The tale of the guitar-playing, gun-slinging hero continues in this final chapter in the epic El Mariachi trilogy.
Robert Rodriguez’s “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” follows the mythical El Mariachi, or simply El.
Antonio Banderas (“Evita,” “The Mask of Zorro”) returns as El, a legendary Mexican musician who also kills on the side.
This thrilling new adventure is set in a Mexico on the brink of revolution where greed and revenge run rampant.
El has withdrawn into a life of isolation after the tragic death of his daughter and wife Carolina, played by Salma Hayek (“Frida,” “From Dusk Til Dawn”).
Banderas’ character is forced out of isolation when a corrupt CIA agent recruits him to sabotage an assassination plot against the president of Mexico, conjured up by cartel kingpin Barrillo (Willem Dafoe, “Spider-Man,” “Boondock Saints”).
Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Sleepy Hollow”) plays CIA Agent Sands. Depp’s role is pivotal in Mexico. He orchestrates a master plan to make the most money possible from this assassination attempt. Depp deals with everyone from the FBI to the local police force.
Robert Rodriguez wrote, directed and produced Mexico, like he did for El Mariachi(1991) and Desperado(1995).
El Mariachi won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 1992. It was released in theaters for American audiences in 1993.
Desperado instantly became a cult classic upon its release in 1995. Desperado also shot Banderas and Hayek into stardom, being Hayek’s first movie and Banderas’ first as lead actor.
Mexico is larger than its predecessors, costing $30 million. El Mariachi only cost $7,000 to make and Desperado cost $3 million.
More money equals bigger stars such as Depp, Dafoe, Mickey Rourke (he Rainmaker), Eva Mendes (Training Day) and Enrique Iglesias.
The increased budget also allowed for bigger action scenes with exhilarating shots. One sequence had Banderas and Hayek chained together by the wrists. Together, they manage to rappel down five stories of a building using each other to swing to safety.
Unfortunately, no amount of money could make the plot any tighter. It might take a long conversation with friends to figure out what exactly happened in the movie.
Mexico also could have seen more character development, especially with Banderas and Hayek. Hayek only shows up during flashback scenes, which gives her little to no screen time.
Even though Banderas plays a significant role as El, his character lacks depth. Audiences do not really get to know his character along with others.
Despite this, Depp carries the ball for Mexico and is the movie’s MVP. Just like in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Depp’s wit and charm shine through on screen, allowing for audiences to feel sympathetic toward the greedy and corrupt Agent Sands.
Mexico’s 12th man definitely would have to be its musical score. From the opening credits, the music helps submerge moviegoers into this little part of Mexico and is a continual driving force throughout the movie.
Mexico is a solid movie that would be nothing without Depp. None other could play agent Sands. With some very comedic moments and jaw-dropping action sequences, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” will undoubtedly be another cult classic.