Review: Nacho Libre

Jack Black is back, in the film I've been waiting to see this summer more than any other. After the flaming ginger quirk-fest that was 'Napoleon Dynamite', the idea of Jared Hess directing JB as a Mexican luchador sounds like a guaranteed slice of fried box office gold.

And on many levels, Nacho Libre doesn't disappoint. Hess's flat direction leaves lots of pauses for Jack Black's face to fill, whether it's seducing the new nun at the orphanage or about to get low-kicked in the wrestling ring by a couple of feral werewolf midgets twins.

What falls short - at least on first viewing - is the sense of place that Hess gave to Napoleon Dynamite's high school world. Although set in Mexico, there's hardly any actual Mexicans in the film, apart from fulfilling a few cliche roles like troop of wandering mariachis. It goes no further than the same 'ay ay ay' view of Mexico as Bumblebee Man from 'The Simpsons'.

Jack Black's accent can be quote offputting, which wanders through Mexican, Spanish, English and even a sort of 'mama mia' Italian at several points. I'm sure this is intentional, but does snap you out of the mood of the film when he breaks from his friar character into his snarling 'School of Rock' face and voice now and then.

But really - what's not to love about Jack Black in stretchy pants? He really does take to the role, and the limited supporting cast do too. The wrestling scenes are great fun and much more full-on that you might expect. And while Jess's direction could leave you not connected with the characters, there's real warmth in the ending.

Jack's next up in the Tenacious D movie - rock on.