I feel that I have vastly underrepresented my Mexican heritage here with a lack of Spanish language films, I plan to rectify that at some point. For now, I take one small step towards equality with a Mexican heist film that plays out like a Telemundo version of the Ocean’s series. That isn’t a terrible comparison, as I really like the series, but it could have used a bit more Sabado Gigante and scantily clad Mexican women. Just saying.
Emilio (Miguel Varoni) and Alejandro (Fernando Colunga) have hatched a plan for the perfect crime, but in order to carry out their caper the diabolical duo will need a crack crew who can stealthily inject themselves into the inner circle of their wealthy mark. Moctesuma Valdez is a man of power with many personal servants, and if Emilio and Alejandro’s team can simply assume the guise of gardener, maid, or chauffer, they will be in the perfect position to strike when Valdez least expects it. When the skilled members of the regular team all reject the plan, Emilio and Alejandro are forced to hire “real” immigrants to get the job done. From electronics expert Julio to father/daughter transportation team Rafa and Rafaela and skilled disguise artist Miguelito it seems as if all of the elements have come together, but what to make of a crew who has all of the qualifications and no actual criminal experience? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
A smart, stylish, often funny crime caper from Mexico that doesn’t involve the Drug Trade, finally! Kidding aside Ladron is actually a well done, slightly silly heist film that pits two thieves against a bigger thief and a crew of bumblingly brilliant men and women. It’s a familiar story that we have seen in numerous other heist/crime capers, but while the story is lifted from American films, Ladron manages to make a unique story and spin some local humor into the mix.
The crime and story follow particular plot point we are familiar with, so while that might make it stale in some areas, it’s the infusion of humor and charismatic leads that manage to liven up the proceedings to make this film standout amongst the counterparts. I enjoyed Emilio and Alejandro playing off one another while they slyly made their way to the top of the plan and executed a heist with finely tuned precision. The support characters kind of seem like they are lifted from Mexican soap opera films, but they are able to seem fresh an interesting. The villain is basically one quick zoom and a mustache away from being the ultimate villain, but there is a some restraint shown which is welcomed.
I don’t have much else to say about this film other than it is a welcome change of pace from the usual heist movies that we see. Sure the story and plot all have certain thematic beats that are in American heist films, but it’s the way it comes together and the actors that give it a light air of humor and sophistication. Might be because they are speaking in a foreign language that we immediately think something is immediately better, but I will say that the story and lines translates into a solid movie, no matter the language.
*images via RottenTomatoes