It's a rare thing to walk into a movie knowing absolutely nothing about it these days. TV spots, internet ads and social media has made it nearly impossible for one not to feel the buzz of the next wide release. Plus, in case it's not obvious, I write a lot of reviews so it's kind of my business to know when movies are coming out. Busco Novio para mi Mujer came completely out of left field and I thank the sizable Mexican-American population in my area for putting this amazing little gem in a theater near me.
Busco Novio para mi Mujer translates to "Looking for a Boyfriend for my Wife," which pretty much sums up the plot. Paco (de la Torre), a stiflingly unflappable used car salesman, finds a man to seduce his shrewish wife Dana (Echeverria). In desperation to get a divorce, he hires Tiger (Ochoa) a legendary pickup artist who lives in an abandoned building and works at a bowling alley. Meanwhile the insufferably negative Dana gets a job at a fledgling radio station and instantly becomes a talk radio sensation.
Admittedly, the best thing I was expecting was a watered down, lighter version of Divorce, Italian Style (1961). Something light, something broad perhaps, and something unconscionably sexist. What I actually got were two very different yet interesting characters that grew more unpredictable and fascinating by the minute. Sandra Echeverria plays a particularly testy wife struggling to deal with her insecurities. Underneath her vitriol is a lot of endearing vulnerability. Paco is similarly vulnerable and negates his character's disgusting actions with an innocuous passivity that some may actually find charming. Each struggles to grow together yet both have serious issues with self- worth and a crippling fear of action. This manifests itself in Paco's plot to rid himself of Dana but also Dana's budding relationship with Tiger.
Jesus Ochoa is easily the funniest part of this film, playing the surprisingly seductive Casanova. Upon first glance, Tiger is not a looker; he's balding, overweight, and more than a bit classless. Yet with overwhelming confidence and a little bit of background knowledge, the man is a force to be reckoned with. Whenever Tiger's name is mentioned in the locker room of Paco's sports club there's at least one person in the room who becomes overwhelmed with emotion. Wherever Tiger pops up, heartbreak is soon to follow.
Much like almost all romantic comedies, this film has a third act problem, though not the kind you would expect. I won't spoil much lest to say things are left very open ended. Not because it fits with any overarching theme or putting a new spin on well-worn formula; the movie just kind of stops. No warning or satisfactory resolution just a hard stop like an urgent telegram. It's a shame too because everything leading up to the final scene made for a noteworthy lesson on personal growth and maturity. Well at least we get an epilogue cartoon.
Despite a screwy sitcom high concept and a third act oversight, Busco Novio para mi Mujer is still a splendid film with some very interesting insights on relationships. The three central characters are engaging, identifiable, and rich with possibility and each actor fits their character like a glove. If this film is playing in your area, I beseech you to give it a try. If for no other reason than to listen for all the dirty little swear words that passed the censors to give Busco Novio... a PG-13 rating.
