'Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos' Movie Review: A Diverting Animated Film for All Ages
Over the years Pantelion has made feel-good movies attempting to attract Latino audiences. Their output has brought mixed results, and at times, some have been huge box office successes.
However, the one thing they have remained consistent is bringing a mix of Spanish language films with English speaking ones. This weekend the company makes history distributing the first Spanish Language animated film to the U.S. in "Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos." The result is a genuinely funny film that not only provides good characters but also a family friendly story.
The film tells the story of Toto, a rooster who is trained to sing to wake up the farm. However, when his home is threatened by an evil farm owner he is forced to fight in a rooster boxing match against the evil Bankivoide.
What makes this film enjoyable is not the predictable plot that the story has concocted. Instead it is ridiculous circumstances. Toto only has 15 days to train so he and his uncle seek out the ducks who beat his uncle years before. The ducks are introduced as rappers and wild animals. Toto is forced to duel with them in a rapping competition but ultimately loses. He is then forced to battle one and he loses.
His training is also a series of hilarious gags from Toto learning to do pushups to flying. In the montage where Toto is learning to fly, the character contorts his face and body to comic effect. It is a diverting montage that while predictable is refreshingly funny.
The other aspect of the film that is incredibly interesting are all the cultural references. The animal kingdom has an Oscar de la Hoya rooster as well as a Manny Pacquiao version. There is even a reference to the Godfather. In the film the one who organizes the fights is named Godfather and he has the Marlon Brando mustache and the menacing persona.
The film also makes reference to Snoop Dog being the greatest rapper in the duck community and there is also a brief reference to "Transformers" at the beginning of the film. All these references give the movie a refreshing take and also demonstrates that this a film that the creative team know is not to be taken seriously.
The other part of the film that maintains it fresh is the voice acting of Bruno Bichir as Toto. The actor's voice gives Toto vulnerability but also gives him strength and power. One of the most memorable moments in the film is when Toto must sing in the morning. Toto screeches at the top of his lungs in many different tones.
Maite Peroni adds depth to her Di while Omar Chaparro and Angelica Vale are superb as Bibi and Patin Patan. Sergio Sendel plays the villainous Bankivoide. However, unlike his malicious antagonists from soap operas, this character is sarcastic and funny. Ninel Conde plays the sensual Chiquis who adds innuendo to her sexually charged jokes. Her singing voice is also filled with vivacious spirit.
All in all, this a film filled with heart and Latin spirit. It is an enjoyable ride for both adults and children.
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