Rudo y Cursi (2008/Sony Blu-ray)
Picture:
B- Sound: B Extras: C+ Film: B-
Y Tu Mama Tambien co-stars Diego Luna and Gael
Garcia Bernal are reunited for the Carlos Cuaron’s new sports comedy/drama Rudo y Cursi (2008, aka Rough & Vulgar) about two brothers
and their somewhat dysfunctional relationship.
They are both fans of soccer and when one of them is discovered by a
talent scout, they may be going to the big time. Too bad their squabbles and nuanced
relationship might get in the way.
Though we
have seen this story several times, the way the actors interplay their
characters makes this an amusing sit-though and when you add seeing Mexico in
such an interesting light, we get more than transplanted clichés, but Tato
(Bernal) and Beto (Luna) who gain the nicknames of the title of the film. Cursi means “corny” according to the case,
despite the alternate title noted above.
In short,
their personality traits follow them and lead to big fame, followed by
insanity. So acting, locations, the overall
cast and chemistry (especially between the leads) is the reason to give this
one a look. As I watched, it was again
sad and ironic to think that soccer is the world sport not including The United
States. That fact will ring ironic for
anyone who sees it.
The 1080p
1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image is a bit soft throughout with some color
issues, but some of the shots are nice and you see locations you normally would
not. The result is not demo quality, but
interesting just the same. The Dolby
TrueHD 5.1 mix fares better with rich sound, but the budget limits and the fact
that this is dialogue—based means you are only going to get sound that is so
good. It has warmth and some minor
flaws, but is decent.
Extras include
Blu-ray exclusive BD Live interactive functions including a Q&A with the
Director and two leads, plus you also get two Music Videos, making-of
featurette, deleted scenes and feature length audio commentary by the Director
and lead co-stars.
- Nicholas Sheffo
