53 out of 68 people found the following comment useful :- Underrated..., 12 March 2004
Author:
Neptunes (n_e_r_d_666@hotmail.com) from Glasgow, Scotland
I really enjoyed this film, and while many people say its not got as
strong
a plotline as El Mariachi and Desperado, I wholeheartedly disagree.
Both El Mariachi & Desperado had rather thin plots with interesting
characters and set pieces. While Once upon... hasnt got the same indepth
characters as the first 2, it does have a couple of interesting ones. But
the actual plot is the difference.
I think the plot is much stronger than people give it credit for and
people
look down on it because its so different from the first
2.
Its a fairly complex plot, in which a corrupt CIA agent enlists El
Mariachi
(to kill the General) while informing A drug baron that El Mariachi has
resurfaced... The same drug baron has enlisted a rogue General (see
above)to
overthrow the peoples president who has sworn to put an end to the drug
baron... all this and the same CIA agent has convinced a retired FBI agent
to put an end to the drug baron who eluded him and both killed and
tortured
his best friend... and while this is going on El Mariachi goes to get his
trusty guitar case and best friends, 2 fellow mariachi's. Finally to add
another spin, the CIA agent gets some information which he passes on to
his
'friend', a special forces agent, so as to get her a huge commendation if
she can take out the drug baron.
Sound confusing? It is, and roll on double cross after double cross.
However
watch it once or twice and it does make sense, just dont expect your
normal
'Mariachi' revenge movie, because its not and infact everyone plays second
fiddle to a fantastic Johnny Depp, whose CIA agent is by far the central
character.
Much is also made of the 'missing' Salma Hayek who isnt in it nearly
enough,
now this I do disagree with. Firstly there is the absolutely gorgeous Eva
Mendes, who would blow Hayek off the screen anyday of the week, and should
be enough for people who only go to see a beautiful girl, and secondly
there
is no need for her in the plot other than when she does
appear.
Personally I would say, you will enjoy this film if its approached right.
And I think you would enjoy it more IF you do buy it rather than rent it
or
watch it on TV as it allows for repeat viewing which is needed for
complete
clarity!
53 out of 74 people found the following comment useful :- Muy caliente!, 16 September 2003
Author:
george.schmidt (george.schmidt@hbo.com) from fairview, nj
ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO (2003) *** Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Salma
Hayek, Mickey Rourke, Ruben Blades, Eva Mendes, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin,
Danny Trejo, Enrique Iglesias, Marco Leonardi, Gerardo Vigil, Pedro
Armendariz Jr., Julio Oscar Mechoso, Tito Larriva. Wunderkind Robert
Rodriguez' grand finale - Sergio Leone-style - of his South of the Border
trilogy of El Mariachi, the lone assassin for hire cum renegade (Banderas
once again) who is out for revenge (natch) for the murder of his beloved
(the achingly gorgeous Hayek in flashbacks) while being hired' by
gonzo-crazed CIA man Depp (in Walken mode) involving a corrupt federale (the
heavenly femme fatale Mendes), a retired FBI agent (Blades) and a nasty
presidente-wanna-be madman (Dafoe in heavy bronzer) resulting in a digital
bloodbath with flying corpses, gravity defying stunts (and women to boot!)
and much tongue-thru-cheek take-no-prisoners guerilla filmmaking Rodriguez
has made a trademark for (writing, chopping' and directing) with more of
the same to the nth degree. Bloody good carnage and suspension of disbelief
should be checked at the door. And for the record: that is Rourke's own
Chihuahua.
38 out of 46 people found the following comment useful :- Wait For The End!!, 10 December 2005
Author:
Marcel
Once Upon A Time In Mexico is good, but not as strong as Desperado. Our
hero, El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) barely has any lines. Throughout
the movie we forget this talented actor is the star of the movie. The
explosive action is incredible, and including Sands (Johnny Depp) is
the only thing worth raving about. Depp's role is actually the best
part of this movie. Salma Hayek's role has been chopped to flashbacks,
so there is not a lot of crazy Action and Romance between Banderas and
her. You want Antonio Banderas to save the day and he does, but this
Sequel did not give him that fire. Eva Mendes is in about 4 scenes but
does a great job including the rest of the cast (Ruben Blades, Cheech
Marin, Mickey Rourke, Willem Dafoe, and Enrique Iglesias). It would
have been nice to hear some hot new songs from Enrique Iglesias for the
soundtrack but I am more than satisfied with Salma Hayek's "Siente Mi
Amor". It is an incredible Spanish track, worth watching the entire
credits!
41 out of 53 people found the following comment useful :- Femme Fatale : Eva Mendes, Movie : Good but not Great!, 24 September 2005
Author:
Gerrit van der Heide from Netherlands
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
My Overall view after watching this moving was 2 things : One : The
Perfect "Femme Fatale" in Eva Mendes.
Two : Antonio Banderas played his role well but the overall movie was,
worth a 6.0 or 5.8 points rating.
As for Miss. Mendes i recommend a second part of the film "Cat Women",
I'd like Halle Berry Or Jessica Alba to play the "Top-Role" in the
Movie.
With Mendes as her Enemy and with Ex-Odyssey 5 Star Leslie Silva Or
Rosario Dawson as Sidekick to the "Evil" Miss Mendes.
But that for later i was just impressed by her well let's say
"Striking" Way to Outfox Johnny Depp.
Although in the end she got what she deserved, she impressed me.
Depp himself played a very good role, setting every body against
themselves and running the show, but like i said Mendes outfoxed him.
As for The Hole Movie, The Role Antonio Banderas played was good, he
took revenge for the death of his Wife (Salma Hayek).
Enrique Iglesias, did OK but i'm not sure whether he should be an
actor.
Here's my take on the movie :
The evil Barillo and General Marquez try to take over Mexico, and are
helped by the military. Barillo's tactical brilliance made his daughter
(Eva Mendes) enter the army, and threw that she could help him, control
the army, Mendes ho is using Johnny Depp to get her classified
information finds out that he is trying to use her for a scam that will
bring Depp a few million dollars! Mendes capture's him and because of
Depp saw that Barillo (Ho everybody thought was dead)was alive, Depp's
eyes were taken out, Depp seems no treat anymore.. but we all know how
that finished!(The Ones ho watched the movie)
Agent Jorge FBI, goes undercover to try and get the truth behind what's
going on in the "MOB-Bussiness", he teams up with ex-Mafia Mickey
Rourke, ho is wanted in the US, Jorge know's that and uses Rourke's
desire to get back the US, to find out more about Barillo and General
Marquez's plans, he asks for Rourke's help because Barillo killed
Jorge's best friend and Rourke agrees. In the end Jorge get's to deep
and finds Barillo's body on a plastic surgery table completely covered
with blood! Jorge tries to get out of the Hospital as soon as he can,
but is stunned when he sees Barillo in front of him "Alive" in the
steps. Agent Jorge then gets Knocked out by Barillo's daughter : Eva
Mendes.
As the popularity of "El Presidente" seems to be dropping his "adviser"
advises him to stay as much as he can in the presidential palace
leaving the president thinking that the people of Mexico are trying to
kill him!
The President questions the loyalty of his people, but in the end finds
out that they are the only ones he can trust!
In the end Antonio Banderas shot General Marquez for brutally killing
his wife (Salma Hayek) ho was pregnant, Hayek had a relationship with
Marquez but then shot him in the head, Marquez didn't die and swore
revenge. Helped by Enrique Iglesias, Banderas gets his revenge on
Marquez.
Agent Jorge gets a showdown with Barillo, the man ho shot Jorge's best
Friend and takes revenge.
In the end it seems like a movie about the "Mexican Liberation" with
the main thing the plotting of a "Coe d'etat".
But overall i wasn't overly impressed as i have seen movie's about,
Mexican Leberations before!
Greetings
44 out of 67 people found the following comment useful :- El Mariachi makes a pleasant return, 16 October 2003
Author:
davideo-2 from Birmingham,England
STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal
Instead*Avoid At All Costs
A follow up to the Desperado film was not something I was expecting.So it
came as a shock to see this third instalment in the El Mariachi series being
made.But a pleasant surprise it is.It is high on sweltering Mexican
style,with impressive camera style and angles.There is a complex and
engaging story to follow,complimented by some riveting action scenes and
classy dialogue.On the performances front,Antonio Banderas continues to
personify Mariachi,with Salma Hayek well cast as his love interest and good
support from Johnny Depp,Mickey Rourke and William Dafoe,not to mention the
bodacious Eva Mendes.A wholly worthwhile venture.***
32 out of 44 people found the following comment useful :- Robert, you've done it again, 16 July 2005
Author:
sevendaywkend from United States
It's got it's flaws, but the good out way the bad and there is no ugly
when it comes to this action adventure comedy blast! The action is
gritty, the action is spellbinding and the music, well it IS apart of
the Mariachi series so, take a wild guess. Antonio Banderas - as great
as he is in this flick he takes shotgun to Johnny Depp's lead. Depp as
Sands seems like perfect casting and it's a thrill to see a great actor
at the top his game. Selma Hayek - sadly - is not in this one as much
and it is a sham, but since she was doing Frida we forgive her, and it
actually makes for a more compelling and deeper action movie. El is
trapped between a rock in a hard place when it comes to saving his
people and saving his own neck. Has Robert Rodriguez puts it "It
becomes a battle of The Man with No Eyes, The Man with No Face and The
Man with a Guitar Case" and it's just that. Willim Dafoe gives a great
and chilling performance, Ruben Blades is in top form and Eva Mendes is
cold but hot none the less. And all fans of this series are happy to
see The Boy in The Yellow Shirt has made his return.
35 out of 52 people found the following comment useful :- You need to see this two or three times..., 30 July 2005
Author:
(I_Broke_A_Shoelace_This_Morning@hotmail.com) from United Kingdom
...not because it is a piece of cinematography at it's best but simply
because you will need to see it two or three times to actually
understand the basic plot of the movie (even though I enjoyed watching
it immensely).
The main thing that will draw people to watch this movie will be the
fact that it has Johnny Depp, Antonio Banderas, Willem Dafoe, Salma
Hayek, Eva Mendes, Enrique Iglesias...and many more famous names in it.
Although I must admit that some of them should have been given bigger
parts or else have been left out altogether.
I did enjoy watching this movie but it doesn't make sense the first
time around...there is so much going on that the audience often feels
as if trying to figure everything out will cause their brains to
overheat. up are still a definite factor, however, As Johnny Depp lends
his style and talents to the character of corrupt C.I.A agent, Sheldon
Jeffrey Sands(he even came up with the 'sheldon Jeffrey' part of the
name) even though the part was originally written for Quentin
Tarantino. And praise is much deserved of Enrique Iglesias who plays
the opinionated but still very loyal Lorenzoand also Eva Mendes who
plays Agent Ajedrez with edge and darkness.
This film is very much one for people who are fans of explosions and
action but not for those who like well-written plots. I did enjoy this
movie and I think Robert Rodriguez has impeccable style even if he
doesn't present it well in some instances.
13 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :- Entertaining, 30 April 2004
Author:
MovieLuvaMatt from New Jersey
Like "Desperado," the film offers nonstop action and a gargantuan body
count. Robert Rodriguez knows how to please his audience, and the movie
does work for the most part. As expected in a Rodriguez film, the action
scenes are very well-choreographed and all possess a certain slickness and
originality. Johnny Depp steals the show in his supporting role, and seems
to be having the most fun. I actually looked at him as more of an action
hero than Antonio Banderas. Then again, Banderas seems to be going through
the motions. After all, he has played roles of this type many times before
and is probably almost bored. I like how most of the movie is in subtitles.
As I heard in the commentary, the reason for that was because most of the
cast only spoke Spanish. But I'd rather see Mexican characters speaking in
their native language, and having to read the subtitles, than them speaking
in a second language that they obviously haven't mastered totally.
Hollywood appears to have a fear of subtitles, and it's a stupid fear. Now
onto what I didn't like about the movie...I'm not exaggerating when I say
that it has nonstop violence. I'm not one of these people who gets bothered
by excessive violence, but after a while all that action and killing can get
a little dull. You just sit there waiting for the next body to fall to the
ground. The story isn't non-existent, but I think if Rodriguez paid a
little more attention to developing characters and story, his films might be
even more interesting. But altogether, I was entertained. You don't view a
film like this in the same way you view a Kubrick film. So what you see is
what you get.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
12 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :- An Incoherent, Gratuitously Violent Mess (Spoilers), 4 October 2003
Author:
Joseph A. Miller (JAM-36) from Tinley Park, IL
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I had looked forward to seeing this film for some time, given the stellar
cast. What I got was a plotless, ridiculous movie filled with ugly,
sickeningly rendered comic book violence. Johnny Depp in particular is
thoroughly wasted in his role, but not much more so than Antonio Banderas
and Willem Dafoe. Flashbacks, dreams,internal fantasies,imaginings, and some
of the most ludicrous firefights in movie history are interspersed here with
only the barest attempt at narrative. Near the end, when Johnny Depp's
character has been blinded but is still functional and seemingly hardly the
worse for wear, the movie descends into something close to idiocy. A
complete waste of time, money, and talent. I now understand why there were
only about 10 people in the 200 seat theater in which I saw the movie. The
word of mouth on this dreck must be horrendous.
8 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :- It's horrible terrible, 5 February 2005
Author:
no_ma_am02 from United States
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
The movie has some many things going on it can be understand fully. The
gun shoot-outs are so make believe and don't seem to be fooling anyone.
Come on, how can you have a blind Johnny Depp in a shoot-out and not
get killed by the enemy. It's completely out of shape and down right a
stupid movie that wouldn't be worth a penny. I was very upset to see
the saga of the Mariachi come to an end in such a bad manner. I
definitely give this movie two thumbs down on everything or should I
say the whole enchilada. I don't blame the actors, but rather blame the
people who had to do with the movie making process. This isn't a stab
at the director himself, but everybody.
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Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
53 out of 68 people found the following comment useful :-
Underrated..., 12 March 2004
Author: Neptunes (n_e_r_d_666@hotmail.com) from Glasgow, Scotland
I really enjoyed this film, and while many people say its not got as strong a plotline as El Mariachi and Desperado, I wholeheartedly disagree.
Both El Mariachi & Desperado had rather thin plots with interesting characters and set pieces. While Once upon... hasnt got the same indepth characters as the first 2, it does have a couple of interesting ones. But the actual plot is the difference.
I think the plot is much stronger than people give it credit for and people look down on it because its so different from the first 2.
Its a fairly complex plot, in which a corrupt CIA agent enlists El Mariachi (to kill the General) while informing A drug baron that El Mariachi has resurfaced... The same drug baron has enlisted a rogue General (see above)to overthrow the peoples president who has sworn to put an end to the drug baron... all this and the same CIA agent has convinced a retired FBI agent to put an end to the drug baron who eluded him and both killed and tortured his best friend... and while this is going on El Mariachi goes to get his trusty guitar case and best friends, 2 fellow mariachi's. Finally to add another spin, the CIA agent gets some information which he passes on to his 'friend', a special forces agent, so as to get her a huge commendation if she can take out the drug baron.
Sound confusing? It is, and roll on double cross after double cross. However watch it once or twice and it does make sense, just dont expect your normal 'Mariachi' revenge movie, because its not and infact everyone plays second fiddle to a fantastic Johnny Depp, whose CIA agent is by far the central character.
Much is also made of the 'missing' Salma Hayek who isnt in it nearly enough, now this I do disagree with. Firstly there is the absolutely gorgeous Eva Mendes, who would blow Hayek off the screen anyday of the week, and should be enough for people who only go to see a beautiful girl, and secondly there is no need for her in the plot other than when she does appear.
Personally I would say, you will enjoy this film if its approached right. And I think you would enjoy it more IF you do buy it rather than rent it or watch it on TV as it allows for repeat viewing which is needed for complete clarity!
53 out of 74 people found the following comment useful :-
Muy caliente!, 16 September 2003
Author: george.schmidt (george.schmidt@hbo.com) from fairview, nj
ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO (2003) *** Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek, Mickey Rourke, Ruben Blades, Eva Mendes, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Enrique Iglesias, Marco Leonardi, Gerardo Vigil, Pedro Armendariz Jr., Julio Oscar Mechoso, Tito Larriva. Wunderkind Robert Rodriguez' grand finale - Sergio Leone-style - of his South of the Border trilogy of El Mariachi, the lone assassin for hire cum renegade (Banderas once again) who is out for revenge (natch) for the murder of his beloved (the achingly gorgeous Hayek in flashbacks) while being hired' by gonzo-crazed CIA man Depp (in Walken mode) involving a corrupt federale (the heavenly femme fatale Mendes), a retired FBI agent (Blades) and a nasty presidente-wanna-be madman (Dafoe in heavy bronzer) resulting in a digital bloodbath with flying corpses, gravity defying stunts (and women to boot!) and much tongue-thru-cheek take-no-prisoners guerilla filmmaking Rodriguez has made a trademark for (writing, chopping' and directing) with more of the same to the nth degree. Bloody good carnage and suspension of disbelief should be checked at the door. And for the record: that is Rourke's own Chihuahua.
38 out of 46 people found the following comment useful :-

Wait For The End!!, 10 December 2005
Author: Marcel
Once Upon A Time In Mexico is good, but not as strong as Desperado. Our hero, El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) barely has any lines. Throughout the movie we forget this talented actor is the star of the movie. The explosive action is incredible, and including Sands (Johnny Depp) is the only thing worth raving about. Depp's role is actually the best part of this movie. Salma Hayek's role has been chopped to flashbacks, so there is not a lot of crazy Action and Romance between Banderas and her. You want Antonio Banderas to save the day and he does, but this Sequel did not give him that fire. Eva Mendes is in about 4 scenes but does a great job including the rest of the cast (Ruben Blades, Cheech Marin, Mickey Rourke, Willem Dafoe, and Enrique Iglesias). It would have been nice to hear some hot new songs from Enrique Iglesias for the soundtrack but I am more than satisfied with Salma Hayek's "Siente Mi Amor". It is an incredible Spanish track, worth watching the entire credits!
41 out of 53 people found the following comment useful :-

Femme Fatale : Eva Mendes, Movie : Good but not Great!, 24 September 2005
Author: Gerrit van der Heide from Netherlands
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
My Overall view after watching this moving was 2 things : One : The Perfect "Femme Fatale" in Eva Mendes.
Two : Antonio Banderas played his role well but the overall movie was, worth a 6.0 or 5.8 points rating.
As for Miss. Mendes i recommend a second part of the film "Cat Women", I'd like Halle Berry Or Jessica Alba to play the "Top-Role" in the Movie.
With Mendes as her Enemy and with Ex-Odyssey 5 Star Leslie Silva Or Rosario Dawson as Sidekick to the "Evil" Miss Mendes.
But that for later i was just impressed by her well let's say "Striking" Way to Outfox Johnny Depp.
Although in the end she got what she deserved, she impressed me.
Depp himself played a very good role, setting every body against themselves and running the show, but like i said Mendes outfoxed him.
As for The Hole Movie, The Role Antonio Banderas played was good, he took revenge for the death of his Wife (Salma Hayek).
Enrique Iglesias, did OK but i'm not sure whether he should be an actor.
Here's my take on the movie :
The evil Barillo and General Marquez try to take over Mexico, and are helped by the military. Barillo's tactical brilliance made his daughter (Eva Mendes) enter the army, and threw that she could help him, control the army, Mendes ho is using Johnny Depp to get her classified information finds out that he is trying to use her for a scam that will bring Depp a few million dollars! Mendes capture's him and because of Depp saw that Barillo (Ho everybody thought was dead)was alive, Depp's eyes were taken out, Depp seems no treat anymore.. but we all know how that finished!(The Ones ho watched the movie)
Agent Jorge FBI, goes undercover to try and get the truth behind what's going on in the "MOB-Bussiness", he teams up with ex-Mafia Mickey Rourke, ho is wanted in the US, Jorge know's that and uses Rourke's desire to get back the US, to find out more about Barillo and General Marquez's plans, he asks for Rourke's help because Barillo killed Jorge's best friend and Rourke agrees. In the end Jorge get's to deep and finds Barillo's body on a plastic surgery table completely covered with blood! Jorge tries to get out of the Hospital as soon as he can, but is stunned when he sees Barillo in front of him "Alive" in the steps. Agent Jorge then gets Knocked out by Barillo's daughter : Eva Mendes.
As the popularity of "El Presidente" seems to be dropping his "adviser" advises him to stay as much as he can in the presidential palace leaving the president thinking that the people of Mexico are trying to kill him!
The President questions the loyalty of his people, but in the end finds out that they are the only ones he can trust!
In the end Antonio Banderas shot General Marquez for brutally killing his wife (Salma Hayek) ho was pregnant, Hayek had a relationship with Marquez but then shot him in the head, Marquez didn't die and swore revenge. Helped by Enrique Iglesias, Banderas gets his revenge on Marquez.
Agent Jorge gets a showdown with Barillo, the man ho shot Jorge's best Friend and takes revenge.
In the end it seems like a movie about the "Mexican Liberation" with the main thing the plotting of a "Coe d'etat".
But overall i wasn't overly impressed as i have seen movie's about, Mexican Leberations before!
Greetings
44 out of 67 people found the following comment useful :-
El Mariachi makes a pleasant return, 16 October 2003
Author: davideo-2 from Birmingham,England
STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs
A follow up to the Desperado film was not something I was expecting.So it came as a shock to see this third instalment in the El Mariachi series being made.But a pleasant surprise it is.It is high on sweltering Mexican style,with impressive camera style and angles.There is a complex and engaging story to follow,complimented by some riveting action scenes and classy dialogue.On the performances front,Antonio Banderas continues to personify Mariachi,with Salma Hayek well cast as his love interest and good support from Johnny Depp,Mickey Rourke and William Dafoe,not to mention the bodacious Eva Mendes.A wholly worthwhile venture.***
32 out of 44 people found the following comment useful :-

Robert, you've done it again, 16 July 2005
Author: sevendaywkend from United States
It's got it's flaws, but the good out way the bad and there is no ugly when it comes to this action adventure comedy blast! The action is gritty, the action is spellbinding and the music, well it IS apart of the Mariachi series so, take a wild guess. Antonio Banderas - as great as he is in this flick he takes shotgun to Johnny Depp's lead. Depp as Sands seems like perfect casting and it's a thrill to see a great actor at the top his game. Selma Hayek - sadly - is not in this one as much and it is a sham, but since she was doing Frida we forgive her, and it actually makes for a more compelling and deeper action movie. El is trapped between a rock in a hard place when it comes to saving his people and saving his own neck. Has Robert Rodriguez puts it "It becomes a battle of The Man with No Eyes, The Man with No Face and The Man with a Guitar Case" and it's just that. Willim Dafoe gives a great and chilling performance, Ruben Blades is in top form and Eva Mendes is cold but hot none the less. And all fans of this series are happy to see The Boy in The Yellow Shirt has made his return.
35 out of 52 people found the following comment useful :-

You need to see this two or three times..., 30 July 2005
Author: (I_Broke_A_Shoelace_This_Morning@hotmail.com) from United Kingdom
...not because it is a piece of cinematography at it's best but simply because you will need to see it two or three times to actually understand the basic plot of the movie (even though I enjoyed watching it immensely).
The main thing that will draw people to watch this movie will be the fact that it has Johnny Depp, Antonio Banderas, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek, Eva Mendes, Enrique Iglesias...and many more famous names in it. Although I must admit that some of them should have been given bigger parts or else have been left out altogether.
I did enjoy watching this movie but it doesn't make sense the first time around...there is so much going on that the audience often feels as if trying to figure everything out will cause their brains to overheat. up are still a definite factor, however, As Johnny Depp lends his style and talents to the character of corrupt C.I.A agent, Sheldon Jeffrey Sands(he even came up with the 'sheldon Jeffrey' part of the name) even though the part was originally written for Quentin Tarantino. And praise is much deserved of Enrique Iglesias who plays the opinionated but still very loyal Lorenzoand also Eva Mendes who plays Agent Ajedrez with edge and darkness.
This film is very much one for people who are fans of explosions and action but not for those who like well-written plots. I did enjoy this movie and I think Robert Rodriguez has impeccable style even if he doesn't present it well in some instances.
13 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :-

Entertaining, 30 April 2004
Author: MovieLuvaMatt from New Jersey
Like "Desperado," the film offers nonstop action and a gargantuan body count. Robert Rodriguez knows how to please his audience, and the movie does work for the most part. As expected in a Rodriguez film, the action scenes are very well-choreographed and all possess a certain slickness and originality. Johnny Depp steals the show in his supporting role, and seems to be having the most fun. I actually looked at him as more of an action hero than Antonio Banderas. Then again, Banderas seems to be going through the motions. After all, he has played roles of this type many times before and is probably almost bored. I like how most of the movie is in subtitles. As I heard in the commentary, the reason for that was because most of the cast only spoke Spanish. But I'd rather see Mexican characters speaking in their native language, and having to read the subtitles, than them speaking in a second language that they obviously haven't mastered totally. Hollywood appears to have a fear of subtitles, and it's a stupid fear. Now onto what I didn't like about the movie...I'm not exaggerating when I say that it has nonstop violence. I'm not one of these people who gets bothered by excessive violence, but after a while all that action and killing can get a little dull. You just sit there waiting for the next body to fall to the ground. The story isn't non-existent, but I think if Rodriguez paid a little more attention to developing characters and story, his films might be even more interesting. But altogether, I was entertained. You don't view a film like this in the same way you view a Kubrick film. So what you see is what you get.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
12 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :-

An Incoherent, Gratuitously Violent Mess (Spoilers), 4 October 2003
Author: Joseph A. Miller (JAM-36) from Tinley Park, IL
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
I had looked forward to seeing this film for some time, given the stellar cast. What I got was a plotless, ridiculous movie filled with ugly, sickeningly rendered comic book violence. Johnny Depp in particular is thoroughly wasted in his role, but not much more so than Antonio Banderas and Willem Dafoe. Flashbacks, dreams,internal fantasies,imaginings, and some of the most ludicrous firefights in movie history are interspersed here with only the barest attempt at narrative. Near the end, when Johnny Depp's character has been blinded but is still functional and seemingly hardly the worse for wear, the movie descends into something close to idiocy. A complete waste of time, money, and talent. I now understand why there were only about 10 people in the 200 seat theater in which I saw the movie. The word of mouth on this dreck must be horrendous.
8 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-

It's horrible terrible, 5 February 2005
Author: no_ma_am02 from United States
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
The movie has some many things going on it can be understand fully. The gun shoot-outs are so make believe and don't seem to be fooling anyone. Come on, how can you have a blind Johnny Depp in a shoot-out and not get killed by the enemy. It's completely out of shape and down right a stupid movie that wouldn't be worth a penny. I was very upset to see the saga of the Mariachi come to an end in such a bad manner. I definitely give this movie two thumbs down on everything or should I say the whole enchilada. I don't blame the actors, but rather blame the people who had to do with the movie making process. This isn't a stab at the director himself, but everybody.
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