neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Chasing Papi
	Linda Mendoza Roselyn Sanchez, Sofía Vergara, Jaci Velasquez, Eduardo Verástegui, Lisa Vidal, D.L. Hughley, Freddy Rodríguez, Maria Conchita Alonso, Paul Rodriguez 2003		There are two nice things to be said about the hackneyed romantic comedy "Chasing Papi." One of those things: The movie gives three sexy, vital, camera-friendly actresses — Roselyn Sanchez, Sofía Vergara and Jaci Velasquez — a chance for more screen time than they're used to receiving. The second thing is connected to the first: "Chasing Papi" is one of the few studio features of its kind to feature Hispanic actors in lead roles. As for the downside: The plot is a contrived fantasy about a superficial, square-jawed Latino swain (Eduardo Verástegui) based in Los Angeles but carrying on cross-country romances with a trio of hotties — a bosomy waitress (Vergara) from Miami; a prim lawyer (Sanchez) from Chicago; and a spoiled rich girl (Velasquez) from New York City. The three women are unaware that they're competing with each other for the sneak's time and affections until they end up at his L.A. house and join forces to teach him a lesson. A subplot about mob money in a car trunk brings two thugs (D.L. Hughley, Freddy Rodríguez) aboard for heavy-handed slapstick. "Chasing Papi" delivers trite silliness when it needs sophistication.