Review of Chupacabra vs. the Alamo

San Antonio, Texas. Bodies of various drug cartel members are turning up mangled and drained of blood. Tough DEA agent Carlos Seguin (a solid and engaging performance by Erik Estrada) discovers that the grisly murders are being committed by a pack of chupacabras, which are lethal predatory creatures of local legend. Director Terry Ingram, working from a blithely absurd script by Terry Sullivan, relates the enjoyably inane story at a snappy pace, treats the gloriously ludicrous premise with gut-busting seriousness, and delivers oodles of graphic gore (throats are torn out, stomachs are ripped open, and one poor guy even has his penis bitten off!). The hilariously hokey CGI monsters -- they look like giant mutant emaciated Chihuahuas! -- and the uproariously unconvincing scenes of an aged Estrada "riding" a motorcycle that were done with obvious green screen work add immensely to this film's considerable campy charm. The sincere acting by the game cast helps a whole lot: Julia Benson as Carlos' feisty new partner Tracy Taylor, Jorge Vargas as Carlos' wayward estranged son Tommy, Vanesa Tomasino as the eager Agent Dani, Nicole Munoz as Carlos' rebellious teenage daughter Sienna, Chad Krowchuk as goofy tour guide Crockett, and Brent McLaren as rowdy gang banger Loco. Anthony C. Metchie's sharp cinematography boasts some atmospheric lighting and several gnarly chupacabra POV shots. Stu Goldberg's thrilling twangy'n'tuneful hits the stirring spot. A deliciously cheesy hoot.