The Ranfla (2016) User Reviews

American Me meets Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

[atomboy13-569-641393 · 8/10 · 6 September 2018]

As shorts go, this little gem is a guilty pleasure. Danny De La Paz (Puppet in American Me) and Daniel Villarreal (Little Puppet) play themselves as two Chicano Cinema Icons about to set off to do a "meet and greet" somewhere in Aztlan. The issue here is the type of vehicle chosen for transport and the way in which it may or may not reflect on their individual and collective reputations. From the opening shots in which we see Daniel waiting for his partner on the sidewalk in front of his house standing next to some boxes marked AMERICAN ME, we know this is a comedy. Daniel in close-up is obviously older than he was in the film. Danny arrives and gets out of the car, only he isn't wearing his trademark hat. In fact he isn't wearing anything on his head at all...including hair. He too looks much older. The lighting is a bit harsh and immediately we are reminded of Blanche and Jane Hudson from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? There is an unkept quality to the pair that at first stuns the viewer (pair of penniless bums?). After the initial shock the story plays out to it's humorous and satisfying end. This one is most definitely for the American Me or Whatever Happened to...? fans. Writer/Director Juan Rodriguez has done a fine job of capturing the unique personalities of his stars. All in all I give this short an 8 with 2 points being deducted for lack of proper star presentation. This Ranfla could have used a good wax job!