Barnes & Noble

The irrepressible Jack Black brings his trademark manic energy to this delightfully offbeat comedy directed and co-written by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite). Black plays a cook in a Mexican monastery that doubles as an orphanage. In an attempt to raise money for the home while also living out a lifelong fantasy, he becomes a luchador -- a masked and costumed wrestler. As the celebrated Nacho Libre, he also hopes to impress the beautiful Sister Encarnacion (Ana de la Reguero), a teacher at the monastery. Black's expansive screen presence occasionally threatens to sabotage the picture: he's too larger-than-life to comfortably fit Hess’s ironic, deadpan vision. But the imaginative director fills the screen with so many absurd gags that his star's dynamic performance never capsizes the film. The many wrestling scenes, while hilarious, are choreographed with authenticity in mind, spotlighting Black performing many of his own stunts. Winning supporting roles -- Hector Jimenez, in particular, scores big-time with his characterization of Esqueleto, Nacho's unprepossessing sidekick -- and Hess’s off-the-wall comedic ingenuity keep this South-of-the-Border parody right on track. A surprising sensation with his debut film, Hess has now successfully avoided the sophomore slump. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Jared Hess (of Napoleon Dynamite fame) directs this bizarre comedy starring Jack Black as Nacho, a young man who works as a cook in the Mexican monastery where he was raised. When the institution faces a financial crisis, Nacho decides that he must come to the aid of the house of God (as well as the beautiful young nun who has recently joined the order) by competing in the local Lucha Libre tournament. Donning a spandex outfit, mask, and cape, Nacho becomes a hero for the ages -- but can he win the heart of a woman of the cloth? Cammila Albertson

Product Details

• UPC: 097363456247
• Source: PARAMOUNT
• Time: 1:32:00
• Sales Rank: 1,639

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Love Guru/Superstar/Nacho Libre
• Comedy Party Pack