A curious situational comedy, "Almoço Executivo" ("Executive Lunch") marks former MTV VJ and cinephile Marina Person's debut behind cameras, joining several
network colleagues in humored roles with a crazed scenario: a group of five friends decide to go to lunch and have some good time despite their random and almost
controversial points of view about anything (one small discussion revolves around the great "Falling Down" (1993)) when some problematic situations keep interrupting
their lovely afternoon. From a playboy's parked car that interrupts the movement from construction workers nearby, who can't locate the car's owner, which also upsets
the quintet, to the on-going traffic jam that gets formed because of such car and a whole protest unsues.
Person's movie is quite funny, edgy at bits but you have to be very clear minded about the whole situation happening since those are things that wouldn't
normally be considered if you see it happening in front of you. It's all about the absurd level some people can reach when they're ways and means are not satisfied.
I think it's a fair presentation of São Paulo and its chaotic personalities, chaotic traffic jam in the afternoon's, it's quite accurate. And there's also the battle
of social classes where you have a group of middle class people bitching about the clueless rich guy and the poor workers are all lost in the confusion just trying to
do their job without causing any trouble - social studies classes could make a good debate about this division that gets united in a tragic/comical situation.
But besides those points,
she selected a fine cast of actors - a great majority aren't trained yet they succeed with their spontaneity like Cazé Peçanha, Astrid, Zeca Camargo (who has a cameo) - and the
always effective presence of comedy veterans André Abujamra and Ary França (both playing the poor construction workers involved in this unwarranted struggle of classes). It
wasn't so great as I expected, I think more could be added in the confusion or maybe the inclusion of more hilarious moments since there are times when it all feels too cold
and too dramatic; but it was a very good work and for someone starting in the business Marina made an impressive debut. This film deserves more views. 8/10.
