Diario de una becaria

"Diario de una becaria" came unnoticed in Spanish box office last spring after it had been in the shelves for almost a year. Oddly enough, I really think that with an appropriate release date (it really screams "release me in summer!") and a decent marketing campaign it would have been quite successful, mostly due to its popular cast, composed mostly of young actors coming from successful TV shows.

The story is really nothing special, and it was a little disappointing considering director Josetxo San Mateo's previous film, "Bailame el agua", was an extraordinarily well-written dramatic romance between up-and-comers Pilar Lopez de Ayala and Unax Ugalde. However, if one watches it as a mere entertainment, "Diario de una becaria" is a perfect summer movie.

The young cast is quite irregular, since it ranges from very good (Unax Ugalde) to plain bad (Antonio Hortelano). Daniela Costa makes a convincingly charming portrait of Ana, the leading character, showing that she has been wasted in her previous TV roles. In any case, the greatest praise this time should be directed to veteran actor Pepe Sancho, who shines in a brief but pivotal role.

So try not to expect much from this comedy and watch it with the sheer intention of being entertained for a couple of hours. I bet you won't be disappointed.