A little zany, the movie Welcome to Acapulco has a lot going for it including a recognizable cast, good direction and story turns into a video game taking place around one of Mexico’s most famous tourist areas. It may be predictable, but it’s so much fun and action filled it’s definitely worth watching. If you like a lot of impossible craziness with a twisty plot than check it out on VOD or Digital HD.
It’s been a good start to Matt Booth’s (Michael Kingsbaker) day knowing he’ll be on his way to New Mexico where he’s unveiling the video game of which he’s been a huge part. The game revolves around a crime and a chase to get the perps. His bosses at Games Innovations are counting on him to make the game a big hit.
Rushing out of the office to catch his flight he arrives at the airport finding he has plenty of time to relax before takeoff. Coincidently he runs into his friend and associate Tony Woods (Bradley Gregg) who talks him into having a drink or two or three. When he comes too hours later he’s aboard his flight, but he soon finds out the only Mexico part is the country where he’ll be landing in Acapulco.
Still having a small window to maybe change his flight to get to New Mexico he runs into Adriana Vazquez (Ana Serradilla). She saves him from the CIA then pulls him aside asking if he has “the package”. Director Guillermo Ivan spins his tale as if it were a video game with each of the characters being introduced early on with information on who they are. He then puts Matt and Adriana on the run coming up against the CIA, Hit Men, the Mexican Police and several others who say they are trying to help him if he’ll just turn over “the package.”
The acting is above par and features Michael Kingsbaker in his first starring role for the big screen. Fresh new faces are always good to see and in this role Kingbaker nails the nerd who finds himself in the middle of an espionage caper. He handles the comedy well and alongside Ana Serradilla as Adriana Vazquez, they make a good team with a lot of chemistry between them.
Welcome to Acapulco has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains language and violence. It makes a great dinner and a movie as just a break from the ordinary movie.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A fun film for a little escapism. (3 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Michael Kingsbaker, Bradley Gregg, Paul Sorvino, Michael Madsen, William Baldwin, Ana Serradilla, Jeannine Kaspar
Director: Guillermo Iván
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 28 min.
Release Date: March 12, 2019
Language: English
Distributed by: Momentum Pictures
Released in: VOD and Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
