Just getting the chance to see a new film by Peruvian filmmaker Francisco J. Lombardi -- who made a huge impression with 1988's "La Boca de Lobo" (In the Mouth of the Wolf) but has never had a film properly distributed in the United States -- is stimulating, and his 1999 production "Pantaleon y las Visitadoras" initially promises a sly satire about sex and the military, human nature and politics. [...] despite the alluring females on display, jungle setting and the fine acting of lead Salvador Del Solar, the limited Venevision International release wears one down with a long running time and diminishing returns on its wicked premise. Based on the best-selling 1973 novel by Mario Vargas Llosa, "Pantaleon" presents its title character with a very tough set of choices.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.