Name: The (Almost) Legends
Genre: Comedy, Music
Released: 2023-07-19T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Benny Emmanuel, Harold Azuara, Nora Velázquez, Ana Celeste, Guillermo Quintanilla

The opening shot of The (Almost) Legends is a riot of color: neon signs buzz against the dusty backdrop of Bahía Colorada, Sinaloa. This visual dissonance sets the tone for Ricardo Castro Velázquez’s debut feature—a film that wants to be a high-octane comedy about grief but often stalls in its own whimsy.

The plot revolves around Romeo (Benny Emmanuel) and Preciado (Harold Azuara), half-brothers reuniting after years of estrangement to honor their late father Valentín (Guillermo Quintanilla) by competing in a car rally infused with banda music. The premise is ripe for emotional depth, but the film struggles to balance its tonal shifts between heartfelt family drama and zany slapstick.

What works best are the moments that lean into the film’s Mexican roots. The vibrant cinematography captures the essence of Bahía Colorada, and the soundtrack—bursting with traditional banda music—elevates the energy during the car rally sequences. Emmanuel and Azuara share a palpable chemistry, particularly in scenes where their characters grapple with their father’s legacy. A standout moment is when Romeo pauses his dream of becoming a telenovela villain to participate in the rally, showcasing Emmanuel’s ability to blend humor with sincerity.

However, the film falters when it relies too heavily on tired tropes and one-dimensional characters. The supporting cast, while colorful, often feels like caricatures rather than fully realized individuals. Nora Velázquez as Connie and Ana Celeste as Marén add depth where they can, but their roles are largely overshadowed by the brothers’ antics. Additionally, the pacing is uneven; the film rushes through emotional beats, leaving little room for the audience to connect with the characters’ grief.

Director Castro Velázquez shows promise in his visual storytelling and ability to craft lively set pieces, but The (Almost) Legends ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The film’s heart is in the right place, but it gets lost in its own chaos.

Tags: comedies, Benny Emmanuel, Harold Azuara, Nora Velázquez, Ricardo Castro Velázquez, The (Almost) Legends