maf-31

A very mixed effort, the inspiration is there, but a _lot_ of the execution is poor. It does however boast a couple of scenes that make it into the decade's short list of horror scenes. 1. When the girls enter the desert bar they are suddenly overtaken by a one-step-too-far feeling with nothing they can pin it on. Ugly people, weird talk, and a hint of threat that are clearly too much even for the self-styled goth girl and their unease is symbolized, reinforced and given focus in a stage show that's simple, hypnotic and unforgettable. Unfortunately the tension in that scene isn't lessened, but almost totally abandoned and it never really recovers. 2. The second scene is when the heroine (who doesn't understand simple Spanish despite clearly being Hispanic) has a vision in the style of a silent movie with title cards clearly directed at her. Unfortunately, the revelation turns the movie into an idiot-plot movie as she doesn't understand what's going on, even after being told exactly what's going on and I lost patience with her long before the final reel. The main monster himself is unfrightening and far too conventional. With loads of religious symbolism and references to Mexican folk art/lore I'd normally want to take a second look, but the deeply annoying cast keeps me from it. I'd like to see more from the filmmakers if they tone down the stereotypes and overacting (I blame the director more than the actors there) and find a better framework for their particular vision.