An adaptation of one of the most celebrated comic books by Roberto Alfredo Fontanarrosa, this animated Argentinean movie deals with violence : the most extreme violence you have ever seen in recent years. “Boogie” is a veteran American soldier who has fought in different wars such as Vietnam, South Korea and Iraq. After the cruel experiences he lived through there, Boogie returns to the city thirsty for blood, something he satisfies by killing and doing cruel things to random people, all for money. This anti-hero is a sarcastic and evil human being who doesn’t care about anyone else but himself.

The first frames of the movie might refer you to Sin City or some other work of Frank Miller ; however that’s where the comparisons end. Where Miller’s approach to violence was raw and direct, whereas Gustavo Cova’s first attempt at animated films prefers to explore the dark sense of humour of the big blonde “Aceitoso”. Politically incorrect, chauvinist, racist, and sadistic - what does Boogie have to say to such description of himself ? “Thanks for the compliment”.

We can spot a number of references to classic films. For instance the line from Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, “I love the smell of Napalm in the morning”, which Boogie humorously rephrases. Another clear reference is the sequence in which the director makes fun of the Disney Company, when Boogie reveals his real dream : a DisneyWorld park of war, with Tinkerbell flying around with a machine gun. Boogie el Aceitoso shouldn’t be mistaken for a kid’s cartoon ; it’s more like a cartoon movie for grown-up audiences.

This adaptation has yet to go through its toughest test. The scrutiny of Fontanarrosa’s hardcore fans might be what most people expect : a cruel and mean reception to the silver screen version of their treasured anti-hero’s adventures. Ironically, Boogie would definitely approve.

Laslo Rojas and Jorge Robinet