Director Fernando Kalife’s Monterrey is a Mexican city rife with Mafia activity. In some ways, it’s not a surprise that doggedly determined but irritatingly naïve hero Claudio Caballero (Eduardo Arroyuelo) turns to its seedy underworld when he’s desperate for cash. It is from this point that 7 Days’ (7 Días) premise gets convoluted and a little far-fetched. Claudio is living in the shadow of his deceased older brother who was once a prolific concert promoter – something that doesn’t become clear until much later in the film. Claudio clearly feels he has something to prove when, moments into the film, he declares that he wants to bring U2 – “the best band in the world” – to town. What ensues is a misguided bet, and a half-hearted race to pull together some old friends to fund the concert – and hence save Claudio from the vengeful Mafia. Although sedentary in parts, the film’s moments of tension are carefully crafted, drawn out – and then rapidly diffused by some backhanded comment. As a result, the Mafia never turn out to be as tough as they look – but then again, they do have a bit of a penchant for U2. The strongest scenes are the ones without dialogue, allowing the creative cinematography and soundtrack to deliver some of the pace that the action does not. It is enjoyable to watch, but did leave me wanting, in U2’s own words, “to hear the things you haven’t said”.—Kim Choe