The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro
A Hilarious yet Uneven Parody of Mexican Cinema
As Ferdosa Abdi, a seasoned observer of the cinematic landscape, I’ve encountered films that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and sometimes, simply aim for a good laugh. J. Emilio Portes’ 2014 offering, “The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” (original Spanish title: El crimen del cácaro Gumaro), falls squarely into the latter category, albeit with a distinctly Mexican flavor. This indie comedy, starring the beloved Mexican television comedian Andrés Bustamante in his full-length movie debut, sets out to parody the art-house cinema scene and the broader Mexican film industry. While it delivers moments of genuine hilarity and showcases a talented ensemble cast, the film ultimately suffers from a scattershot approach and a reliance on juvenile humor that doesn’t always land effectively.
Genesis of the Giggles: Production and Background
“The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” emerged from the creative minds of director Emilio Portes and writers Andrés Bustamante and Armando Vega Gil. Principal photography commenced in January 2013, spanning nine weeks across the Federal District and Salvatierra, Guanajuato. This production journey culminated in a theatrical release in Mexico on March 14, 2014, where it quickly garnered attention, becoming the eighth-most-popular Mexican film of the year. The film marks a significant milestone for Andrés Bustamante, known for his comedic contributions to television, particularly his witty commentary during major sporting events. His transition to a leading role in a feature film was highly anticipated by Mexican audiences.
Plot Pandemonium: A Town Turned Upside Down
The narrative of “The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” centers around two brothers, Gumaro (Carlos Corona) and Archimboldo (Alejandro Calva), locked in a bitter feud over the inheritance of their deceased father: the local movie theater, Linterna Mújica. This seemingly simple premise spirals into a series of increasingly absurd and chaotic events that threaten to plunge their small town into utter disarray. The synopsis suggests that their dispute might even lead to the town’s apocalypse, but it certainly turns their lives and the lives of the townsfolk completely upside down. The film employs a variety of comedic styles, drawing inspiration from Looney Tunes-esque slapstick and pop culture references, aiming to create a farcical and over-the-top cinematic experience.
Characters in the Carnage: A Motley Crew
The film boasts a large and diverse cast, featuring a mix of established actors and comedic personalities. Andrés Bustamante plays Don Cuino, while Ana de la Reguera portrays Claudianita. The central conflict revolves around Gumaro, played by Carlos Corona, and Archimboldo, brought to life by Alejandro Calva. Jesús Ochoa appears as Cochigordo, and Eduardo Manzano plays Don Toribio. The ensemble also includes notable figures like Kate del Castillo, Jorge Rivero, María Rojo, Mónica Huarte, and even a cameo by the iconic Mexican entertainer Chabelo. The sheer number of characters and the often-exaggerated performances contribute to the film’s comedic tone, though some critics have noted that Andrés Bustamante, despite being a major draw, sometimes gets lost amidst the chaos.
Cinematography and Technical Aspects
While the focus of “The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” is undoubtedly on its comedic narrative, the technical aspects of the film deserve mention. The cinematography, helmed by Martín Boege Paré, likely aims to complement the film’s farcical nature, perhaps employing vibrant colors and dynamic camera work to enhance the comedic timing and visual gags. The film has a reported runtime of 95 minutes, which is a suitable length for a comedy aiming to maintain a brisk pace. At the 57th Ariel Awards in 2015, the film received nominations for Best Make-Up, Best Visual Effects, and Best Special Effects, indicating a level of attention to detail in these technical categories, even if it didn’t ultimately win.
Critical Reception and Audience Reaction: A Divided House
“The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” has garnered a mixed response from critics. Some have praised its ambition to satirize Mexican cinema and its use of popular comedic figures. However, others have found the humor to be juvenile and the narrative too disjointed. Eric Ortiz Garcia of ScreenAnarchy, in his review, described the film as having a fine premise done poorly, criticizing its reliance on “juvenile Looney Tunes-inspired gags and not the most inspired pop culture references.” He concluded that the film wasn’t as clever as it thought it was.
On the other hand, user reviews appear to be more positive, with a rating of 4.0 on FilmAffinity and a 5.0 rating based on a few reviews on Amazon. This suggests that while critics may have been divided, the film found an audience that appreciated its comedic style.
Box Office Boom: A Commercial Success in Mexico
Despite the mixed critical reception, “The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” proved to be a significant commercial success in its home country. During its opening weekend, it attracted an impressive 639,060 spectators, raking in 28.83 million Mexican pesos. By its second weekend, the film had accumulated a total of 66.83 million pesos. The film’s total box office earnings reached $4,757,098. Gabriel Ripstein noted that the film earned $4 million in Mexico and was the eighth-most-popular Mexican film of that year. This strong box office performance underscores the film’s appeal to a broad Mexican audience, likely drawn by the comedic premise and the presence of popular actors like Andrés Bustamante.
Final Verdict: A Popcorn Flick with Plenty of Spice
“The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be: a raucous, no-holds-barred comedy that pokes fun at the conventions of cinema. While its humor may not appeal to all tastes and its narrative can feel somewhat disjointed, it undeniably delivers moments of genuine laughter. The film’s success at the Mexican box office is a testament to its connection with local audiences, who likely appreciated its broad comedic strokes and the performances of its well-known cast. As a parody, it doesn’t always hit its targets with precision, but its sheer enthusiasm and commitment to silliness are often infectious. If you’re looking for a sophisticated cinematic experience, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if you’re in the mood for some lighthearted, over-the-top Mexican comedy, “The Crime of Cacaro Gumaro” is worth a watch.
Key Information:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | J. Emilio Portes |
| Writers | Andrés Bustamante, Emilio Portes, Armando Vega Gil |
| Main Cast | Andrés Bustamante, Ana de la Reguera, Alejandro Calva, Carlos Corona, Jesús Ochoa |
| Runtime | 95 minutes |
| Genre | Comedy, Action |
| IMDb Rating | Not explicitly found in search results |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Not explicitly found in search results |
| FilmAffinity Rating | 4.0/10 |
| Box Office (Mexico) | Approximately $4 million |
| Worldwide Box Office | $4,757,098 |
| Awards | Nominated for three Ariel Awards (Best Make-Up, Visual Effects, Special Effects) |