Belascoarán, PI

Breezy, fast-paced. This is one film that doesn't take itself seriously and it works. The viewer is entertained as a result. The cases that Belascoaran works on are not really difficult and sans dizzying twists. But they are engaging and the viewer follows the stories enthusiastically till the end.

The film shows how he tackles each case: with aplomb and comedic touch. The illustrations that overlay the screen to further explain the cases Belascoaran is working on are cleverly done. This, as well as funny Silverio Palacios, as Belascoaran's casual sidekick Gilberto, add to the film's playful quality.

The actors, particularly Luis Gerardo Mendez, dish out realistic portrayals of their roles; nothing is cheesy or grandstanding.

As detective stories go, this one has a better vibe than "The Poison Rose" (2019) starring John Travolta.