This Day not only lacks Mexicans but also good acting, sharp storytelling and humor. When a strange fog descends on California, one-third of its population--everyone of Mexican descent--disappears. Communication beyond the borders is cut off, and with much of its workforce gone, the Golden State's economy starts to crumble. Despite this potentially funny and socially sharp premise, the movie squanders opportunities for satire by focusing on uninteresting characters, including news reporter Yareli Arizmendi who's apparently the only "missing-link" Latina left behind.
It falls into a weepy, family-drama-like mess from there. Writer-director Sergio Arau has some fun mocking the media, religious zealots and UFO wackos, but they're easy targets, and the jokes grow pretty tired pretty quickly. Based on a short, this full-length just doesn't deliver and feels like a big missed opportunity. Save your pesos.