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The Mexican (2001)
Runtime: 2 hrs 3 mins
Synopsis: Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts have star power to burn in Gore Verbinski's offbeat THE MEXICAN, about the search for a cursed legendary gun. Pitt stars as Jerry Welbach, a small-time loser who is given no choice but to run an errand for a powerful boss (Bob Balaban) who will have him killed if he... Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts have star power to burn in Gore Verbinski's offbeat THE MEXICAN, about the search for a cursed legendary gun. Pitt stars as Jerry Welbach, a small-time loser who is given no choice but to run an errand for a powerful boss (Bob Balaban) who will have him killed if he fails. But if he accepts the job to go to San Miguel to pick up the beautiful handcrafted gun known as the Mexican, his loud, demanding girlfriend, Samantha (Roberts), will leave him and move to Vegas. But through a course of bizarre events, his contact is shot in the top of his head, the gun is stolen, and Sam is kidnapped and held hostage by a hired killer (James Gandolfini) who is not all that he seems. Verbinski tells this humorous tale of love, trust, double crosses, and murder as part road-trip comedy, part wacky film noir. The supporting cast, including terrific turns by J.K. Simmons, Bob Balaban, and Michael Cerveris, makes for the requisite bunch of second-rate hoods and other lowlifes. Pitt and Roberts are excellent as the always-battling couple, but Gandolfini steals the show as a sensitive hit man with a dangerous secret. The excellent soundtrack includes such classic songs as "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" and "Safety Dance." [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, James Gandolfini, Bob Balaban, Michael Cerveris
Screenwriter: J. H. Wyman
Producer: Lawrence Bender, John Baldecchi
Composer: Alan Silvestri
DVD Info
Release:
Jul 8, 2001
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35
- Single Side - Dual Layer
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
- DTS Surround 5.1 - English
- Dolby Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
- Deleted Scenes
- Audio Commentary - 1. Gore Verbinski - Director
- Making-Of
- Behind-the-Scenes Footage
- Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Biographies - 1. Cast & Crew
- Production Notes
Reviews
It just sits there, doing nothing that a competent made-for-cable movie with C-list stars couldn't do.
First pairing of Hollywood's beloved stars Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts is a mixed blessing in this mishmash of a movie, in which different genres and styles strenuously compete for our attention.
The Mexican coasts along throwing at us double-agent/double-crossings intrigue, witty one-liners, and some evocative scenery.
The Mexican fails because the entire movie changes its tone from one moment to the next.
Gandolfini is especially good as the hitman with a heart of gold.
The final concern for the audience is not how the film will end (you won't care), but when?
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by: smash666 3/7/02


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