Watch La Cucaracha

La Cucaracha, a 1998 film directed by Jack Perez, is a dark comedy that tells the story of four men stranded in a small town on the Texas-Mexico border in the summer of 1969. The movie follows the journey of two Americans, Wesley (played by Eric Roberts) and Jerry (played by James McManus), who are traveling to Mexico to find work. When their car breaks down, they are forced to stay in the small town of Red Mesa, where they meet a Mexican American named Jesus (played by Victor Rivers), who owns a used car lot.

Jesus offers to help the men fix their car, but they soon discover that he has a hidden agenda: he wants them to help him transport a truckload of illegal weapons across the border into Mexico. Reluctantly, Wesley and Jerry decide to help Jesus, but there are complications along the way.

Meanwhile, a ruthless Mexican Federal Agent named Gomez (played by Joaquim de Almeida) is also in Red Mesa, looking for Jesus and the weapons. As the plot thickens, Wesley and Jerry become caught up in the dangerous underworld of gun smuggling and drug dealing.

The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, as the characters struggle to make sense of their situation and navigate their increasingly dangerous surroundings.

Eric Roberts gives a standout performance as Wesley, a charismatic and streetwise hustler who is always looking for his next scheme. Roberts brings depth and nuance to the character, making him both likable and complex.

Victor Rivers is also excellent as Jesus, the smooth-talking used car salesman with a hidden agenda. Rivers brings a sly wit and a sense of danger to the role, creating a character who is both charming and menacing.

Joaquim de Almeida is a standout as Gomez, the ruthless Federal Agent who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. De Almeida brings a cold, calculating energy to the role, creating a character who is both intimidating and magnetic.

The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography that captures the stark beauty of the desert landscape. The soundtrack, featuring classic rock and roll hits from the late 60s, sets the tone for the film and adds to the overall atmosphere.

Overall, La Cucaracha is a darkly funny and engaging film that explores the seedy underbelly of the Texas-Mexico border. With strong performances, beautiful visuals, and a suspenseful plot, it is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and black comedies.

La Cucaracha is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.