Un Mundo Raro

Running time: 95 mins

Tolin is the biggest television variety show in Mexico, and its host, famous comedian and conductor, Salvador, is one of the most beloved people in the country. It's lucky then that Pancho and Emilio, two brothers who lead a small gang of thieves, choose Salvador's taxi to rob. Recognizing the star, Pancho immediately sees an opportunity for lots of cash. For Emilio, it's the opportunity for his dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian to come to fruition. The once simple mugging soon turns into a more complicated case of kidnapping. Salvador quickly learns of Emilio's admiration, and each begins to treat the other with special deference, until Emilio finally sets their captive free-in hopes that their newfound friendship will lead to greater things. But much to Emilio's surprise, Salvador is not so inviting without a gun to his head, and Emilio resorts to the only way he knows to handle people like Salvador. Touted as "a Mexican King of Comedy," Armando Casas' dazzling debut feature charts, with ironic humor, the Mexican media's influence on its audience through this amusing urban fable (based on a real-life assault experienced by the co-writer, Rafael Tonatiuh). Reviewed by Al Owens