Fantasia 2024: ‘Santo vs. The Riders of Terror’ Review
Stars: Santo, Julio Aldama, Mary Montiel, Santo, Armando Silvestre, Gregorio Casal, Ivonne Govea, Carlos Agostí, Carlos Suarez, Nathanael Leon | Written by Rene Cardona, Jesús Murcielago Velázquez | Directed by Rene Cardona
Santo vs. The Riders of Terror is the 27th entry in the vast Santo franchise, which stands as a cornerstone of Mexican popular culture and cinema. The Santo films feature the legendary luchador El Santo, in a mix of genres – many including action, adventure, and fantastical elements, a combination which has cemented the franchise’s place in the hearts of fans worldwide. This film also comes from the prolific René Cardona, who himself has a fanbase similar in size to that of Santo, making this film a double-header when it comes to fan appreciation!
Speaking of the Santo franchise, Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta is the titular El Santo, a role he began playing in the early 1960s and one that quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon. El Santo, a masked wrestler, became a folk hero and symbol of justice, often battling supernatural foes, criminal masterminds, and monsters. The films were known for their unique mix of lucha libre wrestling action and genre-blending storylines that incorporated elements of horror, science fiction, and adventure.
In Santo vs. The Riders of Terror, El Santo faces off against a gang of ruthless bandits terrorizing a small village. The film is a thrilling blend of Western and action genres, showcasing El Santo’s heroism in a setting that deviates from the more fantastical elements seen in other entries. The Riders of Terror, with their menacing presence and relentless cruelty, provide a formidable challenge for the masked hero.
Compared to other entries in the Santo series, Santo vs. The Riders of Terror is distinct for its Western-inspired narrative. Films like Santo vs. The Vampire Women and Santo and Blue Demon vs. The Monsters leant heavily into horror and science fiction, offering more outlandish and fantastical storylines. In contrast, Santo vs. The Riders of Terror presents a more straightforward narrative of good versus evil without the supernatural overtones. This shift provides a refreshing change of pace and highlights El Santo’s adaptability as a character who can thrive in various narrative landscapes.
René Cardona, a key figure in Mexican cinema, directed numerous Santo films – including this one – and played a significant role in shaping the franchise. His direction often brought a dynamic energy to the series, balancing the outlandish plots with engaging action sequences and a sense of fun. Cardona’s films were known for their pace and ability to keep the audience entertained, and Santo vs. The Riders of Terror is no exception. René Cardona’s direction here emphasizes action and character development over spectacle, making it one of the more grounded films in the series. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of El Santo’s heroic persona and his unwavering commitment to justice, regardless of the opponent or setting.
Santo vs. The Riders of Terror is a fantastic entry in the Santo franchise, showcasing the versatility of El Santo as a character and René Cardona’s adeptness at directing engaging action films. While it diverges from the more fantastical elements that characterize many Santo films, it remains a compelling and entertaining entry that highlights the enduring appeal of Mexico’s beloved masked hero.
***½ 3.5/5
Santo vs. The Riders of Terror screens, in the longer “Lepers and Sex” cut – which reinstates sex scenes and nudity inserts that were added for overseas audiences without Santo’s knowledge – this weekend, Friday, August 2nd and Saturday, August 3rd, as part of this year’s Fantasia Film Festival.
