It's a little ironic that the appeal of Compadres for American audiences will probably be a desire to see something a bit different or more adventurous than an American buddy comedy, because the movie's biggest problem is that it feels like a throwback to the bad buddy comedies of the 1980s. There's really nothing to recommend about this uninspired blend of gross-out humor (shit-filled toilets and dismembered fingers) and bland shoot-'em-up sequences, supposedly anchored by the amicable but unremarkable chemistry between Chapparo and Morgan, who are likable but basically just inspire a desire to watch them together in something better.

One of the weirdest things about Compadres is how it feels kind of like a trailer for a movie rather than the actual movie. The film already has a weird structure, with Chapparo's dead partner feeling disconnected and unnecessary given his girlfriend is going to get kidnapped later (which also creates the sensation that the film takes 40 minutes to actually start), but there are ambitious but unsuccessful flash-forward / flash-backward sequences that double back on scenes that have already begun to show information we could've just been shown in sequence. The movie keeps jerking forward in the story unevenly, coasting over gaps of plot convenience and coincidence, all building toward two twists, one of which is predictable, the other of which is troubling.

The writing has other problems as well. The contrivance of having Maria kidnapped to motivate Garza is, as mentioned, seemingly unnecessary given the movie has already set up the death of Garza's partner as the source of his thirst for revenge. The film is driven by several MacGuffins all tying into a larger plot that is never well-defined, because it's hardly important in comparison to the revenge storyline and the growing friendship between Garza and Vic. There is one fairly well-orchestrated sequence inside a diner in which several characters, including a banker (Kevin Pollak), two hitmen, Garza, and Vic are moved around like chess pieces, but that is offset by head-slapping stupidity, such as a moment in which a random supporting character literally states the premise of Garza and vic's friendship.

Most importantly, though, Compadres just isn't particularly funny or interesting. Despite the double set-up, there's no real comic or dramatic friction between Garza and Santos. There's a bland subplot in which Vic has no experience with girls, so the script provides a hotel manager's daughter as a picture perfect potential girlfriend. Most of the more exaggerated comic routines feel completely borrowed from other, better movies, including all-business Garza trying to move a body and a queasy Vic resisting, or a scene where Garza eats a can of chile con carne and then has to relieve himself at the same time the two hitmen show up to kill him. At one point, Vic even asks Garza to define "compadres" -- a low point of stupidity for an already stupid movie.

The DVD
If there's one throwback thing Compadres does right, it's the artwork, which features -- get this -- a photograph of the two main characters actually occupying the same space! The sight of Chapparo, in his leather jacket and weathered jeans, gun up, action face on, makes for a simple and amusing contrast to Joey Morgan, in his casual outfit, holding a laptop. Nice that they don't even try to hide that Morgan is taller than Chapparo. Accentuated with a yellow backdrop and a bold font, this is a nice looking cover. The one-disc release comes in a matte slipcover with almost the same artwork, and there is a sheet inside the case with a code for an UltraViolet Digital Copy (standard definition).

The Video and Audio
Presented in 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen and with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, Compadres is given a decent presentation. Close-ups look very good, most of the mixing in the action sequences is effective, and colors seem accurate to the intent (which is to say, maybe slightly desaturated, to give the film a faintly Polaroid-ish look), but dark scenes lack definition and detail, and although there is a polish to the surround sound, the overall takeaway is more "politely professional" than "impressive." The film is a blend of Spanish and English dialogue, and there are English and Spanish subtitles.

The Extras
None. Autoplay trailers for No Manches Frida, Ladrones, A La Mala, Busco Novia Para Mi Mujer, and Pulling Strings play before the main menu and are selectable again from said menu.

Conclusion
Compadres is a flop running on the fumes of already-bad American buddy comedies. Short on wit, short on thrills. Skip it.