The Retro Charm of Desperados
Desperados, a film released on Netflix, takes us back in time with its retro charm and behind-the-scenes drama. Despite its shortcomings in storytelling, the movie manages to entertain through the pleasant chemistry between its leads, Nasim Pedrad and Lamorne Morris.
A Blast from the Past
There are some movies that transport you to a different era, and Desperados is definitely one of them. This film seems to have been plucked from a time capsule, divorced from the present-day sexual mores and politics. The plot revolves around a woman named Nasim Pedrad, who embarks on a journey to Mexico with her two best friends to prevent her new boyfriend from reading a drunkenly composed email filled with cruelty. As you can imagine, this sets the stage for hijinks and, hypothetically, hilarity. Interestingly, Netflix has taken on the task of remaking Road Trip with female leads, showcasing their commitment to embracing new narratives and perspectives.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The retrograde feel of Desperados should come as no surprise, given its production history. Originally planned to begin production in 2009, this film’s development took place before female-driven raunchy comedies gained popularity with movies like Bridesmaids. Netflix, in its pursuit of content dominance, seems to have resurrected long-dormant projects and transformed them into modest-budget productions. However, the humor in Desperados feels dated, and many jokes fall flat. At times, the film even resembles some of Adam Sandler’s less successful endeavors on the streaming platform.
Desperados displays the hallmarks of a typical algorithm-produced Netflix movie. The pacing is relentless, never allowing any comedic beat to fully develop. Moments of genuine emotion are treated with a Wikipedia-style summary, lacking depth even compared to other movies in the same genre. Scenes transition abruptly, accompanied by blasts of songs that were popular a decade ago. The film tends to overstay its welcome, but it compensates for these shortcomings with appealing performers and a polished Hollywood sheen.
One particular obstacle encountered during the production of Desperados was the staccato editing, which gave the impression that the male lead had limited interaction with the rest of the cast. Further investigation revealed that Jason Mitchell, originally cast in the role, was fired due to allegations of inappropriate conduct on set. He was replaced by Lamorne Morris, although the integration of Morris into the film appears less than seamless.
Unfortunately, the lack of care in integrating the new cast member reflects the overall quality of the enterprise. Desperados features a talented ensemble that is let down by lazy direction and an embarrassing screenplay. The film opens with a scene in which Nasim Pedrad’s character is forced to discuss masturbation with a nun while applying for a guidance counselor job at a Catholic school. This poorly written, uncomfortable, and unfunny moment sets an unfortunate tone. Anna Camp and Sarah Burns, playing Pedrad’s best friends who accompany her to Mexico, are given little comedic material to work with.
Searching for Love and Laughter
Desperados adheres to the familiar romantic comedy formula, with the protagonist yearning for the seemingly perfect man while overlooking the better match right in front of her eyes. Robbie Amell portrays the supposed prince charming, while Lamorne Morris represents the underappreciated contender. The genuine moments of enjoyment in Desperados arise from the chemistry between Pedrad and Morris. Their easygoing banter and lighthearted exchanges come naturally, perhaps due to their previous experience as a couple on the TV show New Girl. These scenes allow the actors to showcase their comedic talents more effectively.
A Lackluster Addition to Netflix’s Catalog
Despite its potential retro appeal, Desperados falls short of being one of Netflix’s stronger offerings this year. While it may hold some appeal for viewers seeking lighthearted entertainment after a bottle of wine or two, it ultimately fails to deliver a remarkable experience. Perhaps, instead, it is worth dedicating your weekend to rewatching the beloved musical phenomenon, Hamilton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Desperados
1. Is Desperados a remake of a previous film?
No, Desperados is not a remake of a previous film. However, it shares similarities with the concept of Road Trip, but with female leads, adding a fresh perspective to the storyline.
2. Are there any notable behind-the-scenes stories related to Desperados?
Yes, Desperados faced production difficulties, resulting in the replacement of one of the male leads due to misconduct allegations. These challenges may have impacted the overall cohesion of the film.
3. How does Desperados compare to other Netflix-produced movies?
Desperados falls into the category of Netflix algorithm-produced movies, featuring a style and pacing that might feel familiar to viewers. However, the dated humor and mediocre screenplay mean it doesn’t reach the heights of other successful offerings on the platform.
4. Does the chemistry between the lead actors compensate for the film’s shortcomings?
Yes, the chemistry between Nasim Pedrad and Lamorne Morris provides some glimpses of genuine enjoyment throughout the film, adding moments of levity that make it more enjoyable.
5. Is Desperados worth watching despite its flaws?
While Desperados may not be the most remarkable film, it still holds some entertainment value for those seeking a light-hearted, nostalgic experience. However, it may not satisfy audiences looking for a more sophisticated or groundbreaking story.