Watch The Pest

The Pest is a comedy film from 1997 starring John Leguizamo as Pestario "Pest" Vargas, a fast-talking and wisecracking con artist who finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The movie follows Pest, who is in debt to his gangster boss Gustav Shank (played by Jeffrey Jones), as he agrees to participate in a deadly hunting game in exchange for clearing his debt.

Upon arriving on the island where the game is set to take place, Pest realizes that he is the prey and must survive for 24 hours while being hunted by a group of wealthy hunters eager to add him to their trophy collection. This leads to a series of comedic chases and close calls as Pest utilizes his street smarts and quick wit to outsmart his pursuers.

As Pest navigates through the island, he also runs into a group of local rebels fighting against the wealthy hunters and their exploitation of their land. This introduces a layer of social commentary to the film, while also providing Pest with allies who help him in his quest to survive and escape the island.

John Leguizamo delivers a high-energy performance as Pest, bouncing from one hilarious improvised line to the next. His physical comedy and ability to switch between different accents and personas keep the audience entertained throughout the film. Jeffrey Jones is equally entertaining as Gustav Shank, playing a quirky and menacing villain who is always one step ahead of Pest.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, particularly Edoardo Ballerini as Himmel, a German hunter who becomes obsessed with catching Pest. The chemistry between Ballerini and Leguizamo is electric, and their scenes together provide some of the film's funniest moments.

The Pest is not without its flaws, however. Some of the comedy falls flat, and the pacing drags at certain points. Additionally, the film has been criticized for its use of racial stereotypes and offensive humor. While the film's intentions may have been to satirize these stereotypes, some audiences may find the humor insensitive and distasteful.

Overall, The Pest is a fun and zany comedy that showcases John Leguizamo's comedic talents. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy over-the-top humor and fast-paced action will find plenty to enjoy in this film.

The Pest is a 1997 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.