| Credited cast: | |||
| Ben Gazzara | ... | Jack Palladin | |
| David Moscow | ... | Joshua Ross | |
| Talia Shire | ... | Rosario | |
| Pedro Armendáriz Jr. | ... | Police Chief | |
| Angélica Aragón | ... | Helen | |
| Roberto Díaz Gomar | ... | Ed Giobbi | |
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Jimmy Morales | ... | Postman 2 |
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Sammy Morales | ... | Postman 1 |
| Vincent Pastore | ... | Arnie | |
| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
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Luis Argueta | ... | Paco - The Cobbler |
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Jerry Carlson | ... | Jerry |
| Arturo Castro | ... | Nestor | |
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Sofia Comparini | ... | Waitress |
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Cecilia de Oribe | ... | Mayor |
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Rodolfo Espinosa | ... | Immigration Officer (as 'Chofo' Rodolfo Espinosa) |
Description: Arrogant Hollywood talent agent, Josh Ross (David Moscow) is sent to Guatemala to find Oscar-winning actor Jack Palladin (Ben Gazzara). Having never met, the search is emotionally complicated as the long-time retired star was once married to Josh's late mother. Josh's contempt for the 'old' actor mirrors his comedic distaste for the local community whose help he desperately needs to find him. What he hopes will be a quick and lucrative deal turns into a humorous yet soul-searching journey for both. Written by Anonymous
The story doesn't really start until the two main characters start talking to one another, in the restaurant. Seriously, you can skip most of what precedes that, especially any of the stupid buffoonery scenes involving the kid. The tone of the movie changes completely once the kid starts talking with the actor, and I recommend fast forwarding to that point, over 30 minutes in. Too bad rest of my family bailed out before then.
The essence of the movie is in the conversations between the kid and the other main characters. Rest of the scenes enrich the story being told, as does the setting in the very special town of Antigua Guatemala.
The characters know more than they're letting on. Pay particular attention to talk about families. But once you realize what is going on, there are many "Why?"s. I would have like to skip the stupid beginnings, and expanded the backstories and provided more answers for all of the "Why?" questions. Among other more obvious questions, why was this whole situation set into motion by the head of the talent agency who sent the kid there?
There are some good lines, and evocative movie titles (e.g. "Garden of Suffering"), in the dialog.