As a long-time enthusiast of all things quirky and offbeat in the world of cinema, I can confidently say that my heart skipped a beat when I learned about “Casa Bonita Mi Amor!” This documentary follows the audacious journey of Trey Parker and Matt Stone as they embarked on an ambitious project to revive their cherished childhood haunt, Casa Bonita. For those who are unfamiliar with this peculiar gem, it’s akin to stepping into a time machine that takes you back to the 70s, where kitsch meets nostalgia in a delightful fusion of tacky elegance.
Approximately two decades ago, I got the chance to step foot on the filming location of “Team America: World Police,” an extravagant action spoof in the vein of Jerry Bruckheimer productions, featuring puppets. Trey Parker and Matt Stone had built a colossal North Korean backdrop using cocktail umbrellas and take-out containers for this project. Inspired by equal measures of determination and longing (for the classic “Thunderbirds” TV series), it was undoubtedly the most outrageous thing that the “South Park” creators had ever undertaken.
Prior to making a choice to rekindle an old delight from their past, the duo had opted for Casa Bonita, a cherished Denver-region Mexican eatery that was constructed by non-Mexicans in 1973, mimicking a 19th-century Acapulco fantasy for armchair travelers. From the outside, a pink bell tower resembling bubblegum dominated the skyline, enticing families to the retro amusement park hidden within. The food, prepared off-site and served through openings in the wall, bore a striking similarity to Taco Night at San Quentin in taste.
It might surprise you, but Casa Bonita was actually part of a chain of restaurants, with its Lakewood location being their flagship store. This unexpected tourist hotspot (once Colorado’s most frequented) ceased operations permanently due to the pandemic. Instead of standing by and watching their favorite spot be demolished, the creators of “South Park” decided to intervene.
“In conversation with Arthur Bradford for ‘¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!’, a playful take on an Elvis tune, Parker jokingly asked, ‘Shall we buy Disneyland?'” This film offers a humorous insider look at that imprudent investment decision. MTV Documentary Films’ unusual and surprisingly uplifting makeover documentary chronicles the pair as they invest millions to save this dilapidated icon from bankruptcy.
As a longtime companion of Parker and Stone, having collaborated with them on my cherished “How’s Your News?” project over two decades ago, I embarked on this unpredictable journey with them, unsure of the outcome. Armed with cameras whenever they were in town, I eagerly awaited capturing something extraordinary. The result is a film that exudes an authentic, laid-back vibe, with not every shot being perfectly sharp. In comparison to the polished home renovation shows on HGTV, this lack of perfection only adds to the sense of uncertainty surrounding success.
For those unfamiliar with Casa Bonita, part of the excitement lies in exploring this seemingly low-budget, eccentric theme park that once captivated Parker as a child – an imitation old-fashioned Mexican town, born from equal parts creativity and poor taste. Originating from an old abandoned department store, the 52,000-square-foot entertainment venue resembles a blend of Chuck E. Cheese and a garish Las Vegas casino.
As a film enthusiast hailing from Colorado, I can trace my fond memories of Casa Bonita back to my seventh grade days. Decades later, Stone and I crafted an episode of “South Park” revolving around this iconic restaurant, where even Cartman dared to break the law just to experience it. What drew the kids in was the freedom to roam, from peeking into spooky caves to marveling at acrobatic cliff divers leaping from a 30-foot waterfall made of plaster. This unique spot also featured a cast of one-of-a-kind characters – Black Bart the bandit and a man in a gorilla suit, among others.
However, during its peak, the restaurant was thriving. But by the early 2000s, it had fallen into disrepair, with duct tape keeping the rugs together and strange liquids leaking from the wall cracks as Bradford noted. Stone remarked during an initial inspection that carpets and a fresh coat of paint could make a significant difference, while Parker, recalling familiar odors, described it as a mix of chlorine and beans.
Had they understood the full extent of what the task involved – such as revamping the dangerous diving pool and updating both the kitchen and cooling systems – they likely wouldn’t have taken it on. The film doesn’t explicitly explain their financial resources, but it does show how expenses escalated from $6.5 million to double the cost of the “South Park” movie.
Locals, including Colorado governor Jared Polis, are pleased that these unexpected investors plan to preserve the cherished institution, but they’re also cautious, as shown by interviews of people on the street expressing worries that these Hollywood figures could spoil what had made the place so special. However, everyone concurs about one matter: The food was terrible. It’s heartening to learn that the new owners have hired Dana “Loca” Rodriguez, a three-time James Beard Award winner, who recalls being rejected for a dishwasher job at Casa Bonita when she immigrated from Mexico in 1988.
Over the years, the once-grand building had turned into a laughing stock for many. For Parker and Stone, it would be amusing yet meaningful to restore it to its former splendor. They approach this task with their characteristic showbiz flair, infusing the restoration process with their unique style. While maintaining the charm of traditional attractions like puppet shows and animatronic characters, they cleverly enhance them to make them more appealing. In essence, they aim to preserve the original spirit while adding a touch of modern entertainment. And let’s not forget, better food is definitely part of the equation for success!
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2024-09-03 23:18