8/10 - honest and entertaining buddy dramedy is worth a watch or two
30 Reviews
Papi Chulo
JoBloTheMovieCritic8 January 2020
A small gem
fciocca12 September 2019
I discovered this movie just randomly, while I was looking something to watch. Matt Bomer, that I remebered acting in White Collar and the fifth season of AHS, pushed me to watch it. I had really low expectations, I never heard about it, and I did not even watched a trailer, so I did not know what I was going to watch. I was surprised at the end: it is very enjoyable, and it treats some really serious topic, in a easygoing way, which is not easy at all.
Sean is a forecast reporter that suddently find himself completely alone. He needs to repaint the dock of his house and he hire this latino mam named Ernesto. The two start to have a connection that very quickly develop into an amazing friendship, that will help Sean to get over a very difficult moment in his life.
Mat Bomer and Alejandro Patiño portrait two men that, despite their differences, can bound together by demolishing every wall and social prejudice. And the movie is centered completely on them, it develop very nicely their relationship from the beginning, until the end. I never felt bored: every scene has the right timing, secondary characters only need to add a little bit of dynamicity, but they have the right space.
Papi Chulo is an entertaining movie and you will pass a pleasant one hour and a half. I really suggest this movie if you just want to relax, by watching at the same time a smart one.
Sean is a forecast reporter that suddently find himself completely alone. He needs to repaint the dock of his house and he hire this latino mam named Ernesto. The two start to have a connection that very quickly develop into an amazing friendship, that will help Sean to get over a very difficult moment in his life.
Mat Bomer and Alejandro Patiño portrait two men that, despite their differences, can bound together by demolishing every wall and social prejudice. And the movie is centered completely on them, it develop very nicely their relationship from the beginning, until the end. I never felt bored: every scene has the right timing, secondary characters only need to add a little bit of dynamicity, but they have the right space.
Papi Chulo is an entertaining movie and you will pass a pleasant one hour and a half. I really suggest this movie if you just want to relax, by watching at the same time a smart one.
Weird but yet cute
khattar-194725 August 2020
This movie is about a weatherman who is coming in terms with being alone and lonely after losing his partner. Matt Bomer has done different kind of movies over the years and this one is no different. He displays a complex character who goes from being kind and sad to awkward and kind of creepy and back to kind and sad. Unfortunately this movie chooses to show an immigrant as an emotional teddy bear.
Loneliness is palpable
Gordon-1121 January 2020
This film tells a man going through a very tough time. We only find out why in the middle of the film, and to me it is quite a shock. It makes me appraise the story in another light. His loneliness is palpable and well portrayed as well.
Cute
adamjohns-4257517 June 2020
I think Matt Bomer does a fantastic job in this film, although I may be biased by the fact he is very handsome. However the story is absolutely lovely. A very sweet tale of loneliness, a longing need and an unlikely connection between two very different people.
At first I thought it was going to be another film that I might describe as pointless, but actually it was just a slow-burner.
Not your typical gay story, no coming-out tragedy or dangerous relationship or even a will they, won't they and for that I like it very much.
At first I thought it was going to be another film that I might describe as pointless, but actually it was just a slow-burner.
Not your typical gay story, no coming-out tragedy or dangerous relationship or even a will they, won't they and for that I like it very much.
'Sometimes a stranger makes the best friend'
gradyharp18 November 2019
John Butler both wrote and directed this sensitive film that tenderly explores the space that friendship secures despite hypothetical barriers of language, culture, gender identification and social mores. This is a film that is not only entertaining and well acted and directed, but also is a much needed platform for examining the prejudices that at times interfere with civility when those responses can be (and so often are) healing.
Sean (a luminous Matt Bomer) is a gay Los Angeles television weatherman whose anguish over a 6-month separation of his ex-lover Carlos results in an on-camera breakdown. His TV crew encourages him to take a rest - a break from his broadcast duties - and spend some time talking to someone for support in his chronic loneliness. Sean decides to change his life, at least as far as his home atmosphere, by giving away Carlos' potted tree on his deck - the removal of which leaves a painted blemish that Sean decides to correct. This mission opens the gate to his picking up a middle-aged migrant Latino day worker - Ernesto (Alejandro Patiño) - to help him, and despite the language barrier the two become friends: Sean over-talks on hikes, rowing on MacArthur Park Lake, parties, eateries, and gay parties and Ernesto sensitively provides listening companionship. When Ernesto doesn't appear one day, Sean turns to drinking and trying to find Ernesto in his Pico Rivera living area, only to fall (literally) into Ernesto's backyard during a Quinceanera party and is cared for by Ernesto's family - a kindness Sean later repays as 'room and board'. During Sean's recovery he tries Grindr, and the hunky Ryan Guzman appears at his door: Sean is emotionally unable to respond to the encounter. Time passes. All's well that end's well - as when Ernesto's child knocks on the front door, followed by Ernesto, to fix the still unpainted deck. 'Sometimes a stranger makes the best friend.'
A small but very fine cast support Bomer and Patiño and the result is a touching film that offers a fine view of interpersonal relationships - despite some barriers.
Best Movie Of The Year Thus Far....
Rdz91619 August 2019
Let me first start off by saying I'm not gay and don't typically watch movies with gay images or titles. With that being said, I'm glad I didn't pass this one up. Definitely my favorite movie thus far this year.
We all grieve in different ways, but this one hit home. I mean how many of us try to open a new door without closing the existing one.
The acting was superb. The Mexican (Ernesto) reminds me of my uncles and grandparents in his work ethic and conscious of what they're being paid for.
We all grieve in different ways, but this one hit home. I mean how many of us try to open a new door without closing the existing one.
The acting was superb. The Mexican (Ernesto) reminds me of my uncles and grandparents in his work ethic and conscious of what they're being paid for.
Matt takes on some daffy daddy issues
ozjosh0312 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to like Papi Chulo. I really did. I mean, Matt Bomer is flat-out adorable, whether he's trying playing a butch mountain man in Walking Out or flashing his gay credentials in The Normal Heart. In fact, I thought I'd be fine with Matt Bomer playing every gay role in Hollywood until his looks finally fade. But Papi Chulo has changed my mind. Matty has now done so many gay roles that he's clearly having trouble finding the challenge in them. So as Sean in Papi Chulo he goes for fey gay and incorporates a mincey little walk. It's unnecessary and kind of annoying, but actors will be versatile (ahem), even when it would be better that they weren't. Unfortunately, the swish Matty adds here only makes Sean more of a stereotype and less likeable. I see there are those who have found Papi Chulo both hilariously funny and a touchingly real human story about grief and the need for human connection. But is it really? Struggling with his lover's death, Sean seizes on an immigrant worker and somewhat bizarrely uses him as both a shoulder to cry on and a substitute companion, even though they poor guy has virtually no English. He takes him hiking, rowing on a lake and to a gay party. This is where the film is supposedly both touching and hilarious. But whatever humour there is in these set-ups is undercut by how weirdly unbelievable they are. The situations are all extremely awkward for poor Ernesto, who just wants to earn his money painting Sean's deck. And Sean is spectacularly insensitive for not seeing this. There's also nothing to really justify why Sean is so utterly oblivious, or why he's unable to find a more appropriate shoulder to cry on. Like the friends who knew his deceased partner. Or one or other of his perfectly sympathetic co-workers. Never mind. Papi Chulo forgoes all character logic in order to escalate into full-blown farce before Sean finally comes to his senses. Bomer is fine, as always, and as relatable as the dumb script allows. But I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in losing the will to summon the level of suspension of disbelief necessary to be engaged and moved by this extremely odd little movie.
Indie Gem
Sacotra13 October 2018
I was lucky enough to see the European premiere of 'Papi Chulo' at the London Film Festival. And what a wonderful movie this is. On its face, the tale of a lonely weatherman and the connection he develops with the Latino day laborer he hires to do some painting, on a deeper level it is a moving exploration of loneliness. Do not let that put you off, however. This is not a depressing movie; it has moments of true, laugh-out-loud comedy as well as moments of real tragedy that lead finally to a warm, hopeful ending.
All the performances work. Alejandro Patiño is very good as a man of basic decency and honesty who finds himself in some awkward situations and reacts in the best way he knows how - or, frankly, anyone could be expected to. But the movie hangs on Bomer's performance - he is in almost every scene - and he delivers and then some. Everything about the performance hits the mark, from heartwarming comedy to heartbreaking tragedy, Bomer clearly went all in, but avoids histrionics to bring to the screen a visceral, moving, touching portrayal of a man struggling to deal with grief and immense loss the best way he knows how. In a more mainstream movie (and a fairer world), I honestly believe this performance would garner awards attention.
John Butler's writing and direction are all thoroughly accomplished, exploring big themes via his main character's contained, personal story. The screenplay is beautifully paced, never rushing but never slow. There are highlight scenes both at the comedic end of the spectrum (the 'singing Madonna in the taxi' scene manages to be both moving and funny) and at the tragic (some of Bomer's finest moments in the film).
There is nothing showy about this movie - there's no big budget or effects - but it does what it sets out to do perfectly. I very rarely give a 10 to anything, but I give one to this because I honestly can't think of anything that could be improved within the scope of this film's ambitions. It is a thoroughly satisfying movie-going experience: it provides laughter and tears, gives food for thought on multiple fronts, and finds its way to a satisfying, but not trite, ending.
Congratulations to all involved. I hope this movie finds distribution deals that allow as many people as possible to see it in theatres, and fingers crossed for streaming distribution that will allow the millions of people to see it that it deserves.
All the performances work. Alejandro Patiño is very good as a man of basic decency and honesty who finds himself in some awkward situations and reacts in the best way he knows how - or, frankly, anyone could be expected to. But the movie hangs on Bomer's performance - he is in almost every scene - and he delivers and then some. Everything about the performance hits the mark, from heartwarming comedy to heartbreaking tragedy, Bomer clearly went all in, but avoids histrionics to bring to the screen a visceral, moving, touching portrayal of a man struggling to deal with grief and immense loss the best way he knows how. In a more mainstream movie (and a fairer world), I honestly believe this performance would garner awards attention.
John Butler's writing and direction are all thoroughly accomplished, exploring big themes via his main character's contained, personal story. The screenplay is beautifully paced, never rushing but never slow. There are highlight scenes both at the comedic end of the spectrum (the 'singing Madonna in the taxi' scene manages to be both moving and funny) and at the tragic (some of Bomer's finest moments in the film).
There is nothing showy about this movie - there's no big budget or effects - but it does what it sets out to do perfectly. I very rarely give a 10 to anything, but I give one to this because I honestly can't think of anything that could be improved within the scope of this film's ambitions. It is a thoroughly satisfying movie-going experience: it provides laughter and tears, gives food for thought on multiple fronts, and finds its way to a satisfying, but not trite, ending.
Congratulations to all involved. I hope this movie finds distribution deals that allow as many people as possible to see it in theatres, and fingers crossed for streaming distribution that will allow the millions of people to see it that it deserves.
Meeeh..
robarlos-1500013 December 2019
I felt for Ernesto who only wanted to head to work to make some cash..and here comes Sean who uses Ernesto as a friend shrink..even tries hitting on him. The movie was unrealistic and in the real world this would not happen..LA Celeb Cuckoo Weatherman creepily befriends a Granddad handyman no english..as if! I totally support Gay movies..but this flick was meeh!
Two stars for the music x
A perfect depiction
joshuauzoamakah-4518127 December 2019
Very sweet and cute
u-emoli1 December 2019
This movie popped out of Netflix and although the reviews were good, I didn't know what to expect. It is a super sweet, heart warming, intelligent and funny little gem. You watch it all the way through with a smile on your face and a little tear. Well written lovely movie.
Loved it and felt sucked in but due to personal relevant reasons, such a lovely film.
closetogivingup21 November 2019
I loved this film because I can really relate to it on a personal level.
My wife is from South America and I have been a lifelong sufferer of what is known as CPTSD, I have suffered traumas as a child but also in the last 15 years had 14 people died including 3 best friends, aunties, uncles and my father. Sometimes you have to ask how people live through these traumas.
So for me this film and the main actor who's name in the film is Sean who is also suffering from PTSD due to losing someone he loved I can feel his pain and he was crying out for someone to be just company to him who he could talk to,
The film was in my opinion no masterpiece BUT it wasn't far off, I think the negative reviews on here are from people who can't profoundly relate to Sean's pain and his situation.
Some people would of expected more action or just a different film, It was just a really put together well film that has an uncanny amount of love in it.
The actors both Sean and Ernesto plaid a fantastic role with outstanding skills and both my wife and I didn't get bored for a single second, I would love to see a second version of this film but without ruining their bond that both Ernesto and Sean built on very unusual circumstances.
Overall the film for me gets a 9/10. It was a film I would deffo watch again.
My wife is from South America and I have been a lifelong sufferer of what is known as CPTSD, I have suffered traumas as a child but also in the last 15 years had 14 people died including 3 best friends, aunties, uncles and my father. Sometimes you have to ask how people live through these traumas.
So for me this film and the main actor who's name in the film is Sean who is also suffering from PTSD due to losing someone he loved I can feel his pain and he was crying out for someone to be just company to him who he could talk to,
The film was in my opinion no masterpiece BUT it wasn't far off, I think the negative reviews on here are from people who can't profoundly relate to Sean's pain and his situation.
Some people would of expected more action or just a different film, It was just a really put together well film that has an uncanny amount of love in it.
The actors both Sean and Ernesto plaid a fantastic role with outstanding skills and both my wife and I didn't get bored for a single second, I would love to see a second version of this film but without ruining their bond that both Ernesto and Sean built on very unusual circumstances.
Overall the film for me gets a 9/10. It was a film I would deffo watch again.
A Home With a Bleak View
westsideschl25 January 2020
Lacked subtitles for the elderly, disabled, hearing impaired, and ESL viewers. Disrespectful & cheap on the part of the producers especially when audio & English enunciation is off. Dialogue is important!
Had potential, but not too believable encounter between a TV weatherman homeowner & his hiring of an Hispanic handyman from in front of a home improvement store to paint his deck. Homeowner came across as a narcissistic, self-indulgent, spoiled individual trying to resolve his relationship issues. Not much to the script or acting unless you like watching paint dry.
Had potential, but not too believable encounter between a TV weatherman homeowner & his hiring of an Hispanic handyman from in front of a home improvement store to paint his deck. Homeowner came across as a narcissistic, self-indulgent, spoiled individual trying to resolve his relationship issues. Not much to the script or acting unless you like watching paint dry.
Adorable film
rolandcat16 October 2018
This film is beautiful in so many ways.
Well acted and shows what happens when you lose a partner and how crazy you can become.
When he meets and has a friendship with the migrant worker it's so real. He doesn't want a Grindr hook up he wants a hug. A human that cares for him.
What I like about this film also is it's not all about being gay. The gay thing is just a trait. The friendship relationship with the married man is sweet and believable.
Some good laughs . A great film. Original.
Wonderful. Couldn't better it. Hence a ten.
Well acted and shows what happens when you lose a partner and how crazy you can become.
When he meets and has a friendship with the migrant worker it's so real. He doesn't want a Grindr hook up he wants a hug. A human that cares for him.
What I like about this film also is it's not all about being gay. The gay thing is just a trait. The friendship relationship with the married man is sweet and believable.
Some good laughs . A great film. Original.
Wonderful. Couldn't better it. Hence a ten.
More on drama
awesomepillowprint25 August 2019
Comedy is only on the first part. 5-star rating for being a slow movie. Good acting comes naturally because if i'm not mistaking the actor is really gay. While the Spanish actor, doesn't act too much. It is a decent gay drama film good to waste time. Waste because you didn't achieve to laugh nor to cry.
Emotionally true, always talk!
keithandvix13 October 2018
Wonderful Funny & sad film but worth it.
danielkinney28 December 2019
This movie had me at hello. it has a few surprises in store. I love how the story teller wrote the script. I would put this movie as my top 10 all time favorite movies. This is a must see for everyone. I would give it 100 Stars if I could.
An empty spot
cekadah25 September 2019
At the beginning of this story the character Sean discovers an unpainted spot on his rather grand deck. And that empty unpainted spot represents the sum total of this movie. The story and the characters just come across empty.
I could not empathize with Sean and his feeling of loss nor was Ernesto a character that seemed to add anything to the story. In other words both characters seem as empty as the unpainted spot.
I realize the director, John Butler's intention was for Sean to simply fill the empty spot in Sean's life. But the path taken to achieve this was a poor attempt at dramedy.
I could not empathize with Sean and his feeling of loss nor was Ernesto a character that seemed to add anything to the story. In other words both characters seem as empty as the unpainted spot.
I realize the director, John Butler's intention was for Sean to simply fill the empty spot in Sean's life. But the path taken to achieve this was a poor attempt at dramedy.
The best movie I'd never heard of...
jfost7515 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie out of boredom and curiosity and I'm absolutely glad I did. It can be a difficult line to walk, having a gay main character without making the entire movie about their sexuality. This movie walked that line perfectly! It wasnt about straight/gay or about mexican/white, it was about friendship and being human.
Bomer plays Sean, an LA weatherman who's experiencing some tough times in his personal life. After being forced to take some time off, and realizing he's not very good at manual labor, he hires Ernesto, a Mexican migrant worker, to help him repaint his deck.
Although Ernesto doesnt speak English and Sean doesn't speak Spanish, they quickly form a friendship, despite the fact Sean is gay and Ernesto is a traditional older Mexican man.
Aftet being told countless times to "talk to somebody" Sean finds himself bearing all his feelings to a gug who has almost no idea what he is saying.
The first 2/3 of the film, you're lead to believe Sean has just gone thru a breakup, only much later in the film do we learn that his partner had actually died. Ernesto feels somewhat guilty about being paid just to hang out with Sean but I never once got the sense that Sean felt anything less than grateful.
After a drunken pass from Sean, Ernesto seemingly disappears, leading Sean to search for his friend. After finding Ernesto's home and making a drunken spectacle while crashing his party, Sean realizes that he has been putting off dealing with his loss and ultimately decides it's time to move on with his life.
The movie ends with Ernesto and his English speaking son showing up at Sean's house to finish the work on the deck and Sean joining in on the work. Although it wasnt necessarily wrapped up in a cute little bow, the movie did give me the sense that both characters grew from their time together.
It's rare to see so many positive reviews of a film on IMDB, and admittedly I usually only review when I'm trying to warn others of something awful, however this movie gave me nothing but joy and satisfaction at having seen it. There's no sex scenes or anything of that nature, so if you're not homiphobic, i highly recommend taking the time to watch this movie. I think you'll find it funny, entertaining, and very character-driven.
A disappointment
jcoberkrom26 September 2019
I looked forward to seeing this movie and was dismayed when it came and left Austin with my know it. Austin is a gay friendly city so this was strange
I now know why.
While the acting is good and parts of the film shine. Overall it is poorly written and directed.
It is listed as a comedy. Sorry not true. There may be some humorous parts but the are few a far between. It seems John Butler really doesn't know how to do funny.
As for as directing his constantly letting glare distracts from the film. I'm sure he thought it was purposeful, but it was a distraction.
I suggest on his next project he seriously considers a cowriter and maybe a different director.
Beautiful film about loneliness and acceptance
barbicandev8 May 2019
This movie is wonderful. I saw it in London, Dublin, Glasgow and then London again, that's how good it is. I've been a fan of John Butler's work for some time, but this film is his best yet. Matt Bomer is magnificent as Sean, a man who is broken by grief and loneliness, and Alejandro Patino is perfectly cast as the migrant worker who is the catalyst for Sean's recovery. The film has plenty of laugh out loud moments and also scenes that will break your heart. All the cast are wonderful and Alejandro and particularly Matt give performances that are sublime. Go see it, you'll be glad you did!
Charming and poignant
MegaMaexn28 July 2019
A quiet and gentle story that has you feeling for the protagonist whilst making you think about friendship and loneliness. Matt Bomer does a terrific job and obviously infuses his performance with elements from his own life. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie, the casting and the message!
Ended up with a 5
qui_j26 July 2020
The theme of loss and grieving was well explored but the acting was pretty bad. The 5 rating was for how the theme was explored. The film was obviously low budget. It shows how one tries to fix loneliness and grief by every means possible but it really take a friend, no matter the age, size or shape, to help one through the grieving process.
Deepgoing, outstanding performances, worldclass directing
susanne-wolfsohn9 May 2019
It's impossible to describe all the feelings you get watching this movie! Love, pain, laughing, crying, wondering and so much more. Matt Bomer and Alejandro Patino play such an uneven pair, it does not seem to be possible anymore. And yet there is a mutual attraction, complementary to the life of each other. John Butler shows in sensitive scenes and pictures a sensitive topic - you can not show it more beautiful!
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