BAJA

Film Review by FIORE

I have found that, as a general rule, Independent comedy films tend to be funnier than the big studio efforts.  The Indies cater more to comedy, than agendas and are often more ribald.  Unfortunately, that is not the case with BAJA, a romantic comedy from Producer, Writer and Director Tony Vidal.  His third film feature, Vidal attempts to cram so many comedy templates into his plot line, that none is ever exploited to its true humorous potential.

For example:  There is the comedy set up of driving with friends to Mexico in the family RV; connecting with a girl who is a hooker; running afoul of sketchy business/crime lords; discovering your own voice and not being ruled by others; having your best BFF attempt to break up your new romance; misunderstanding of a romantic situation; a young girl with dreams of singer stardom; a peasant who is actually a princess; a poor town that needs a spark to remain vital; a father trying to reconnect with his daughter; a bizarre wise man who is seeking an apprentice.  Any one, or two of these have the potential to create a funny caper.  Vidal incorporates all of them, creating a rushed and frantic film that never has time for laughs.

BAJA stars:  Jake Thomas; Chirs Brochu; Adrienne Mandi; Michelle DeShon; Zoe Corraface; Mark Margolis; Kurt Fuller; and Cynthia Stevenson.

Full disclosure; I watched this film while battling a severe head cold and was heavily medicated at the time.  For a comedy, this should have been an advantage.  But even my drug induced state could not elicit more than a few chuckles.  The funniest part of the film was the lyrics for the song “I Love You More Than Tacos” played during the movie credits.

BAJA had possibilities.  I wish Vidal success on his future endeavors.  Comedy is the most difficult genre to script.  If I may, allow the professor to suggest narrowing the theme, not making every character the main character, and following the KISS method of scriptwriting.