Nope, this is not a sequel to Pinocchio, but it does involve a real boy that has a tiny, little problem with telling the truth. Set in Mexico City, Pulling Strings tells the tall tale of Alejandro (Jaime Camil), a struggling mariachi singer, who is denied a Visa for his daughter by Rachel (Laura Ramsey), a gringa U.S. embassy employee that's on the cusp of a promotion.
After a later coincidental meeting between these two, Alejandro decides to take matters into his own hands with the hopes of wheeling his fortune out of jeopardy. Both Camil and Ramsey create likable characters that are effective as leads, but to me, the true star of this movie is Alejandro's best friend Carnicas (Omar Chaparro). He delivers the movie's biggest laughs with witty lines, quick-fix plans, and impeccable comedic timing.
Although Pulling Strings is half in Spanish and half in English, non-Spanish speaking Americans should not shy away from this movie. Tom Arnold and Stockard Channing provide familiar faces for American audiences, but they aren't given that much to do. In the case of Arnold's character, it's understandable, but Channing has more screen time, and is kept away from all the action. She's a good actress, let her do something!
Pulling Strings wants to be (and is) a pleasant ride that isn't bound by language or culture because good movies with a great sense of humor, a few ear-grabbing musical numbers, and a breezy storyline is universal to all audiences.
While the plot is later centered on finding something a character lost, it's really about a love story. However, it's during this process when the movie stumbles. There's nothing wrong with two characters falling in love, but the intimate moments that are meant to build an authentic relationship feels contrived.
The film also misses an opportunity to take the story into a deeper (and possibly darker) direction when Alejandro finds himself in a deep hole. This story is overly concerned with wrapping things up neatly instead of fully exploring the consequences of Alejandro's actions.
Despite all that, the story is sweet and charming enough for some audiences to not notice. And when a film makes you forget about the strings that make a story go, then you realize that you're no longer watching a puppet show. You're watching something real. And for me, this appealing tale comes close to really doing that.
