Best of Latino Laugh Festival

Hosted by Cheech Marin, Best of Latino Laugh Festival is a collection of highlights from an annual event held in San Antonio, TX, featuring a number of Latino comics and performers. Marin sets a light and self-deprecating tone as he introduces clips of himself and other stars drawing laughter from appreciative audiences. Highlights include Paul Rodriguez cracking wise about white women dating Latino men for their alleged “exotic” element—and those men struggling to keep up their reputation. Erik Estrada follows with a performance as a waiter trying to maintain the myth of Latino men as great lovers, although ultimately he is cast aside after a night of rapture. Acclaimed actor Edward James Olmos receives a hero's welcome from the crowd before doing a funny bit in which he expects an award from Marin but ends up disappointed. Comedian John Mendoza gets a solid laugh while explaining how being stupid takes a lot of pressure off you when someone asks if, in fact, you're stupid. Former MTV hostess Daisy Fuentes and actress Maria Conchita Alonso appear in a lively sketch about Cubans plotting to overthrow Castro, and Liz Torres scores points describing what a Shakespeare company based in East L.A. would sound like. Offering much to enjoy, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)