HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER (2017)

Directed By: Ken Marino 
Written By: Chris Spain & Jon Zack 
Cinematography By: John Bailey 
Editor: John Diagle 


Cast: Eugenio Derbez, Salma Hayek, Rob Lowe, Michael Cera, Rob Coddry, Raquel Welch, Renee Taylor, Rob Huebel, Rob Riggle, Kristen Bell, Linda Lavin, Raphael Alejandro, McKenna Grace


Finding himself dumped after 25 years of marriage, a man who made a career of seducing rich older women must move in with his estranged sister, where he begins to learn the value of family.


The problem with the film is that this feels like a product more than anything else. Rather then the many times it tries to seem heartfelt. That comes off rather artificial. Even for all the tough love scenarios or tell it like it is advice.

Though at least you get the feeling that they are trying. Even if it seems more like an introduction for actor to american audiences.

The film’s humor is so broad it feels like a family film with a little dirty material. As the lead more seems like a clown above all else. So that the film feels like a less insulting update on THE TOY

While also trying to be the yearly Spanish film that tries to crossover to diverse audiences. Even though the movie is multilingual when it comes to the script. But keeps the situations to general and goes more for physical comedy. In fact the film stays very broad to almost cartoonish throughout. As even the romances for anyone in this film even feels more cloying or false.

The characters don't make any sense. Especially the brothers who he goes into debt with. Which is a shame as they are played by Rob Riggle and Rob Huebel two gifted comedic actors. Who could have been just as menacing and funny by playing it straight as Rob Corddry does.

Rob Lowe tries his comic chops in the ridiculous role of the aging gigolo who is becoming increasingly desperate, though nice to see him back on the big screen.

The film feels more welcome as a family film or one more aimed at kids. As the humor so either cutesy or juvenile.

The film seems to have a certain amount of goodwill from the cast and for the audience. As it aims to please.

The film is directed by comedy veteran Ken Marino. Who has cast many of the roles in this film with recognizable comedic actors.

I wonder if they were cast because they need the money. As usually you see spills comedic actors in middling comedies as favors or maybe as they are given room to create characters crate Blanche as long as they stay in certain perimeters. Usually out of thin script descriptions.

It could also be a way to support an international centered comedy and allow for more crossover success. The film is ok if you don't expect much or go looking for much. At times it does make one chuckle but none of the laughs are hard earned.

 Grade: C-