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Since the start of these “reality” series took place a few years
ago, every producer with a vision and a camera wanted to get in
on the action. From “The Real World”, to “The Survivor” series,
to “Joe Millionaire”, it took some time to get an audience but some
of them have actually attracted die-hard fans. People can’t seem
to get enough of these “real” soap operas. Taking it a step further,
New Line Cinema and the producers of the long-running series, “The
Real World” and “Road Rules” are looking for the gold now while
the trend is still hot. Being released this week after completing
filming a month ago is “The Real Cancun”, an R-rated “reality feature
film” on kids having fun while vacation in Mexico during Spring
Break. While some may find the film oft-putting like the other TV
reality shows, the film itself is quite appealing and funny and
should make a boatload of money from individuals who want to venture
into someone else’s world.
Bringing in 16 individuals from different colleges across the country
is a very good way to establish diversity. Everyone comes in with
a different attitude. Some are looking to have fun and enjoy the
free paid trip, while others want to step it up a bit with the sexual
escapades, and drinking binge. If anyone has ever gone to the Vineyard
with a crew of guys or girls during the 4th of July, you know your
agenda will change once you hit the beach. Each person is quickly
identified. There’s Casey, the oldest of the group at 25, who thinks
he’s Peter Pan and Spring Break is an everyday thing. Roxanne and
Nicole are the twins from Texas who are “glad” to be away from home.
Jeremy is the classical “ladies' man” who can’t wait to get started
on wooing women, Paul and Jorell are the African-Americans
who came together and are vying for the only sister, Sky, in the
group. And then there’s Alan, the nerdy kid who never drank alcohol
before. Boy!! Is he in for the ride of his life?
Much of what occurs in “The Real Cancun” is no different than what
you would see in a “Real World in Malibu Beach” series. But from
a film perspective, a lot of credit goes to the editor of the film.
Instead of drawing out the scenario in a TV series format that would last for
a season, you have a story building in just an hour
and a half. Of course, there are parts that we don't need in the film such as the
quick edits of the party scenes and the drinking festivities, but
when the camera focuses on some individuals, you can’t help but
be involved in their story and see where it goes. The storyline,
if you can call it that, involving Sky and Paul, is very interesting.
The agenda on the surface is not all what it seems to be. Some may
recall their past as they see what develops here. Unlike TV, you
will see some flesh and more drinking here than normally expected.
That’s a good thing. This film wouldn’t be “real” if it didn’t include
situations that occur during Spring Break vacation spots. Even rapper
Snoop Doog has some fun while performing on stage. The highlight
of the film is definitely Alan. From the moment he’s introduced,
there was no question as to what would happen next, but he’s funny,
appealing, and consciously aware of his change. Director Rick De
Oliveira has a crafted a sexy, funny, and kinetic film that moves
swiftly and keeps you interested. All of the 16 “players” in the
film are to be commended for sharing so much as to who they are.
Reality series are not for everyone, but “The Real Cancun” is definitely
worth a look.
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