Fast-talking Latino con artist Pestario "Pest" Vargas is the target of Scottish mobsters to whom he owes a considerable debt. Willing to do anything to raise money and avoid severe injury or death, Vargas agrees to a very unusual job -- he will be transported to a remote island and hunted by Gustav Shank, a racist German executive. If he can survive a full day and night, Vargas gets $50,000 and will be set free. Is he wily enough to elude Shank?
Acting
Leguizamo's physical comedy and rapid-fire impressions carrying entire scenes.
Costume
The sheer unhinged variety of Pest's disguises and rapid character switches.
Director
Paul Miller
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Leguizamo allegedly rewrote much of his own dialogue during production, which explains the film's improvisational energy.
The film's bizarre racial politics—mocking Nazis while leaning heavily on Latino stereotypes—make it a fascinating time capsule of 90s 'edgy' comedy that couldn't be made today.
US
