La Cucaracha [DVD]

This is an interesting little film. Briefly, Eric Roberts plays an alcoholic would-be writer living in a shack in Mexico. He is offered the chance to make a fortune if he accepts the job of killing an apparent child-murderer. Eventually he does so, but, of course, it isn't as simple as that, and he ends up in a whole load of trouble - I won't give the plot away here.Roberts shows us a much greater range of acting skill than he normally does or, shall we say, that he normally gets the chance to exhibit. Usually he only gets to play psychos or other inadequates; his character here is not that much different from his usual fare to start with, but the difference here is that he makes the most of the opportunity to push the envelop of the role (and of his own apparent talents) as far as he reasonably can.Everyone else delivers good performances, especially James McManus as Roberts' oleaginous would-be "friend" and, above all, Victor Rivers in a small but stand-out performance as the putative child-killer. The only thing wrong with the film, as far as I'm concerned, is the slight uneasiness I experienced throughout, occasioned by the feeling that the film (or rather its makers) didn't know quite whether it was supposed to be a straight-forward thriller or a black comedy. I had the feeling that Roberts was receiving inadequate direction, so that he never knew quite how far along the thriller-comedy spectrum to pitch and hold his performance. This gave the film an uneven quality which tended to undermine its overall impact.Still, for all that it is a good, efficient little thriller and, above-mentioned caveats notwithstanding, can be recommended as a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours.

Ive been meaning to watch this for a while and finally got round to it. I think eric roberts is a unique actor and I like to watch him which is why I checked this out. This is classic roberts for me. I cant decide if he's not very good or a genius, which is why I like him so much. This movie seems rushed and unfinished but in a good way. Its obviously low budget but the script has some realy good moments and the direction and story keep it intriguing and original. I think a movie like this had potential to be an absolute classic. the idea is good. the performances hint at something special and it almost has that pekinpah atmosphere from the 70's. I think if they had a bit more money and maybe more time this could have been a great film. However I love movies that hint at greatness almost as much as I love great movies and this is definately a forgotten minor gem that deserves attention.

No time to watch yet. Confident will be good condition as well-packed but Eric Roberts has made some duff films despite being great actor.

I found this in blockbusters one night and bought it as i like eric roberts and thought i will give it a try, I was very surprised how good this is and the script is well written and the actors do an amazing job. This is one of my five top films of all time althought the budget was low this film works so well. Eric Roberts is unbelievably in this its about time hollywood or some one noticed how good an actor he is. The indepent film industrie must be loving him work on his films as it gives a name to a film and helps sale the movie. I think eric wanted to do this film he seemed to be enjoying the role that he plays and does it with ease. Great film i suggested ever one in the world buys this you don't know what you will be missing if you don't.by jason brown