aianth

7/10

If you find yourself lapping up other successful telenovelas like Jane the Virgin and Ugly Betty, or you love whimsical period shows like Glow, you might appreciate the silly escapades of this 1980s dual-language Apple+ series. This romp works best when the audience sees the main character’s fantasies play out. When instant replays reveal the reality of Maximo’s circumstances and his dashed dreams, the laughs erupt. Anchoring this comedy is veteran actor, Eugenio Derbez, and charming Enrique Arrizon who each play Maximo at different stages of life. While the Princess Bride-esq framing device can at times feel a little predictable, a few easter eggs mid-season made the choice worth it for this viewer. I especially appreciate Fernando Carsa as Memo, Maximo’s best friend who is relegated to the laundry room. Memo’s uncanny ability to find the upside of everything makes this character shine. Cloaked behind the comedy, Carsa brings to life someone who truly listens to others, to his numerous sisters, to his best friend, to his terrifying boss (brilliantly portrayed by Regina Orozco). Of course, Memo still has blind spots. Just because he listens, he doesn’t always deduct the right course of action. The writers of Acapulco allow Memo to thrive without needing to situate him into a specific box. But it is Carsa’s earnestness and comedic flair that make this character memorable for me. Original post available at https://aweinmotion.com/blog/2022/1/13/character-study-acapulco-on-apple-tv