Desperado (1995)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Chris W

  
  This is a very wild, cool, and stylish film, even if it ends up being style over substance and story (with a messy and scattershot narrative to boot). In a way, this is more of a remake than a loose sequel or spin off. The original mariachi from El Mariachi does make an appearance,… More
  This is a very wild, cool, and stylish film, even if it ends up being style over substance and story (with a messy and scattershot narrative to boot). In a way, this is more of a remake than a loose sequel or spin off. The original mariachi from El Mariachi does make an appearance, but this film is essentially the same story as the first, but with a different guy who knows the first guy. Make sense? Well, if not, don't worry. It's of no real consequence anyway. The action and stunts are inventive, done well, and a joy to watcvh. Buscemi and Tarantino ham it up in some fun supporting roles, and both Banderas and Hayek (especially Hayek, *wink* *wink*) are great to watch. I have a big attachment to this movie as I saw it at a tyoung age and it introduced me to Rodriguez's work. It also kinda made me wanna make action movies, too. Like I said, it's got some flaws, but for solid action spectacle entertainment, this is a good film to turn to.

• Conner R

  
  Desperado is probably Robert Rodriguez's greatest achievement. In many ways it combines all the concepts he's dealt with since, but this is the crown jewel in terms of delivery. It manages to make sense out of what should be a terrible idea. When you hear "guitar… More
  Desperado is probably Robert Rodriguez's greatest achievement. In many ways it combines all the concepts he's dealt with since, but this is the crown jewel in terms of delivery. It manages to make sense out of what should be a terrible idea. When you hear "guitar playing action movie with a love story", it sounds like a bad telenovela. However, with a little bit of style, excellent casting and some of the most over-the-top moments, you get the masterpiece that is Desperado. Robert Rodriguez captures a combined stylization of Spaghetti Western, exploitation and comic book. It makes you accept the utterly bizarre elements; such as a rocket launcher guitar case. Antonio Banderas is at his absolute finest as the Mariachi, making a truly unforgettable character with endlessly cool character moments and a commanding presence. Robert Rodriguez tops this all off with one of his classic Carpenter-like soundtracks that gives so much weight to the characters and story. It's hard to take this as a sequel to El Mariachi because it possesses a completely different tone, goal and overall quality. It?M)s a complete mastery of skill and original storytelling as opposed to a really excellent low budget film.

• Jeff "

  
  Desperado is one intense ride. Robert Rodriguez helms this film with an eye for insane action and he delivers a terrific film. The cast chosen to support the film are an interesting bunch of varied talent. Desperado is a well made action film with a truly awesome concept. If you see… More
  Desperado is one intense ride. Robert Rodriguez helms this film with an eye for insane action and he delivers a terrific film. The cast chosen to support the film are an interesting bunch of varied talent. Desperado is a well made action film with a truly awesome concept. If you see the film you'll understand why. A mariachi musician goes on a revenge rampage with an arsenal of weapons hidden in his guitar and his guitar case. Totally cool and off the wall. Some will love the over exaggeration, some will not. This is the type of film that you really need to shut your brain off. If you don't take it seriously, and it's hard to take it seriously; you'll see it as a fun, adrenaline pulse pounding action film that delivers a mindless plot with nonstop action. Some films can get away with offering the viewer little plot thats very ridiculous and Desperado is such a film. I loved Robert Rodriguez' choices for some of the roles. Joaquin De Almeida is great and so is Salma Hayek. Rodriguez has always delivered a solid action film that is filmed in a lavish setting (Sin City is another terrific example). One thing I admire about Rodriguez is how he's able to pull off a mindless action film so well. Also for most of his films, Rodriguez always a cast of actors who spanned different genres of film and extremely versatile in their own ways. I mean Buscemi is rarely cast in an action film, he mostly plays in dark humoured oriented comedies (Fargo). So it's nice to see a filmmaker taking advantage with such talent to create a film that is one helluva mindless adrenaline ride. A great cast of varied actors and a well written revenge idea makes this a must see film if you're in need of being entertained

• Zach B

  
  The best way for anyone to sum up what Desperado is, is to think of someone taking El Mariachi and make a more expensive, extravagant version. In terms of content, this film takes the original, keeps the overall plot, but adds a revenge element to it. In terms of script, the dialog I… More
  The best way for anyone to sum up what Desperado is, is to think of someone taking El Mariachi and make a more expensive, extravagant version. In terms of content, this film takes the original, keeps the overall plot, but adds a revenge element to it. In terms of script, the dialog I feel could have been tighter, but it is okay. Acting wise, the only ones to look forward to are Antonio Banderas, Danny Trejo (fun fact: his role is silent threw out this film), and director Quentin Tarantino's cameo. While this film has a ridiculously fast plot and very creative fight scenes (and one interesting sex scene), the only problem is that the spark you felt when you saw El Mariachi is gone in terms of direction. Recommend, but suggest you see El Mariachi first.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"You know, it's easier to pull the trigger than play guitar. Easier to destroy than to create."</i> A gunslinger is embroiled in a war with a local drug runner. <center><font size=+2 face="Century… More
  <i>"You know, it's easier to pull the trigger than play guitar. Easier to destroy than to create."</i> A gunslinger is embroiled in a war with a local drug runner. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> A sequel to his promising debut "El Mariachi" of 1992, Robert Rodriguez' "Desperado" of 1995 may not be a masterpiece, but it is about as fun as it gets. Big guns, bloody shootouts, a cool score and particularly sexy Salma Hayek guarantee an immensely entertaining and action-packed film, to which the term 'cool' applies more than any other word. Carlos Gallardo, who played the Mariachi in the first film, is replaced by Antonio Banderas, and the character of the lone guitar player changes. When Gallardo's Mariachi was originally a nice, harmless and fun-loving guy who got drawn into violence against his will, the Mariachi played by Antonio Banderas is a lonesome, super-cool killing-machine who leaves an enormous body-count on his path of vengeance. "Desperado" may lack the originality of the foregoing "El Mariachi", but it has a load of other qualities in exchange. The Mariachi-character is cooler than ever in this second Mariachi film. The action sequences are excellent, and they always result in extremely bloody massacres. The score is great, with an ingenious theme song played by Los Lobos that Banderas sings himself. Juan de Almeida is well-cast as the villain, a sleazy drug-lord, and the supporting cast contains Steve Buscemi, Cheech Marin, the heavily tattooed Danny Trejo, who is stone-faced and super-tough as always, and Quentin Tarantino, who has a small and hilarious role. And then there's the major reason to watch "Desperado": Stunningly beautiful Salma Hayek is sexier than ever and makes this film a priority on every man's must-see list. This is a film for buddies and beers, and the romance also makes it a film for the girlfriend/wife/mistress/date. In short: cool music, non-stop action, gallons of blood and smoking Salma Hayek - If that's no recommendation I don't know what is.

• Martin S

  
  It's good...The action is good...the story is good...I don't know what I can say...

• Lewis C

  
  Some movies are just brimming with potential, and it's not hard to see that they are a very short distance from being fantastic. I'm a big fan of stylish violence and over-the-top gun-play, but I can't help but wish that Desperado had more than that to offer.… More
  Some movies are just brimming with potential, and it's not hard to see that they are a very short distance from being fantastic. I'm a big fan of stylish violence and over-the-top gun-play, but I can't help but wish that Desperado had more than that to offer. Well...it has that and ample helpings of Salma Hayek looking her absolute best, but thats not quite enough to make up for the fact that this movie doesn't hold up well to subsequent viewings. The first time around it's a blast, but the second time it could barely hold my attention in most scenes. File Desperado into the category of movies that start of really strongly, and then slowly lose steam as they go along. Some more humor, clever dialogue, or a stronger story, would have greatly helped to fill in the slow areas between the action scenes.

• Anthony L

  
  A great modern Mexican western that really pushed Robert Rodriguez's career. There's too much Tarantino type dialogue for my liking though.

• Jennifer D

  
  Definitely a nice cast upgrade. Might just be the only time in history I like the sequel's cast more than the first. And nice violence upgrade as well. I liked it more than the first, really. A nice intermittent story.

• Roy G

  
  Slick, funny and exciting, but falls apart in the end.

• Aaron N

  
  Buscemi: He was dark too. I don't mean dark-skinned. No, this was different. It was if he was always walking in a shadow. I mean every step he took toward the light, just when you thought his face was about to be revealed... it wasn't. It was as if the lights dimmed, just… More
  Buscemi: He was dark too. I don't mean dark-skinned. No, this was different. It was if he was always walking in a shadow. I mean every step he took toward the light, just when you thought his face was about to be revealed... it wasn't. It was as if the lights dimmed, just for him. The best of the Mariachi trilogy, and its all kinds of awesome. The movie plays like a mythic legend, elevating the El Mariachi character to a fantasy hero who slays the evil drug dealers in Mexico. This movie is full of quality looking gunfights that never get old. Antonio Banderas is in full blown awesome mode and looks great while kicking ass. Salma Hayek is...well extremely Hot, her intro literally causes a car crash. And then Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino even step in for a bit. El Mariachi: Carolina, did I thank you? Carolina: No. El Mariachi: I will. This time, the story revolves around the Mariachi, wielding the guitar case full of weapons, on a task of taking out the drug cartel's in Mexico in order to make his way to one of the head lords, Bucho, played by Joaquim de Almeida. It helps that Bucho is not just a one-note villain either. He has a sort of edge combined with his sense in handling his business, as he must deal with the stress of his suppliers and the news of the mythic guitar assassin in his midst. Buscemi: Just try and keep it from turning into a fucking bloodbath, all right? Not like last time. El Mariachi: That one wasn't my fault. Buscemi: Well, of course not. El Mariachi: No, they started it. This movie also introduced people to Danny Trejo. You know him, he is the big Mexican with a well carved face, dark skin, a grizzled voice, and a large tattoo of a woman on his chest. Cool is an easy word right there. El Mariachi: I'm looking for a man who calls himself Bucho. That's all. And you had to do it the hard way. Having an even larger budget this time around, Rodriguez shows once again that he knows how to handle action sequences. The assortment of guns, Banderas' balletic motions, mixed with a great soundtrack by Los Lobos, the action is great to watch throughout. The story is well handled too, showing both hero and villain as well as giving us a fun relationship between Banderas and Hayek. A great movie to enjoy again and again. Priest: Would you like confession? El Mariachi: Maybe later Father, cause where I'm going I would just have to come straight back.

• Justin Y

  
  Robert Rodriguez is one to direct movies with a Mexican theme to them. <i>Desperado</i> is one action thriller that can be enjoyable and entertaining.<p>The plot is straight forward, easy to follow, and decent enough for a film of this caliber. The first 5-10… More
  Robert Rodriguez is one to direct movies with a Mexican theme to them. <i>Desperado</i> is one action thriller that can be enjoyable and entertaining.<p>The plot is straight forward, easy to follow, and decent enough for a film of this caliber. The first 5-10 minutes are quite interesting as it gives a unique introduction to the El Mariachi character. From here on out, the pacing is moderate to fast and the rest of this 1 hour 40 minute picture is just clean fun.</p><p>The action is a plenty and despite being a little over the top, they are amusing to watch. It is not everyday where guitar cases are brought to a gunfight. The way Antonio Banderas fires his guns is also something to smile at.</p><p>The cast is fitting, with actors that pretty much blend in with this style of film. Antonio Banderas easily carries this picture and Joaquim de Almeida is a good villain. Salma Hayek is just simply gorgeous. It doesn't matter if she acts good or not. Steve Buscemi, Danny Trejo, and Cheech Marin all find themselves with decent supporting characters. Quentin Tarantino is a waste of an appearance. A true shame.</p><p>At the end of day, the thrilling bloody action and Salma Hayek all make <i>Desperado</i> a suitable watch. "Bring your guitars."

• xGary X

  
  Antonio Banderas takes up the mantle of the wandering mariachi hunting the drug dealer who murdered the woman he loved and ruined his life. Although Desperado continues from where El Mariachi left off, it's more a bigger budget re-invention of the original than a true sequel, in… More
  Antonio Banderas takes up the mantle of the wandering mariachi hunting the drug dealer who murdered the woman he loved and ruined his life. Although Desperado continues from where El Mariachi left off, it's more a bigger budget re-invention of the original than a true sequel, in a similar vein to Evil Dead II. With more resources at his disposal, Rodriguez fulfills all the potential of the idea, with some fantastic John Woo influenced action sequences which have a kind of ultra violent dance choreography and employs his now familiar ensemble cast including Cheech Marin, Quentina Tarantino, Steve Buscemi and Danny Trejo. Banderas has never been cooler, Salma Hayek never more gorgeous, and it's a sexy, stylish and hugely entertaining left-field shoot-'em up with just the right amount of tongue in cheek humour. Still my favourite Robert Rodriguez film.

• Phil H

  
  Some excellent scenes and imaginative gun play cant save this film Im afraid, the characters are great and played by a cult cast list which really adds to the thrills but the ending is terrible and most of it is so dumb that it becomes a comedy of sorts. I preferred the original… More
  Some excellent scenes and imaginative gun play cant save this film Im afraid, the characters are great and played by a cult cast list which really adds to the thrills but the ending is terrible and most of it is so dumb that it becomes a comedy of sorts. I preferred the original cheaper flim which was more sensible and could be taken abit more serious, this is just way too over the top for me. Oh and there are way too many obvious sets used haha

• Ross C

  
  An enjoyably absurd action comedy that combines Mexican caricatures with Rodriguez's cool style. Ostensibly the sequel to the ultra-low budget El Mariachi, it's essentially a Hollywood remake with some of the old faces reappearing in cameo roles. Tarantino has a classic… More
  An enjoyably absurd action comedy that combines Mexican caricatures with Rodriguez's cool style. Ostensibly the sequel to the ultra-low budget El Mariachi, it's essentially a Hollywood remake with some of the old faces reappearing in cameo roles. Tarantino has a classic cameo with his bar joke scene.

• Daniel J D

  
  As I watched this film with some friends, this happened: *in first bar shootout scene* "How does he not get hit once with all those bullets flying around?" *later* "Are all those bullets really necessary? Why does he shoot so much?" "Probably 'cause… More
  As I watched this film with some friends, this happened: *in first bar shootout scene* "How does he not get hit once with all those bullets flying around?" *later* "Are all those bullets really necessary? Why does he shoot so much?" "Probably 'cause he's so crazy." "Well, it kind of turns me on." "Girls, I'm not sure this is really the type of man you need. He doesn't shoot blanks. Ever. Impregnates you the first time. Every time."

• Lady D

  
  Definitely an upgrade from Rodriguez? ?El Mariachi? for me. I?m not usually a big fan of gun fights, but I have to say, this film added an entertainment quality to it. <br/> <br/>Slick, entertaining, sexy and stylish.

• Cassandra M

  
  There are so many adjectives one could use describing this film, I wouldn't know where to begin to start. I'll just try to limit them to a few. The headline here states one of them. Others could be "ludicrous," "fun," "amusing,"… More
  There are so many adjectives one could use describing this film, I wouldn't know where to begin to start. I'll just try to limit them to a few. The headline here states one of them. Others could be "ludicrous," "fun," "amusing," "stupid," etc. You get the idea. Robert Rodriguez took the profits from his first film, "El Mariachi," and continued on with the story now with more funds, so he made it glossier, more explosive, added some name actors and, of course, way overdid it, making it almost a cartoon it is so outrageous. He continued this with the third film, "Once Upon A Time In Mexico" which is even more of the same. If something worked subtly the first time, filmmakers think that to improve on it is by bombarding the audience with it the next time. They don't know when enough is enough and, boy, does that apply to Rodriguez. He does keep you entertained, though, once you check your brains at the door and begin watching the show. However, all this excess makes it lose any credibility "El Mariachi" might have built up with the first show in this trilogy. Whether the movie is really dumb or its just tongue-in-cheek humor by Rodriguez, it has super-style and fun to watch. Talk about stylish! No wonder Quentin Tarantino and he are good friends and the latter has a guest appearance in the film. They both love having fun with the cameras. The first eight minutes let you know what you are in for: outrageousness. It's an 8-minute scene at a bar involving a story told by Steve Buscemi. It's one of the highlights of the movie. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek are the "good guys" but they aren't exactly Billy Graham and Mother Teresa. If they are the good guys, you can imagine how evil the "bad guys" are? Speaking of them, two of the toughest- looking hombres in the business are chief among the villains: Joaquim de Almeida and Danny Trejo. Some of the action scenes are so outrageous you laugh out loud. My favourite was a guy shooting rockets out of his guitar case! As that tells you, it's just a wild ride: 103 minutes of south-of-the-border Rodriguez-Tarantino lunacy and despite what may sound like a bunch of insults, I always have fun watching this movie.

• Lenny M

  
  My favorite Rodriguez film, but there is not enough depth to his movies to be brilliant.

• Tsubaki S

  
  Even more retarded than "El Mariachi".

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