Chasing Papi (2003)

13% of critics liked it
(48 reviews)
41% of users liked it
(6,883 ratings)

A man learns the hard way that, when it comes to women, three is more than a crowd in this frantic comedy. Tomas Fuentes (Eduardo Verástegui) is a successful advertising man living in Los Angeles who has a way with the ladies. Almost too much of a way, in fact, since he's currently dating three… More A man learns the hard way that, when it comes to women, three is more than a crowd in this frantic comedy. Tomas Fuentes (Eduardo Verástegui) is a successful advertising man living in Los Angeles who has a way with the ladies. Almost too much of a way, in fact, since he's currently dating three beautiful women in three different cities: Lorena (Roselyn Sanchez), a bright and attractive lawyer living in Chicago; Cici (Sofía Vergara), a cocktail waitress from Miami with a fiery personality; and Patricia (Jaci Velasquez), a New Yorker looking to get out from under the domineering shadow of her mother. As it happens, all three women are fans of noted television astrologer Walter Mercado, and on his advice, they each decide to take a bold step in their relationships and visit Tomas in L.A. Needless to say, the women are enraged to discover Tomas' rather spectacular infidelity, but that turns out to be the least of his problems after a mixture of booze and tranquilizers lands him in the hospital, a pair of crooks (D.L. Hughley and Freddy Rodriguez) kidnap him, and he discovers Cici and Patricia are wanted by the law. Produced under the title Papi Chulo, Chasing Papi was the first feature film from director Linda Mendoza after an extensive resume of credits in television comedy. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Linda Mendoza
Written By: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Alison Balian, Laura Angelica Simon
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 16, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Aug 26, 2003
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Ed Gonzalez, Village Voice
The only place you're likely to find such shrill and whitewashed caricatures is in the elitist pages of Hola!
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
I've seen episodes of The Love Boat with more emotional investment and involvement from the characters than this ...
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
So resoundingly awful, there may be grounds to sue for mental suffering.
Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic
The whole thing is loud and unfunny, not showing off anyone to good advantage.
Mario Tarradell, Dallas Morning News
It's the engaging performances of Jaci Velasquez, Roselyn Sanchez and Sofia Vergara, as well as a few humorous Latin colloquialisms, that turn an otherwise inane script into a cute confection of a film.
Allison Benedikt, Chicago Tribune
A thin attempt at comedy and a corny take on the buddy movie.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Stereotyped Latino sitcom about a cheating man.
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
[T]he flavor is Latino, but the result is like salsa flavored cotton candy.
Richard Horgan, FilmStew.com
If you're in the mood for a couple of hours of carefree fun, Chasing Papi is well worth chasing down.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
It's like watching Univision or Telemundo on the big screen.
David Noh, Film Journal International
The fun in this concept was already congealed on the page and the film's forced antics are painful and embarrassing to women, Latins, everyone.
Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune
A simple-minded mishmash that could more aptly be called Chasing Pap.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jim H

Most successful farces are interesting because they exaggerate stereotypes to previously unexplored hilarity, have comical, original schtick, and occasionally push the bounds of farce to become satire. This film goes 0/3 with three strikeouts - the hat trick. The characters are… More
Most successful farces are interesting because they exaggerate stereotypes to previously unexplored hilarity, have comical, original schtick, and occasionally push the bounds of farce to become satire. This film goes 0/3 with three strikeouts - the hat trick. The characters are neither stick to the type nor rise to become real people. "Comical, original schtick?" Not even slightly. And I can't even think of what it could be satirizing. The most offensive aspect of the film is its depiction of women. Not one is independent or self-respecting, and we can never understand what they see in the philandering object of their affections. Even their eventual claim to independence is contrived and lacking in any conviction. These women make me ashamed to be a feminist. Overall, this film attempts to be a farce and succeeds only in being an insult to the audience's intelligence. Netflix warned me that I wouldn't like this film; it's good to have a friend who knows me so well.
Leo L

Hilarious!