In love with the fiancee of his shady brother, simple Mexican rancher Armando Alvarez (Will Ferrell) must step up to face the feared drug lord, Onza (Gael García Bernal). True to its telenovela roots, and despite Ferrell’s lack of fluency, the movie is entirely in Spanish (apart from a few scenes stolen by Nick Offerman).
But the laughs come not only from language barriers — they also stem from a commitment to deadpan dramatic delivery and hilariously terrible sets that draw attention to the film’s own production. Interestingly, this commitment lends itself to a sharp, aesthetically–saturated directorial style that elevates it beyond mere spoof.
Led by an excellent cast, Casa de Mi Padre creates from its curious premise a movie both offbeat and entertaining.
