Rated R, 84 minutes
If you like Will Ferrell's English-speaking comedies, you're likely to find his new Spanish-speaking comedy, "Casa de Mi Padre," muy bueno. A spoof of Spanish telenovelas, "Padre" is a risk given Ferrell's limited Spanish, but most of it's spot-on funny if you don't mind laughing and reading subtitles at the same time. Ferrell is a Mexican goofball named Armando Alvarez, a ranch hand on his rich father's big ranch. When the ranch runs runs into some difficulties, his suave but drug-dealing brother (Diego Luna) shows up with his beautiful young fiance (newcomer Genesis Rodriguez), whose family (including Gael Garcia Bernal) provides some challenges for Armando. Goofy and charming, "Casa de Mi Padre" should be a big hit for Ferrell and company, though the comedy may not be for everyone (I know some folks who still hate "Anchorman" to this day). It helps that "Padre" has Ferrell's goofball charm, an easy target in telenovelas (if you compare "Padre" to a real telenovela, there isn't much difference), and one of Ferrell's favorite "Saturday Night Live" writers, Matt Piedmont, directing the film. On the other hand, "Padre" is one big slice of cheesball that some may have difficulty digesting, not to mention that Ferrell's gringo-esque sounding but serviceable Spanish is a slight distraction, but then maybe that's the point. All in all, don't take "Casa de Mi Padre" very seriously and you'll be just fine..and the fake tiger (created by Jim Henson's company) nearly steals the show. Definitely worth it if you like this sort of thing and need a good laugh.
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