Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

Touches You

Thanks for the memories!

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

In the third movie of Rodriguez's "Mariachi" trilogy, a Mexican drug lord pretends to overthrow the Mexican government, and is connected to a corrupt CIA agent who at that time, demands retribution from his worst enemy to carry out the drug lord's uprising against the government

Once Upon a Time in Mexico is a cool, sophisticated and stylish action film just like the second one, Desperado, only not nearly as good I give it a 5. Robert Rodriguez made a badass movie I give it a 5. Forgiving all of the misses it has, it is one entertaining from start to finish action flick I give it a 5. The dialogue is actually better than the action, way better I give it a 5. That seems rare I give it a 5. The star packed cast makes it all worth the while I give it a 5. Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, that's all you need but there's more, like Johnny Depp and even Enrique Engleias I give it a 5. I truly love Once Upon a Time in Mexico I give it a 5. I give it a 5 I give it a 5. Most DVD worthy.

An action adventure blast featuring some really funny moments and characters. This is by no means a film meant to be taken seriously. Watching the trilogy in chronological order is very fun because you go from something so independent and low-budget to this over the top fast paced "Rodriguez"- flick (as the opening titles suggest). It never really slows down which works in this movies favor. It's quiet interesting to see the development of the Mariachi character who started out in such a simple way now becoming an icon and hero figure.The plot to this movie is ridiculous and the villain played by Willem Dafoe's plan is to take down Mexico's President. But, because of this film's tone you don't mind the ridiculousness. You can have fun with it and just enjoy the ride. It's my favorite of the Mexico-trilogy because of how entertaining it was. There are some very beautiful shots of the cities and landscapes and the music was well scored, and you can even tell by how the camera moves how fun the filmmakers had making this.Johnny Depp's character gets the best story arc and how his story turns out by the third act was unexpected. Salma Hayek wasn't in this one that much and her character was reduced to a few flashbacks, which is a shame since her character's absence makes the Mariachi an even more tragic figure who just always seems to lose the ones he cares for. Sometimes it seems like he can dodge bullets too easily though, there should have been some more danger put into the action. The heroes in this film win too easily. But, the best action scene by far is the motorcycle chase, that was great. The quick editing and the timing is in well place in that scene.There are some semi-serious moments which are nice, but the film would have needed some better balance in some moments. The tone changes quickly sometimes which could be jarring for some and take away from the enjoyment. It took a little moment at the beginning to get what the aim was. But, once you grasp what the film is going for, then it really works.So, the action as a little lacking this time around, but everything else just never slows down that it made the film flow by in a good way. If you are gonna watch this film then try not to take it too seriously and you should preferably put it on during a rainy day.

I saw this "flick" and what I took away from it was that Rodriguez overdid the story. It's as though Rodriguez was trying to give the finale an epic scope. Well, that works, but not with something that follows Desperado. There were just too many characters that detracted from the protagonist. It was unnecessary to have that many players to convey the exposition. The plot get's confusing with all the characters working against or for the others. The action is nothing innovative, but done in such a way to add some humor. Banderas probably got a good deal signing on; considering he probably was the first actor signed on for the lead. But consequentially, was no more than a supporting actor rather than the lead. All for the sake of redundant characters to establish their M.O. during the course of the flick. So while this isn't a bad flick, it's just an overly ambitious one. If this weren't the finale in a run-of-the-mill actioneer, it probably would've made a good political thriller/ neo-noir film.