 
Destiny Has No Favorites
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 2
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 On: 2006-08-06
In the Peruvian comedy film, "Destiny has no Favorites" wealthy Ernesto (Javier Valdez) rents out the grounds of his splendid mansion to a television studio. He then announces to his wife Ana (Monica Steuer) that hes going away on business leaving her to deal with the actors and actresses from the soap-opera thats about to filmed outside. Ana, whos peevish, spoilt and bored to tears, professes disgust at the "vulgarity" of the popular soap, "Destiny", and her disdain becomes even greater when her two maids glue themselves to the windows watching the soap being filmed.
This soap is set in the "Hotel Anything Goes" and the plot concerns a wealthy wheelchair bound woman, Virtudes (Elena Romero) whos married to a young unscrupulous hunk Alejandro (Bernie Paz). Glamorous star Maria (Angie Cepeda) competes for Alejandros attention. Like most soaps, the plot is full of cliches, bizarre plot twists, and general nastiness.
The director announces a new role--Alejandros ex-girlfriend, and Ana--whos snooping around the set is mistaken for an actress and given the role. Flattered, and excited, Ana takes the part without revealing that shes the wealthy woman who owns the mansion. Shes a natural for the role, and soon shes manipulating her way around the set--upsetting everyone--except the director. Meanwhile another complication sets in when fate sends the director inside Anas home, and here he begins a tentative friendship with the mysterious and disguised lady-of-the-house. Hes soon consulting her about the soap, and she steers him away from the "conventional morality" of the plot. Anas life becomes increasingly more complicated as the lines between her real life and her double life as the actress Ana Anguish blur.
The film directed by Alvaro Velarde almost works--some of the scenes between the actresses are quite funny--especially when the claws appear, and its very easy to accept that this rich, bored woman would thrive on the nastiness of a soap opera set. But theres something missing. The film doesnt go far enough with its comedy, and the characters should be unleashed. Theres nothing wrong with the film, and its certainly a pleasant little diversion. But given the premise, the film could have been so much more. 3 1/2 stars. In Spanish with English subtitles--displacedhuman
 On: 2005-08-10
you have to understand the Latin soap opera culture and not being part
of the typical soap opera viewers to be able to fully enjoy this movie.
Alvaros sarcasm and sense of humor makes this film to be the first of
its class in Peru. A soap opera being filmed in a family house, the
maids (already involved in the show) get involved as part of the
cast, and eventually the home owner will get involved with the filming
and with the director as well. Very good acting and direction, im sure
the next one will be as fun as the first of Alvaros work...
 On: 2005-08-03
Unlike many foreign films this movie actually has a story, with a beginning, middle and end. Despite the cover this is a film the whole family can view comfortably. Does not rely on special effects, sex, or chase sceens. Its fun witty dialogue gives us hope that maybe people still know how to write. I love this movie!
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