The Spanish-language comedy tells the story of a cattle herder who stand ups for his family, his new love, and his place in Mexico. Adam McKay and Matt Piedmont's (Funny Or Die) 2012 Spanish-language comedy focuses on the coming-of-age story of Armando Alvarez (Will Ferrell), a timid cattle herder who has worked on his father's ranch his entire life. As the ranch faces severe financial difficulties, Armando's wealthier and younger brother Raul (Diego Luna) returns with his new fiancee, Sonia (Genesis Rodriguez), to settle the family's troubles and debts. Reunited with his familia, Armando becomes jealous of Raul's fortunes and his proposed marriage, and soon falls madly in love with Sonia after they ride off to "The Pond Of The Seven Tears" and reflect on the accidental death of his mother.
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However, it's soon discovered that Raul's new found success as a businessman isn't entirely legal and the two brothers come face-to-face with Mexico's most infamous drug lord Onza (Gael Garcia Bernal). Onza's threat leads to the police intervening as they're aware of Raul's association with illegal drugs and Americans, and Armando is forced to reveal his brother's secret to his father. "Papa" responds by telling Armando he's not welcome to attend Raul and Sonia's wedding but the big day is eventually intervened by an unwelcome guest. Secrets are abruptly revealed and the cattle rancher's courage is tested as he tries to stand up for his family, the newest love of his life, and his rightful place in Mexico.
Best part of story, including ending:
Will Ferrell puts yet another spin on American comedies but it does suffer from replicating Spanish soap operas.
Best scene in story:
The best scenes of the film belongs to Armando's final showdown as - in true Ferrell fashion - he notes that he visioned the moment would take place with a larger audience and news cameras. But instead, he's by himself.
Opinion about the main character:
Ferrell and the production crew go to lengths to make you believe that this is a genuine take on Hispanic culture but the comedy itself tends to stray from what you'd expect from a Spanish soap opera as it's more "Step Brothers" or "Harold And Kumar".
