Recent Reviews for Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Recent Reviews
-
MCT:August 6, 2008only Robert Rodriguez could throw a twisted sense of humour, outlandish stunts, superfluous violence, and an odd sense of the surreal into an homage to spaghetti westerns. while guiltily badass, the Depp-Banderas-Dafoe trio isn't really as riveting as Eastwood-Van Cleef-Wallach and the plot gives comfortable legroom to choppy flashbacks and heavy artillery. some awesomely entertaining action, but the film itself seemed to lack in overall substance.
-
MCT:August 5, 2008
Saw it at the cinema where it was confusing. Just watched it recently on DVD where it was only slightly less confusing.
-
MCT:August 5, 2008Robert Rodriguez can't put a foot wrong, in my opinion.
I saw this film when it was first released on DVD several years ago but I hardly remembered anything about it when I saw it again yesterday.
Fantastic progression from El Mariachi to Desperado then this one.
Highly recommended. -
MCT:August 4, 2008The best entry in the Mexico trilogy. Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Willem Dafoe all perform well and are all awesome in their own right, but Johnny Depp really steals the show as the movie's total badass. The only thing that keeps this movie from a 10 is the overly Hollywood feel that persists until the last 20 minutes or so.
-
MCT:July 29, 2008to be honest,it doesn't measure up to the original. to many overlapping plots that are difficult to follow and don't make a whole lot of sense. action and music or amazing. but the story feels stuck together. still. it's a good movie.
-
MCT:July 28, 2008"El Mariachi" (Antonio Banderas) is back, and is recruited by a corrupt CIA agent (Johnny Depp) to prevent the assassination of the president of Mexico, which is being planned by cartel lord, "Barrillo" (Willem Dafoe).
"Once Upon A Time In Mexico" is a disappointing action movie with a weak plot, and only fair performances by the entire cast.
The movie drags on between shootouts, and can be really boring. There is not enough character development to care for anybody, however this is the last of a trilogy, so character development is there. I never saw any of the other movies in the trilogy, so I don't know who is new, and who isn't.
The visuals are equally boring. Mexican architecture is mostly reds and light browns, and doesn't lend itself to something visually attractive. The gunfights are fast paced, and have a lot of quick edits. Like the rest of the movie, they are not visually spectacular like they could have been, but are the best part of the film.
One major disappointment is that every promo for this movie makes it appear that Salma Hayek is a major character in the movie. She is even in the promtional posters for the film. However, she is only seen in flashback scenes. Enrique Iglesias has more screen-time, and isn't in any of the promotional materials as far as I am aware.
This movie would probably be better if you watch the previous films in the trilogy. If you don't, then I suggest that you skip this movie. -
MCT:July 28, 2008
OH OH OH this is a good mooovie!!!!
with one of the greatest actor of our time (Depp), a story simple but with a great develpment...and a really "funny" final -
MCT:July 28, 2008
A slightly disappointing conclusion to the series, but the action sequences are well done, the script has plenty of energy and Banderas and Depp are on fine form.
-
MCT:July 25, 2008
o my good i saw the end of that movie when johnny had no eyes!!! and in that time i didnt know who is johnny depp!!!! but i must see this movie!!
-
MCT:July 16, 2008
This movie was cool of course with all it's action packed sequences. Plot isn't great but in this movie that's not exactly what keeps you watching so much as the way the next person is going to be blasted away. Johnny Depp was his usual awesome and weird self, never afraid to be an antihero.
-
MCT:July 13, 2008
WHAT AN AMAZING MOVIE!!!! I own my love to Johnny to this movie. I simply love it.It's much more interesting this one than the other before. I give extra poins, cause just in a few movies the blood it's so real, and Johnny was totally AMAZING in this one, He´s the best!
-
MCT:July 10, 2008Robert Rodriquez tells another Mexican cowboy saga, as the retired Mariachi, Bandaras again, comes back to do battle with the forces of evil. Johnny Depp steals the show as an agenyt sent to find the bad guys also, who runs into the wrong crowd, and is literally blind-sided. Violent action. Strange pacing. Not nearly as much fun as the first ones. Has gross scenes like plastic surgery gone wronmg and poking out Depp's eyes, bloodily. Charming. Not for the kids.
-
MCT:July 7, 2008Amazing. Loved this film. It's just really clever and has the most brilliant scenes.
Favourite scene is when the young boy helps Sands when he can't see. It's a really touching scene. -
MCT:July 6, 2008
Antonio and Johnny are so Hot as latins that I totally forgot about the story, the blood in it and of course of Salma who?
-
MCT:July 1, 2008
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. -
MCT:July 1, 2008
In Once Upon a Time in Mexico is a very funny/action kind of movie. Johnny Depp did very well with his role...and he was very very funny!
-
MCT:June 27, 2008
Ten it was a trilogy. Follows El Mariachi and Desperado but definitely the least of the three. Confusing at time but still stylish.
-
MCT:June 25, 2008
Alex's Review Rip roaring yarn, an absolute blast. Robert Rodriguez masterpiece with a cast that oozes perfection. Mexico is for anyone who loves a Rodriguez piece or even QT piece.
Rachael's Review If it wasn't for Johnny, I'd probably not really care for this film.. But he's in it, so I've gotta love it. Oh and Alex loves it, so I love it!
-
MCT:June 22, 2008
Once Upon a Time in Mexico was a great movie, I enjoyed it thoroughly and found a lot of the action scenes to be very well done.
-
MCT:June 15, 2008
I had heard good reviews about this one, but it was just ok for me. However I enjoyed seeing the end to the story, although I found it hard to follow in parts and just like the others was pretty gory. Worth watching though.
-
MCT:June 7, 2008
I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!!! Ok, I'm calm now. But seriously this was a fucking great movie!!!! Two of my favorite actors of all time, Johnny Depp and Antonio Banderas, together in a sexy blend set in the Mexican sun. There is just enough humor to make it light, enough action to make it heart pumping, and just enough romance to make it soft. This is definitely going in my favorites and I highly recommend it to anyone that hasn't seen it. The only downside of this movie was when Johnny Depp got those gorgeous eyes cut out but we still love him anyway, don't we? :]
-
MCT:June 6, 2008
I will let someone take my eyeballs out if they can guarantee me those blood drips, permanently. I AM JUST KIDDING.
-
MCT:June 5, 2008I actually saw this movie. It wasn't much. It actually reminds me of the other A. Banderas movie just like this (I think Desperado or something).
-
MCT:June 5, 2008
wow i have not seen this movie in ages but i think this is a brilliant movie...imn not sure which is the best movie out of all 3 of these because they are all brilliant in there own ways..the director of this Action & Adventure, Drama movie had done a good job of directing this movie because you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie...the gun=shoot=outs were really kewl throughout this movie as well....i really love these trilogy of movies...
-
MCT:June 4, 2008
I had to give it 2½...saw desperado years ago, and i just didn't see the need for this film. A classic case of "don't fix it if it ain't broke"
