Bandidas Reviews

Once again, Luc Besson shows he is a professional in disposable garbage. Indeed, even though he was never one of the my favorite directors, the guy was still one of the most interesting French directors back in the 80´s and the 90´s but, at some point, he decided to take a break from directing and, instead, he decided to write and produce a lot of commercial movies usually successful at the box-office but also rather underwhelming. This flick is a perfect example. I mean, it was not bad and there was definitely a potential in the concept of a Western starring BFFs Penélope Cruze and Salma Hayek. However, the end-result was unfortunately terribly disappointing. Basically, it was completely not original, and full of things I have seen like 1000 times before. Personally, I have nothing against Penélope Cruze, her Spanish movies are usually pretty good, but I don´t think she has ever made one single good flick in English, especially in the US. Concerning Salma Hayek, I actually think that she is a rather interesting actress but together they couldn't do anything to make this more exciting for me. To conclude, I think this flick is not really worth your time unless you're looking for some brainless entertainment.

I do not know, maybe I do not know very well the world of cinema, but in my time I had never seen a really successful adventure movies where the main characters - are women. Where do not you look - everywhere men. Of course, I understand - to be strong and all that, but women often manifest themselves in these characters: to recall the times of the Great Patriotic War - how the Nazis put our female snipers. And a movie with this case some stagnation. But a respected man in world cinema, Luc Besson has decided to correct this disorder and write a script (as well as a producer), the US-French-Mexican film «Bandidas». The name speaks for itself: the main protagonist - a girl, Bandidas, and events of the film sends the viewer into the hot Mexico.

Plot. Mexico, XIX century. Some American businessman named Jackson decided to "cut the Bubble" on the construction of a railway across the country. But the problem - the construction is not possible on the planned sites - these lands belong to local farmers. But Jackson solves the problem is very simple - kill local chief Don Diego, take control of Mexican banks, evicting the poor peasants from their land, who do not agree - that also sends to the other world. Rebelled against the invaders, two girls - a farmer's daughter Maria Alvarez and Don Diego, an aristocrat Sarah Sandoval. Having chosen the path of Mexican Robinhood, they begin looting the banks belonging to Jackson, to oust arrogant gringo in Mexico, and restore justice. They soon became popular throughout the country and receive the support of people that are very infuriates Jackson. The villain begins to use different ways to catch the gangsters ...

In all its essence, the movie "Bandidas" no-shows is nothing new, using all the most an excess plot moves and tricks: is the main villain is the main characters, who rebelled against him in the name of kindness and justice and defeat the villain, "sending" him away or more simply - killing. But, nevertheless, the film turned out very good, drivingly, interesting and funny - all that is required of entertaining movies.

The film is primarily remembered its star cast. Penelope Cruz as Maria Alvarez and Salma Hayek as Sara Sandoval played very well: jumping, skillfully ride horses, constantly joking and sharp. Originally, both speak English with a noticeable Mexican accent that betrays them a lot of charisma. Well, the fact that both are good looks, I think, can not recall - it's obvious. Coped well with their task Steve Zann in the role of detective Quentin hired by Jackson to catch the gangsters. He is, as befits a character of such a plan, plays the role of joker and comedian - although the detective with experience, but behaves like a dork. Naturally, Quentin soon learns there's the real villain who and side with gangsters. But Dwight Yokemu as Jackson, in my opinion, some lack of charisma. Though it can be seen - the actor was trying very hard. Good José María Negri as a father Pablo. Also remember Sam Shepard in the role of the former "bear hunter" Billy Buck, who teaches the major characters in the art plunder.

The film also impresses with its technical side. Picture the movie great, high-quality, full of vivid saturated colors. In the frame now and then there are incredibly beautiful landscapes Mexican steppes, mountains, rivers and prairies in the hot sun. Even the mansion of Don Diego - and she is remembered for its beauty. Camera work - also at a height, then tried to Thierry Arbogast on whose account kinohit "Fifth Element". It is great for musical accompaniment - splendid, "familiar from childhood," Mexican tune, place - a modern interpretation.

One can not mention one major pluses of film - the presence of humor and a mass of funny scenes. That only is the episode where Sarah taught Mary kissing, using Quentin as "object" for training. Or a small fight scene main characters.

As for action scenes, they, like shooting the film a bit. Of course, remembered the original escape from Sarah's father's house, or the final scrimmage in a railway carriage. But the main action here is based on the replicas and funny situations that fall into the main characters, fast robberies of banks and see the landscapes of Mexico. This, in principle, enough to film looked in the same breath and leave only positive impressions.

In short, if you want to look good, funny, entertaining movie with women in the title role and Mexico - "Bandidas" a great option. Excellent movie. Pity, though, that at the box failed. Unfair.

Maria (Penelope Cruz) and Sara (Salma Hayek) have good reasons to become bank robbers, and will get help from Quentin (Steve Zahn) and Buck (Sam Shepard). They soon will be wanted dead or alive.

While this requires a *heavy* suspension of disbelief, this movie is not as funny as it is thought to be. Its "action" side is rather limited, especially between the two actresses.

I do like Hayek as an actress, but do not care for Cruz's acting.

Fun entertainment to watch on a rainy day... or if you have absolutely nothing else to watch.

While I am not a big fan of either Salma Hayek or Penelope Cruz, this movie, from the start when I saw Penelope Cruz playing Tic-Tac-Toe with her horse (who cheats), showed me that I was likely to enjoy it.

With a great cast that includes Steve Zahn, Sam Shepard and Dwight Yoakum (playing a sleazy, greasy character), this movie was just what I needed while looking for a comedy fix.

reminded me of that old "maria, maria".