Once Upon a Time in Mexico Reviews

Robert Rodriguez is an interesting director but, to be honest, he has a rather mixed track-record. I mean, except for ‘Sin City’ which was really impressive, he hasn’t done anything else really amazing. Anyway, more than 20 years ago, he had his breakthrough with ‘El mariachi’ which was made on a shoestring budget. It was then followed by ‘Desperado’ made with $7 million (still a rather cheap budget but already 1000 times the amount of money used for its predecessor). Eventually, almost a decade later, Rodriguez decided to make another installment, completing already his second trilogy in 2003 (alongside the Spy Kids franchise). It was once again even more ambitious with many actors added to the cast (Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Willem Dafoe and even Enrique Iglesias!). Eventually, pretty much like ‘Desperado’, I thought it was a fun movie but not much more than that, I’m afraid. The main issue, this time, is that there were so many characters that, as a result, you barely get to see Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, supposedly the leads here. Still, back in those days, Johnny Depp was not ruling (or ruining) the box-office yet, he definitely stole the show with a really wacky performance. To conclude, in spite of its flaws, it is still a decent watch and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre.

One for the books, yet another great flick from Writter/Producer/Director Robert Rodriguez finishing up his trilogy of "El Mariachi". This film fetures much more depth than previous installment "Desperado" yet they sink right into each other. Reappearing are both Cheech Marin and Danny Trejo (playing different characters since they both died in Desperado) to ultimetley fall victim again before the movie's end. Vengeance is key is this film much like the last, only "El" finds himself wanting more blood from general Marquez; the man repsonsible for the death of his wife and daughter. Only appearing as a dream sequence in this film is Salma Hayek, to help patch in holes through time. Done very well, setting up the way for them to fall, both the general after being betrayed by her and the mariachi herself; showing they were both left to die but never did. The conclusion was a bloody one, but this time "El" walked away knowing that justice was served; killing the man responsible for the death of his family by inturupting General Marquez's attemped Coup, as hired by drug lord Barillo. Thrown into play as well are CIA agent Sands as well as a retired FBI agent, A fleeing American along side Barillo, a psychopathic torture doctor, a kid selling gum who helps Sands See, more members along side the Mariachi, and of course.. A Whole Bunch of Dead Bodies. At only 102 minutes, this movies feels like it's alot longer; in a good way. Enjoying every minute of it, and looking forward to the next after the last one has past, this movie is a must own. Buy 2 copies, and give one to someone who doesn't have it. I did that to be honest.

[El meets Cucuy in the middle of town]
Cucuy: There's cartel on every corner.
El Mariachi: Sands told me you handle protection.
Cucuy: I don't work for Sands anymore. And since I'm a Mexi-can, I can do whatever I want.
El Mariachi: Then I guess I don't work for Sands neither. Goodbye.
[Cucuy grabs his arm]
Cucuy: There's a price on your head. I'm going to collect. Why don't you just tell Barillo everything you know and then maybe he'll just cut off your hands.
El Mariachi: And if I don't?
Cucuy: Remember that old man I killed in your village? What if your whole village was next?
El Mariachi: Would you kill them?
Cucuy: Me?
[Points to his men]
Cucuy: They certainly would.
El Mariachi: Then I guess I have no choice... but to kill you all.

Cab Driver: "Look out there, its a fucking coup d'etat."
Agent Sands: "I can't see, fuck-mook. I have no eyes."

Robert Rodriguez's El Mariachi trilogy is brought to a conclusion with the entertaining, big budget Once Upon a Time in Mexico. Something must be stated about the Rodriguez method of filmmaking: the critics perceive his films as unadulterated crap because they're generally pure action with desperately convoluted plots. On the other hand, action lovers such as myself will delight in the inexorable blood, gore and action the director habitually flaunts. This instalment in Rodriguez's El Mariachi trilogy features an enormously impressive cast including the return of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek (among others) mixed with new names such as Johnny Depp, Ruben Blades, Mickey Rourke and Willem Dafoe. What started as a small film made on a $7,000 budget featuring a cast of friends and unknowns (in the original El Mariachi) has ended on an extremely larger scale and with more action, blood and guts with an extraordinary cast to boot.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico is another tale of the famed musician-turned-gunslinger only known as the "El Mariachi" (Banderas, reprising the role from Desperado). The character's story started a long time ago when a naïve, simple mariachi (played by Carlos Gallardo) was seeking a job when he accidentally came into possession of a guitar case stocked with an impressive assortment of weapons. His girlfriend was slaughtered, and our hero went on a fierce rampage. He slaughtered the bad guys but was wounded, and another love was taken from him - his ability to play the guitar. That was El Mariachi: the first film in the series that was made on an ultra low budget but was so successful that Columbia gave it a theatrical release. Following Rodriguez's unexpected directorial triumph, he made Desperado with Hollywood backing to bring the series a fresh new look. Antonio Banderas took over as the character of "El Mariachi" in the second instalment, receiving a new guitar case loaded with an improved arsenal of firearms. The first embodiment of the character was a simple man who was placed into incredible situations and strained to become a hero. Banderas' portrayal was that of an extraordinarily accomplished gunslinger who is the biggest and baddest in the land and a man who has found new love in the spicy Salma Hayek.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico, the third film, picks up after the events of the first two movies. We now find the El Mariachi who has retreated to a life of isolation: he's haunted and scarred by the tragedy of losing his new wife Carolina (Hayek). The legend of the character has become so fabled that even the Mexican president is looking to have him eliminated. Now without his love, he settles in a tranquil town. A corrupt CIA agent known as Agent Sands (Depp) wants to eliminate the Mexican president and pulls the El Mariachi out of retirement to complete the task. He compares his reasoning to that of shooting a chef: to bring balance to country. He explains that if a chef cooks a meal that is the best he's ever tasted, the chef must be executed to give other chefs a chance to excel at their profession. Sands knows that the El Mariachi will have no problem with fulfilling his task as it will allow him retribution on the man that killed Carolina. At least that's what I picked up of the plot. There are so many characters and conspiracies here that it gets a tad too perplexing for a dumbarse action film. However, it is still watchable and as a swansong to the trilogy this ambitious film does pale the former releases.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico is held together by the stellar cast that features some amazing actors. Antonio Banderas is engaging and credible as the infamous El Mariachi. But for this film, it's Johnny Depp that completely steals the show. Depp again displays his versatility, and reminds us why he's one of this generation's finest performers. With the character of Agent Sands, he skilfully pulls off the subtle wit and humour of the character. The screenwriter granted Depp lots of terrific dialogue that he pulls off remarkably! Johnny Depp is in supreme Johnny Depp mode with Agent Sands. One of the film's highlights is a diner scene that depicts excellent dialogue between Depp and Banderas. Also in the cast you'll discover an extremely cool Mickey Rourke, a sinister Willem Dafoe, and a few good actors such as Danny Trejo and Eva Mendes among others.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico greatly benefits from the style and approach supplied its director (who was also the producer, editor, cinematographer, production designer, sound effects mixer, visual effects supervisor, camera operator and the one who supplied the music). Rodriguez is a capable filmmaker that has a unique look and feel that he brings to his creations. He isn't afraid of attempting different things with the camera and he is one of the few directors that can make fast cuts and edits actually work without being annoying. Rodriguez crafts films that progress and perform rapidly. He doesn't allow the viewer much time to rest. In a society plagued with movie-goers whose attention spans are becoming increasingly short, Rodriguez makes films that have no issues with keeping short attention spans happy. This is his greatest gift. In short, Rodriguez knows how to make a film fun. He demonstrated with Spy Kids that he's able to keep the kids happy, and it shows his talents are even greater for the adults in Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

Overall, when it comes to a Robert Rodriguez film a movie-goer expects nothing further than outstanding action scenes. The director has a genuine talent for directing and lensing over-the-top action filled with over-the-top bloodshed. The stunts, special effects and explosions all look spectacular! Once Upon a Time in Mexico is not recommended for those searching for a deep experience or an exemplary character examination. Instead, it's for those looking to be reminded why we go to the cinema in the first place: we indulge in the magic of the movies to be entertained! If you're able to overlook the glaring story issues, you will definitely enjoy this film. The film's shootouts are as over-the-top as you can find. They border on silliness at times, but it's difficult not to enjoy a good guy knocking a bad guy across the room with a shotgun. Rodriguez is an action film director who takes pride in his work. You must respect him for that. Look out for Johnny Depp in the church scene doing his Marlon Brando impersonation.

8.1/10

Sands basically owned this, it wouldn't have been nearly as good without him. But watching it really made me think woah, its actually a great story. The cast was perfect, but how can they say that Salma Hayek was.. well.. the second main character?? Come on, she was hardly in it at all! But not that I care,this movie had it all anyway - and it proves that Johnny Depp is still just as good looking without his eyes.