  If you can find it on cable, and you are looking for some giggles, check it out!

CHiPs 99

Who: Bill
What: CHiPs 99
Where: Old tape recorded when it first aired
Why: One of my favorite childhood shows was "CHiPs"

CHiPs--an acronym for California Highway Patrol-- originally aired from 1977 to 1983 on NBC. The show followed the adventures of motorcycle officers Jon Baker (Larry Wilcox) and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello (Erik Estrada) as they patrolled the vast Southern California freeway system and surrounding streets. High-speed chases, spectacular slow-motion car crashes and plenty of light humor along with John Parker’s memorable theme song and a disco soundtrack by film composer Alan Silvestri (starting in the second season) made CHiPs a very popular show with young viewers for most of its six years. In October 1998, 15 years after the last episode, cable network TNT brought back most of the original stars for a reunion movie clearly designed for those who watched the show either in its first-run era or during the years of reruns that followed. The movie was called CHiPs 99, even though it premiered in the fall of 1998.


In the movie, Ponch has returned to the CHP, teaming up with Jon (now a Captain) to investigate the theft of high-end automobiles. The story is reminiscent of the first episode’s main plot back in 1977, right down to a similar opening chase sequence. Helping out Jon and Ponch are their former Sergeant-- now Commissioner-- Joe Getraer (Robert Pine), former Officer and now Detective Grossman (Paul Linke), Officer Baricza (Brodie Greer) and just-promoted Sergeant Bruce Nelson (Bruce Penhall). Along for the ride are newer recruits Officer Roulette (Paul Korver), Office McFall (David Ramsey), helicopter pilot Stormy (Sean Holland) and Jon’s wife Officer Sandy Baker (Stacy Randall). Special cameo appearances are made by Garry Marshall, Stephen J. Cannell, Judge Judy Sheindlin, CHiPs creator Rick Rosner, and infamous celebrity lawyer Johnnie Cochran.

It is great to see Ponch and Jon back together again, albeit a little older, a little wiser and a little heavier… or in Ponch’s case, “paunchier”. It’s actually a testament to the excellent on-screen chemistry of Estrada and Wilcox which makes this movie and the original series fun to watch. Although CHiPs appealed especially to kids and teens, CHiPs 99 acknowledges that audience is now grown-up. That maturity level is reflected in scenes involving serious danger and the use of mild profanity in a few scenes. Additionally, the movie provides appropriate closure that was missed when the series ended.

When Wilcox left CHiPs in 1982, it was thought that Estrada’s higher popularity would be enough to sustain the show. But viewers quickly missed Jon and CHiPs reached the end of the freeway a year later. For that last year, Ponch was given new partners, first Bobby Nelson and then brother Bruce. It is noteworthy that Tom Reilly, who played Bobby, proved to be a difficult person on the set and his arrest for drunk driving and drug possession led to his role being significantly reduced. The well-liked Penhall effectively became the new co-star. For fans of the series, a rescue scene in the movie involving Jon and Bruce takes on added significance as the two never appeared together in the series.


While no further CHiPs reunion movies were produced, a feature film starring Wilmer Valderrama as Ponch is being planned for later in 2009. In the meantime, CHiPs 99 may occasionally air on TNT. It's worth catching if you find it and a definite "thumbs up".

Pineapple Express

Who: Liz and Robert
What: Pineapple Express
Where: home
Why: we wanted to
Well, I have to be in the mood for movies like this and I sort of enjoyed it. The whole premise of this movie is this stoner, is about to serve a asubpoena to this guy and he watches the guy murder someone! This is after he has just picked up some new type of pot from his dealer. Well, it is all about trying to not be found by the guy who murdered the person and what happens to the stoner guy, ( I forget the names of the characters) and his drug dealer and the drug dealer’s drug dealer. It was such a farce because with all the shooting going on, people should actually be dead, but similar to a cartoon, these folks live and actually walk around! Without medical intervention- I mean this doesn’t happen in real life.
The funniest part of the whole movie was dinner with the stoner’s girlfriends’ parents. I really laughed out loud at that part, but the rest of it was just kind of stupid.
If you are in the mood to just laugh and put aside all normal ideas about the way things happen, then this movie is for you.

Waitress

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Waitress
Where:  @ home - recorded off cable
Why:  Jonathan picked it

I was surpised when Jonathan picked this movie.  I think he thought it was a comedy.  It was kind-of funny, but it was way more drama than comedy.

Jenna is a waitress at Joe's Pie Diner.  She is a pie making genius (makes crazy named pies called "Earl's a Jerk Apple" and "Mermaid Marshmellow"), but she's stuck in a loveless marriage.  Her husband Earl is a total jerk, but he does show flashes of niceness.  It's an odd character, he's controlling (Jenna isn't allowed to have a car and she has to bake for him 24/7), but he does love her.  You have to hate him, but you're torn at the same time.

The opening scene shows Jenna and her 2 work friends in a bathroom.  Jenna is holding a pregnancy test ... it's positive!  She is upset.  She's trying to save money to run away from Earl.

I don't want to give a lot away, b/c it's a really cute movie.  Jenna deals with the pregnancy the smart way, she eats properly, goes to the doctor all the time, but she's not excited about it at all.  Don't tell her "congratulations", that's for sure.

Did I mention she does to the doctor all the time?  That's because her doctor is really cute.  Dr. Palmater thinks Jenna is cute too.  Too bad he's married.

Will Jenna run away from Earl?  Is the doctor really married?  Will Jenna win the pie contest, and win a bunch of money?

One sad note, one of her pie co-workers is the writer of the movie.  Unfortunately she was murdered before this movie aired at the Sundance Festival.  She was a great actress and obviously a great writer.

Yes Man

Who:  Amber
What:  Yes Man
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  I didn't want to see Bolt again

This movie was REALLY funny.  If you enjoy the 'classic' Jim Carray movies (like Liar Liar and all his "I make funny faces" movies), then you'll love this flick.

Carl (Jim Carray) is a "no" man.  He got divorced 3 years ago, and he's in a real funk.  He's stuck in his same job, and all he does is watch movies alone at home (he likes the movie Saw - you go Carl!).  He runs into an old acquaintance who forces him to going to a "YES" convention.  A guru tells him to say 'yes' to everything.  Carl starts saying yes to everything (and I mean EVERYTHING), and his life really turns around.

His 'yes' adventures lead him to meet a hot chick, he has fun with his friends staying up all night, he learns hot to fly a small airplane, he has a mail order bride, learns to play the guitar, etc ...

I don't really want to ruin any of the plot points, b/c it's all really funny.  You know the hot chick is going to get mad at him and all that stuff, but it's pretty funny (and not so 'out there' as you might expect) what ends up happening.

I highly recommend this movie! 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Who:  Amber, Jonathan and my MIL
What:  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Where:  Pay Per View
Why:  MIL picked

This movie was super cute!  I didn't want it to end.  What happens to the girls next?!?  I must know!!!

Although, how old are these girls?  And where do their unlimited funds come from?  Everybody is flying to Turkey, to Greece, Alabama, etc.  I want to be in the sisterhood!

This story leaves off 2 years after the first one (I think).  The girls are home from their first summer of 4 different colleges.  Carmen (America Fererra) is the only one really trying to keep the pants ritual together.  The other girls just aren't into it anymore.  Everything is changing ...

This movie has a lot going on.  It could really be 4 movies in 1.  Tibby is living in NYC going to film school.  Carmen goes to New Hampshire to work backstage in a play (but get's the lead - who could've guessed?).  Bridgette is off to Turkey on an archeology camp scholorship thingy.  And Lena is taking summer school classes somewhere (I can't remember - somewhere in the North East b/c she's close to NYC).

Of course, crazy stuff happens to all 4 girls.  Tibby might be pregnant.  Bridgette rediscovers a long lost grandmother.  Carmen gets the lead in a play (did I ruin it for you?!?).  Lena discovers that her boyfriend from Greece is all sudden married!

Tears ensue ... and everybody ends up happy in the end.

Open Season

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Open Season
Where:  @ home - free Starz weekend
Why:  Jonathan picked it 

Normally non-Pixar movies are always 100% kid and kind-of lame.  But I really enjoyed this movie!

Boog is a bear.  A bear who lives in a garage of a forest ranger.  I guess she rescued him when he was a cub, and Boog is very happy living in a garage.  He's got a warm cozy bed, an adorable teddy bear, a toilet (how does a bear use a toilet and not break it?), and a great forest ranger mom who loves him very much.

Elliot is a deer.  A little teeny tiny weeny deer.  Elliot breaks into Boog's garage, introduces him to candy ... and then run into town to eat more candy at a 7-11 type store.  When the cops find the animals, they send Boog & Elliot into the wild to live.  Boog is just too big and potentially dangerous to live with people anymore.

Unfortunatly it's Open Season for hunters.  Plus Boog has no clue how to live in the wild!  The best part of his 'getting to know the wild' learning was going to the bathroom with out a toilet.  He asks Elliot where he goes to the bathroom and he replies, "you know, I never thought about it."  All the while, little deer turds are falling out his butt.  It sounds lame and gross, but it was just very realistic (and hilarious!) poop.

Hunters show up, so Boog and Elliot round up all the animals (crazy squirrels, cute beavers, war veteran ducks, etc...) to scare the hunters away.

Will Boog scare the hunters away and find his way back to down to his safe garage?  Stay tuned ...

The Sweetest Thing

Who: Amber
What: The Sweetest Thing
Where: @ home (I own it on DVD)
Why: It's hilarious!!!

I am so glad my roommate James introducted me to this movie. It is so funny, and so girly.

Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate are best friends, with super quick witty banter and throwing guys away like yesterdays trash.  Selma Blair is thrown in the mix, for apparantly no reason, but she's great regardless.

A cute guy comes into play, a roadtrip ensues, their is a montage of horrible dresses being tried on, etc ... Throw in some Jason Bateman (this was before having Jason Bateman in a movie was cool!) and yourselves have a kick butt movie!!!

I highly recommend renting the "unrated version".  You will have the Penis Song stuck in your head for the rest of your life!!!  And "unrated" back in 2002 didn't mean actually seeing any private parts (cough *Walk Hard* cough), it just meant singing about them.  It's one of my all time favorite movies.

Big Fat Liar

Who:  Amber
What:  Big Fat Liar
Where:  @ home - DVRed off cable
Why:  I like Amanda Bynes

I admit it.  I, a grown woman, looked up 'Amanda Bynes' on my DVR and recorded all her movies.  She's such a cutie, and she's a great little comedian.

This was a fun movie.  Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes are 14.  They are best friends (nothing more - that was kind-of sweet).  Frankie is a liar.  He lies to his English teacher, he lies to his parents ...

Long story short, he writes an English paper about a big, fat, liar (himself).  It gets stolen by a Hollywood producer and is going to be made into a movie.

So Frankie and Amanda head to Hollywood.  How do two 14 year olds get to Hollywood on their own?  Don't worry about it.

They find the producer, he won't admit that he stole the story, so they try to make his life a living hell.  Good thing the producer is a huge jerk, because his assistant, director, limo driver, stunt man, security, etc all agree to help Frankie and Amanda.

Is this movie over the top and silly - yes.  Is there a pointless montage of trying on Hollywood costumes - yes.  Do Frankie and Amanda ever eat anything while they are in Hollywood on their own - no.  Do I recommend this movie to adults and children alike - YES!

Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Where:  @ home off Pay Per View
Why:  Jonathan picked it out

Let me first stay that I love the first Harold and Kumar movie.  I just love it!

This movie ... not so much.  The first movie was very simple.  This movie was crazy thing after crazy thing after crazy thing.  It was just too much.

I also vote for a title change, because Harold and Kumar break out of Guantanamo Bay with in 15 minutes.

I did like how this movie starts out litterally 10 minutes after the first movie ends.  The boys are back home after their White Castle fiasco.  Harold is dreaming about that hot chick he kissed in the elevator, and Kumar is taking a huge dump (he did just eat 30 burgers).

They hop on a plane to Amsterdam, because that's where the hot chick will be.  Even though they will be in Amsterdam soon, and they can smoke pot legally 24/7, Kumar finds it necessary to smoke on the plane.  He whips out his 'smokeless bong' invention, which, of course, looks like a bomb.  A lady thinks he a terrorist, and it's all down hill from here.

DirectTV gave us the unrated version; there were A LOT of nakedness in this movie.

On the bright side, Chris Meloni (sp?), who played that gross guy with the boils on his neck from the first movie, is back.  This time, in another unrecognizable role as the leader of the KKK.  Also Neil Patrick Harris is back playing 'Neil Patrick Harris'.  His role here isn't as great (or nearly as random) as in the first movie), but he's still great.  There is also a G.W. Bush impersonator playing G.W. Bush.  The accent is great, but he looks nothing like him. 

Am I bummed that I spend $3.99 on this movie?  A little bit ...

P.S.  I labeled this movie as 'hot guy(s)', because I think Harold is a cutie!

Step Brothers

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Step Brothers
Where: AMC at Pleasure Island
Why: Inlaws were going to see Get Smart, and we had already seen that twice in theaters.

I have been seeing previews for this movie forever, and I figured you can't go wrong with Will Ferrell and John C. Reily (sp?) - the 2 guys from ... shoot, I can't think of the movie ... that race car movie.

This movie was really funny. I was actually crying from laughing so hard. Although, let me warn you, it was rated R for a reason. I think the director just said, "ok, improvise some hilarious dialog and make sure to swear at much as possible." It was pretty much non stop swearing.

In short, Will Ferrell and John C. Reiley are 40 year old losers who still live at home. Their parents get married, and move in together. At first the man-boys hate each other, then realize they are exactly alike. Hilarity ensues.

Stay for a short scene after 1/4th of the credits are over.

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle
Where: @ home on Comedy Central
Why: Watched it between innings of the Rays game

I've never been a pot head, nor stayed up all night craving White Castle - but I still find this movie hilarious. I think it's one of those movies where it gets funnier and funnier with time.

Parts of it are completely are moronic, like the escaped cheetah and hang gliding off a cliff in New Jersey. Are their any cliffs in New Jersey? Just ignore that and run with the rest of the hilariousness. Especially Kumar's wedding fantasy with a huge bag of pot.

I labeled this post "hot guys(s)", because I think Harold is a cutie!

Sex and the City

Who: Alina
What: Sex and the City
Where: Altamonte 18 Movie Theatre
Why: Religiously watched the show during it's first run and now in syndication (if I'm up that late!)

I enjoyed this movie immensely! I was a little wary b/c I am a HUGE fan of the show and I had heard mixed reviews. You don't have to be a fan of the show to understand the movie but you probably should have watched a few episodes here and there to kind of get how the personality of the girls work. Knowing what happened in the series finale might be helpful too. They do give you a quick synopsis of the personalities of the each of the girls and what has happened to them from the last season of the show to the past 3 or 4 years in the opening credits so you won't be totally lost. I can't say too much of the plot without giving the movie away but it's basically picks up after 4 years. Carrie is still with Big, Charlotte is still married to Harry, Miranda is still married to Steve and still lives in Brooklyn, and Samantha is still with Smith.

I'm not going to give any spoilers away but I cried (didn't think I would) and I laughed a lot. Samantha lives in LA with Smith but she is in a lot of the movie so Samantha fans don't need to worry, she's still Samantha! There is an interesting plot twist with Miranda that surprised me. Charlotte was the comedic relief. Carrie's storyline was heartwrenching (grab the tissues) and heart warming. All four of the stars were great in their roles. They reverted back to Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha like they had never left and gone on to other things. Jennifer Hudson was a great addition to the cast too.

This movie was nothing like I thought it would be. It was so much better! Yes, there was some talk of fashion. Yes, there was talk of love. Yes, there was a lot of nudity and sex (they even show a penis for a split second!). Yes, it is a supreme chick flick but it was great! Some people may not like how the girls ended up where they did at the conclusion of the movie, but I don't think it could have ended any better. It was very true to their characters and the show. Viva Sex and the City!

edit:  I brought this movie review back up to the front because I finally saw it!  And it was great!!!  I'm still annoyed how these women throw money all over the place, and why does Carrie need an assistant?  I haven't seen her do a lick of work.  Regardless, it was great, and I recommend it to all.

Just Friends

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Just Friends
Where:  at home - on cable
Why:  Jonathan likes Amy Smart

This movie was cute.  Very cheesy - but cute.  Ryan Renyolds was a fat guy in high school (in NJ), and he was best friends with the very hot Amy Smart.  He has a major crush on her, never tells her, and they remain awesome friends.

Fast forward 10 years, Ryan Renyolds is now very hot, very successful and living in LA.  Amy Smart is still cute, substitute teaching, and still lives with her parents.  Ryan ends up in NJ over the holidays, runs into Amy Smart, and tries to get out of the "friend zone".  Of course he blows it, un-blows it, blows it again, etc ...  I'm sure you can guess what happens ... or can you?  (yeah, you can).

What was hilarious about the movie was Ryan's relationship with his mom (Julie Haggarty from Airplane - she is so adorable!) and his younger brother.  They kept fighting, very realisticly, like siblings.  Go find this movie on cable!

The Bucket List

Who: Terry & John
What: The Bucket List
Where: In our RV
Why: Bought it when our dish was out, needed something to watch.

Although these movies are pretty predictable, I enjoyed it a lot. I love Morgan Freeman, and although Jack Nicholson isnt one of my favorite people, he was perfect for this roll. I loved seeing the bond the two men formed during a crisis time in each of their lives. I think it made you think about how you would want to spend your final days and shows you what is most important in your life. Although most people would be spending their final days with family, their method is quite appealing!!! It's a fun watch and the last scene is cute and touching.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Who: Alina
What: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Where: At home on Fuse
Why: One of my favorite movies as a kid

If you like dance movies this a good one. It's about a talented military brat, Janie, who always wanted to go to Chicago because her favorite show, Dance TV, was there. Dance TV is looking for a new couple to be regulars on the show so she auditions, against her father's wishes, and gets picked to be one of the finalist. They pair her up with her complete opposite, Jeff, and they automatically clash. Of course, they get close and challenge the obstacles that are in their way. Janie has a really strict father causing her to sneak out for rehersals. A rival's rich father threatens to fire Jeff's dad if he doesn't throw the competition and others typical stuff. It's a feel good movie so its totally predictable, totally cheesy, totally 80's, and totally fun!

You'll recognize some familiar faces such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, and a preteen Shannon Doherty. SJP's Janie is a far cry from Carrie Bradshaw but endearing none the less. Hunt is funny as her outrageous best friend. I don't know what is up with the guys in this movie since they seemed to have vanished the last couple of years but they were great too. The rest of the cast is good.

You won't find any hip-hop, electric boogaloo stuff here. This is straight up dancing with a sprinkling of gymnastics thrown in! Todays dance films are impressive with their dancing but it's too much rump shaking and dependant on stunts. The dancing here is great, technical, and old school. The choreography is awesome and it was a nice change of pace to see dancers actually perform routines in a tradtional style rather than hip hop. As a dancer in my younger years I was totally enthralled with this movie.

It's great rainy day movie! It's a great filler movie since there is absolutely nothing on TV now that it's Summer. You'll come away with a smile. At the very least get a chuckle out of the 80's styles we all know and love!

American Wedding

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  American Wedding
Where:  at home - recorded off cable
Why:  It sounded decent

Man, this movie was awful!  I admit, I wanted to keep watching b/c I kind-of wanted to see what moronic thing the boys would do next, so I guess the producers did their job.  Plus I was curious to see if Tara Reed, Chris Kline, that curly haired girl, and the rest of the gang from movie 1 came back for the wedding (don't waste your time - they don't.  They knew what was good for them).

The open scene did me in.  Jim and Michelle are at the fanciest eatery I have ever seen.  And what does she do ... climb under the table, pull down Jim's pants, and ... well, in typical American Pie fashion ... you know the rest ...

The rest of the movie was just as lame.  Stiffler and the 2 other guys hire some strippers.  Of course they have the party at Jim's parents house, b/c they are out of town.  Right?  Right?!?  Oh no, Jim's parents brought Michelle's prude parents over?  How will the boys get out of this one?  I could go on and on with this crappy nonsense.  Maybe I'm getting too old for crappy movies.  Or maybe this movie was just crappy.

Made of Honor

Who: Amber & all her co-workers
What: Made of Honor
Where: AMC theater at Downtown Disney
Why: Boss took us to the movies. Yay!!!

This movie was a lot of fun. McDreamy is always fun, and the girl (Michelle something) was cute too. I liked her a lot actually - she wasn't a super model, just a normal, fun girl. Plus she had some cute outfits.

I was (and always have been) annoyed by characters in movies who go overseas for a short period of time, then come back to the states engaged. I mean, come on! Who gets engaged after only a couple weeks of dating? Plus the Scottish guy wasn't even cute!

This movie did have a couple "guy" moments. There was a lot of basketball played (with some short shorts!) and some unicorns flying out of butts. But overall, I would recommend this movie for "girls's night out".

And I'm sure we can all guess what ends up happening at the end ... "Who thinks these 2 should not be wed? Speak now, or forever hold your piece ..."

Nacho Libre

Who: Hiromi
What: Nacho Libre
Where: Few years ago at the movie theater when it came out.
Why: Because I love Jack Black in baby blue stretchy pants with bright red accessories .

This movie is about a monastery cook, Ignacio (Jack Black), who grew up as an orphan himself in a small village somewhere in Mexico and who had a lifelong dream of becoming a real heroic luchador (masked wrestler) despite the opposition of people around him. His dream of becoming a luchador was crushed many times, because wrestling was forbidden by the monastery. Ignacio was looked down upon by the other monks for being an orphan himself and wanting more in life than a path to be a good monk. His letdowns refueled his passion to be Nacho Libre (masked luchador he created) by night to fight to earn money to take care of the orphans so they can have better food at the orphanage. Becoming Nacho Libre in secret at night gave Ignacio a sense of norm, who he is and his purpose in life. At the end of the movie, he proves himself and to others that he is somebody other than a pitiful cook and fulfills his lifelong dream of becoming a real hero who genuinely takes care of his people.

Although I dislike wrestling matches, I saw a television commercial for this movie and decided I wanted to see it. In fact, this movie was more than just wrestling matches. It was about music, food, culture, friendship, fashion, aiming for one man's dream and finding his purpose in life, etc.

Role casting was amazing!!! I felt like I was watching a well-made documentary, because all characters were very natural in their acting and very believable.

In contrast to many of today's movies that are filled with ongoing sound and CG effects, Nacho Libre stands out in a hue of simplicity. This movie is beautifully edited, thus it instantly became one of my favorite artistic cinemas.

I recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates simple yet artistic cinematography.

Comedy - yes.

Romance - yes, pure love.

Violence - yes, there are wrestling matches (rough actions) in the movie, but they are not gory or gruesome.

Music - awesome! I even have the soundtrack.

Casts - awesome.

Story line - super great!

Overall - an instant classic!