Todo mal

Todo mal is a comedic film that was released in Mexico in 2018. Directed by Issa López, the Spanish language movie features a talented ensemble cast including Marcela Guirado, Osvaldo Benavides, and Alfonso Dosal. The title, when translated to English, essentially means "Everything Wrong", and that gives you a hint about the quirky, unconventional plot that unfolds throughout the movie.

At the heart of the narrative is Fernando (played by Osvaldo Benavides). He is struggling in life with an unfulfilling job, a boss who doesn't respect him, and a girlfriend who believes their relationship is stagnating. He pours his heart and soul into planning the perfect proposal, hoping this grand gesture will set things right. But life, in all its unpredictability, intervenes. What was meant to be a memorable day gets ruined, and the proposal doesn't work out, leading Fernando's girlfriend to break up with him.

Moreover, Fernando also discovers that his father, Pompilio Ortega (played by Antonio Gaona), a famous director and master of popular Mexican cinema, has passed away and left him an unusual inheritance: a beautiful but dilapidated old cinema. Despite his father’s fame and success, the relationship between him and Fernando was estranged, and this unexpected inheritance only serves to bring forward mixed emotions.

Fernando and his two childhood friends Felipe (Martin Altomaro) and Alexis (Alfonso Dosal) find themselves on an adventure, fueled by the need to sell the run-down cinema to gain some financial stability. However, this proves to be more challenging than they initially expected as they deal with a host of bizarre buyers, allof them bypassing the old cinema because of its severe dilapidation and lack of prospects.

Fernando's luck, however, takes a turn when a secret that his father kept hidden is revealed – an unreleased film by Pompilio, which has the potential to be invaluable. As the friends unearth more secrets about the mysterious film, they get tangled up in a series of comedic and somewhat chaotic escapades.

The female lead of the movie is Valeria (played by Marcela Guirado), who brings romance, charm, and even more complications to Fernando's chaotic world. The audience will enjoy watching Fernando, Felipe, and Alexis navigate through these plot twists together. The challenges both test and strengthen their friendship, and their comical mishaps create a lot of humor and laughter, making the film a thoroughly enjoyable romcom experience.

The film enthralls the viewers not only with its uniquely funny storyline but also its aesthetics. Cinematically, it captures the beauty and vibrancy of Mexico City, with several scenes shot in iconic locations. The film is also a tribute to Mexican cinema, with the dilapidated theatre serving as a metaphor for the forgotten nostalgia of old-era cinematic glitz.

Todo mal is a feel-good comedy laced with romance and drama. The film is authentic and relatable, and it showcases the struggles of trying to find a place in the world while also dealing with the pressure of societal norms and expectations. While it has its fair share of cliches (which adds to the charm of the narrative), the screenplay manages to keep viewers entertained with its genuine wit and humor.

Furthermore, the film is a showcase of excellent performances. Osvaldo Benavides portrays Fernando with a balance of optimism and haplessness while dealing with life's incessant curveballs. Marcela Guirado as Valeria brings an easy charm and chemistry on the screen. Alfonso Dosal and Martin Altomaro, in their respective roles, add an extra sprinkle of humor and friendship.

In conclusion, Todo mal is a hilariously heartwarming comedy of errors that viewers would enjoy for its refreshing storyline, vivid cinematography, and engaging performances. Its comic appeal mixed with a heartfelt story of friendship and self-realization binds the audience till the end, promising a fun, enjoyable cinematic experience.