Saving Casa Bonita

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1:49

Saving Casa Bonita

Released Sep 6, 2024

1h 30m

Documentary

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16 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Casa Bonita opened in 1974 in an unassuming strip mall. The massive "Disneyland of Mexican restaurants" is an Old West and Acapulco-inspired fever dream made famous by its indoor waterfall, cliff divers, and haunted caves. The restaurant was featured in a classic 2003 episode of South Park. When Trey and Matt learn that Casa Bonita might close its doors for good, they attempt to preserve a crumbling piece of their childhood and Denver history.

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Matthew Creith

TheWrap

What it does well is signify that a cherished establishment can get its flowers and make memories for the varying generations of people who call Casa Bonita home.

Sep 26, 2024

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John Powers

NPR

The movie’s a treat, weaving together great archival footage, excerpts from South Park and Elvis’ movie Fun in Acapulco, plus countless scenes of Parker and Stone’s amused horror.

Sep 16, 2024

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Carlos Aguilar

RogerEbert.com

Even if Bradford’s doc feels like an elaborate commercial, it makes you covet a reservation.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 13, 2024

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Louisa Moore

Screen Zealots

Although it feels like an extended commercial, this documentary is a loving tribute to a cherished Denver landmark.

Dec 24, 2024

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

Fascinating, even if it made me question how such a restaurant with that much overhead could be economically viable.

Oct 11, 2024

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Julian Roman

MovieWeb

South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone fall headfirst into a money pit after purchasing a treasured theme restaurant from their youth. ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! tells a funny, maddeningly frustrating, and eventually triumphant tale.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 22, 2024

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Susan

The renovation story featured a lot of challenge and drama.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/14/24

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Jacob J

Excellent examination of chasing your childhood dreams and the cost and value of it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/14/24

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David

It was so sweet and sooo funny!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/07/24

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Christopher Ryan H

I wouldn’t expecting an informative documentary about the renovation of Casa Bonita, which I was very much looking forward to. The movie more than delivered in that regard, but it really surprised me just how funny it was lol. I was laughing the whole time, it was great. But also, there was a level of tension as the restaurant was approaching opening day that I kind of felt I was on the edge of my seat. I’m so glad I got to see this in theaters. Fantastic movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/17/25

Full Review

Kevin E

Casa Bonita Mi Amor is more than just a fun side story for South Park fans—it’s a documentary bursting with the magnetic energy that comes from people who really care. Maybe I loved it because Matt and Trey bring that signature irreverence and nostalgia, but honestly, it’s also the pure joy of watching passionate folks take risks for something they believe in. This isn’t just a lesson in fandom; it’s a celebration of earnest effort and creativity. The film works because it’s genuine, heartfelt, and a little daring—just like its subjects. You don’t have to pick whether you love it for the South Park connection or for the passion behind the project. Casa Bonita Mi Amor invites you to embrace both, and that blend is exactly why it sticks with you.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/19/25

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Mike M

Was it worth it? Totally.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/15/25

Full Review

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Arthur Bradford

Director

Trey Parker

Self

Matt Stone

Self

Jennifer Ollman

Producer

Arthur Bradford

Executive Producer

Keith Pizzi

Executive Producer

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¡CASA BONITA MI AMOR!: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Casa Bonita opened in 1974 in an unassuming strip mall. The massive "Disneyland of Mexican restaurants" is an Old West and Acapulco-inspired fever dream made famous by its indoor waterfall, cliff divers, and haunted caves. The restaurant was featured in a classic 2003 episode of South Park. When Trey and Matt learn that Casa Bonita might close its doors for good, they attempt to preserve a crumbling piece of their childhood and Denver history.

Director: Arthur Bradford
Producer: Jennifer Ollman
Distributor: Sweet Relief
Production Co: MTV Documentary Films, Sweet Relief
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 6, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 2, 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m

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