Pastorela

Fast-paced with engaging cinematography and a rich blend of subtle and not-so-subtle humor both in the clever and often base dialog and the sets and wardrobe. A believable and distinctly Mexican story line enhanced with film effects that add a mystical and mythic feel -- occasionally carried to ludicrous extremes -- for an entirely enjoyable light-hearted comedy that dips its toes in darkness as it illustrates the classic battle between good and evil.

Agent Jesus Juarez (Joaquín Cosio) is a protagonist that you want to love, but you're never quite sure if you're on the wrong side...he's funny and likable, but he just might be evil. The portrayal of some of the church figures, such as Padre Mundo (Carlos Cobos) and la monja (Ana Serradilla), might offend religious movie-goers, but it's all done in harmless fun.

It will be interesting to see if, when the film is subtitled in English, it holds up the the Spanish language original.