Mexican heart throbs Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal reunite for a somewhat clichéd but undeniably entertaining comedy. Rudo y Cursi works thanks to the incredibly inspired performances from the two leads and a sense of fun that permeates from every frame. While the sports story eventually distracts from the more interesting aspects of the film, you’ll be laughing too hard to care.

Rudo (Luna) and Cursi (Bernal) fill their days with dreaming about the future while they endure back breaking work on a Mexican banana plantation. Rudo aspires to become the next Pele and Cursi is more content with a career in pop music. Their superior abilities on the soccer field are soon noticed by a scout and almost overnight become national stars. The highs eventually decline as Rudo develops a gambling addiction and Cursi’s attempts at a music career leave much to be desired.

The great:
After the phenomenal success of Y Tu Mama Tambien it’s great to see Luna and Bernal together again. They have an undeniable chemistry that works perfectly in developing the story of brotherly love. While both actors are known for darker roles they have a natural skill in comedy.

The good:
The script by writer/director Carlos Cuaron brilliantly weaves a tale of family that is universal in its themes and will appeal to anyone who’s had to endure siblings. The film also works as a satire of the cult of celebrity and is brutal in its mockery of sport stars.

The not so good:
The last act of the film resorts to stock standard plot developments that are disappointingly predictable. Rather than build on the emotional dilemma posed by the movie, resolution comes in the form of an over the top moment that seems more fitting in a Hollywood production.

Mexican cinema, as with all non-English cinema, rarely gets the attention it deserves in Australia. Rudo y Cursi once again proves that there are great stories being told that deserve to be watched. Thanks to Luna and Bernal’s spot on portrayal of jousting brothers this is one of the most entertaining films of the year. 

You can view the Rudo y Cursi movie trailer here on TheVine.