By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Sebastián Cordero
Starring: Alfred Molina | Damián Alcázar | John Leguizamo | José María Yazpik | Leonor Watling
Country: ecuador, mexico
Year: 2005
Running time: 108
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382621/combined
Bruce says: “Similar in message to CAPOTE, this film tells the story of a reporter who is willing to compromise his integrity for fame and professional recognition. What makes the film interesting is how this comes about, a grim reminder of how easily some are seduced by false values when confronted by enormous opportunity.
“John Leguizamo plays Manollio Bonilla a reporter from Miami who is assigned to cover a story of serial killings in Ecuador. During his investigation he suspects he has discovered the identity of the killer. Rather than going to authorities or confronting his suspect in a direct manner, he prefers to build his story slowly and methodically in order to add an air of sensationalism to his expose.
“Having seen Leguizamo in his one man shows ‘Mambo Mouth’ and ‘Spic-o-rama’ I am a huge fan. His stage performances are riotously funny yet nuanced by sensitive moments where he captures the pathos of his many characters. He does not carry off his role with such flying colors in CRÓNICAS. His performance here is flat. The subplots of a romance with his producer and difficulties with the cameraman are not particularly riveting. The central story is, however, suspenseful and intriguing. 3 cats”
Hilary says: “John Leguizamo (ROMEO + JULIET) stars as Manolo Bonilla, a tele-journalist working for a Miami news program anchored by Alfred Molina (seen only on a TV screen). Leonor Watling (TALK TO HER) co-stars as the show’s producer, Marisa; Molina’s estranged wife and eventually Leguizamo’s lover.
“Bonilla, Marisa, and their cameraman/editor travel to Ecuador to investigate a child rapist-murderer nicknamed ‘Monster of Babahoyo.’ A secondary tragedy in the family of one the murder victims leads them to focus their investigation on a traveling Bible salesman (Damián Alcázar), who wants to exchange information for his release from prison.
“If you need to pad your viewing list out, you could do a lot worse than this one. 3 cats”