Torrente 4: A Flawed Fiesta of Fart Jokes and Filthy Frivolity

Okay, so Torrente 4, ey? This film from Santiago Segura is something else entirely! It’s like watching a bull in a china shop but the bull’s also a bit drunk and doesn’t mind breaking a few bones. If you’re not familiar with the Torrente series, then buckle up, because it’s a ride wilder than a Swedish midsommar night!

It stars the infamous Segura himself, playing José Luis Torrente, the least charismatic anti-hero you’ll ever meet. And let me tell you, the man can’t catch a break—or spell decency if his life depended on it. The plot? Well, I’ve seen clearer paths in a Stockholm snowstorm. It’s all about Torrente getting mixed up in yet another ridiculous scheme, but let’s be honest, that’s not why anyone’s watching.

The film is chock-full of Spain’s popular faces—oh, I saw Kiko Rivera in there and nearly spit out my coffee! His contribution to mayhem is right up the mark. And the humor? It’s got more potty jokes than a kindergarten, but oddly, there’s a certain charm in its devil-may-care attitude.

Now, back in the day, I remember watching a Lasse Åberg film, and the blend of absurdity with humor always reminded me of a summer’s crayfish party—messy but infectiously fun! Torrente isn’t sophisticated, no sir, but it’s that outrageous kind of fun you almost feel guilty for enjoying.

The camerawork has its moments—sometimes it’s like a shaky cam on a ride at Liseberg, not really knowing where to focus. And while the film sometimes straddles the line of good taste closer than a Swede hovers over a smörgåsbord, it leaves you curious, like peeking through your fingers.

Maybe Torrente’s politically incorrect antics are just what some need in a world that’s gotten a tad too serious. Though, I’m not sure if we’ll ever see these antics in anything but their pure Spanish chaos. So, grab a kanelbulle and maybe give it a go for the laughs, if nothing else!

Check the trailer below