They say what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico. But for 16 rowdy college students, their raunchy stories will be seen nationwide in New Line Cinema’s “The Real Cancun.” I hope Mom and Dad aren’t watching.
Building on their successful formula used in the MTV shows “The Real World” and “Road Rules,” producers Mary Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray have designed what is to be the first reality feature film.
Six camera crews followed a cast of 16 American college students and filmed their adventures as they became absorbed in the spring break carousing of Cancun, Mexico.
Filmed in one week in March, the movie was shot on location and shows the students’ exploits through casting interviews and scheduled group activities, as well as through their own un-scripted nights on the town.
This unique collection of real people explores the barriers of reality shows that stretch beyond the limits of the norms of television.
A mix between an R-rated “Real World” and the movie “Jackass” with nudity, this film does a surprisingly good job of giving a documentary type of feel in the beginning.
As a removed third party spy, the audience sees the budding romances, hookups and jealousy that occurs among the cast members.
As semi-relationships develop between two of the couples, the narrative shifts toward talks of relationships and discussions of how to pick up members of the opposite sex.
Director Olivier uses the classic formula of mixing college students, alcohol, dance clubs and a romantic beach setting to achieve his “reality” goals.
I’m not sure if you can call the occurrences of college students living in a beachside Mexican property reality, but nevertheless, romances, hookups and heartache abound among the roommates.
The producers carefully mixed in predictable “characters” such as the best friends in denial of their romantic urges, the young party girl with a serious boyfriend back at home, and the party Adonis player who is looking for as many sexual conquests as possible. It all worked.
I really didn’t want to enjoy this movie. But oddly enough, a quiet 18-year-old, Alan, saved it for me. As a stark contrast to his predictable party-boy roommates who claim that they are God’s gift to women, Alan is a “gee-golly I don’t drink” nerdy kid.
As I followed Alan in his transformation from the awkward shy guy to the king of spring break, I found myself, and the rest of the audience, rooting for this lovable geek.
Never forgetting his innocent roots, Alan begins to build his confidence as a ladies’ man while musing, “I’m still the good kid, right?”
So who will enjoy this movie? “The Real Cancun” is custom made for fans of sexy reality shows or those who simply enjoy a good 90 minute beach party with hordes of teeny bikini-clad women and the males in Speedos who love to chase them.
Both ways, when you see this film, make sure to leave your morals at home and enjoy the humorous moments the film delivers.
“The Real Cancun” opened nation-wide last Friday.
