FS #108 (WBEZ Edition): Nacho Libre / Top 5 Movies of the Year So Far

Director Jared Hess couldn't possibly have imagined the impact his debut film "Napolean Dynamite" would have, particularly on young moviegoers who latched on to the film's absurd turns of phrase and oddball characters. For his second film, "Nacho Libre", Hess retains his debut's distinctive deadpan comic tone and weird fascination with food; but it's no more sophisticated than the largely episodic "Napolean Dynamite" and certainly less inspired. Through sheer force of will, star Jack Black provokes a couple of laughs, but Adam and Sam agree that while "Nacho Libre" may be a welcome (lip)balm to serious "Dynamite" devotees, anyone else can probably steer clear. Yes, sadly, the official Sam Hallgren 'Nacho Libre Hype Train' has been permanently derailed. (Sam, it seems, is the Fitzcarraldo of the cinema -- and if that makes no sense, tune in to Friday's Herzog discussion).

Note: Filmspotting #108 marks the debut of Filmspotting on Chicago Public Radio. This special WBEZ edition features excerpts from last week's review of "A Prairie Home Companion," plus clips from our February reviews of "Night Watch" and "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada," both out this week on DVD. While this content is timely, we recognize that for you -- the podcast listener -- this show will feature some redundant segments. We appreciate your patience as we continue to tweak the format for future WBEZ editions.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and the Top 5 Movies of the Year ... So Far.

Music by The Bottle Rockets from the album "Zoysia" courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix. Enter the Peerflix 'Show Us Your DVDs' contest and get a shot at a 400-Disc DVD Mega Changer!

And also by the Honda Fit. It delivers 38 miles per gallon on the freeway! Learn more at fit.honda.com.



Filmspotting #108
:14-12:40 - Review: "Nacho Libre"
Music: Bottle Rockets, "Better Than Broken"
14:20-20:29 - Review Revisited: "A Prairie Home Companion"
20:30-27:43 - Listener Feedback (Top 5 Ensembles)
Music: Bottle Rockets, "Middle Man"
28:31-28:57 - Peerflix Contest
28:58-33:05 - Poll, Massacre Theatre
33:06-36:32 - DVD Review: "Night Watch"
36:33-41:05 - DVD Review: "Three Burials..."
Music: Bottle Rockets, "I Quit"
42:05-42:37 - Peerflix DVD Giveaway Winner
42:38-56:31 - Top 5 Movies of the Year ... So Far
56:32-58:43 - Next Show/Close

Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.