The Virgin of Juarez (2006)

"The Virgin of Juarez", recently presented at the New York International Latino Film Festival dealing with kidnapped and murdered women in the Mexican town of Ciudad Juarez, does a terrible job of exploring the deeper issues behind the events and fails miserably in telling the victim's stories. The second half of this film degenerates into an unconvincing, and at times embarrassing Joan of Arc allegory that in the end belittles the subject matter.

Most frustratingly, the actors try their passionate best to present the gravity of the actual events that took place in Juarez, but are overwhelmed by the silly twists and turns that lead to a ridiculous gunfight between parties that in the end have no real involvement in the crimes the movie intends to talk about.

This movie represents a shameful lost opportunity.