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Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
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Reviews Counted:158
Fresh:108
Rotten:50
Average Rating:6.3/10
Consensus: Violent, pulpy, loopy fun, with Depp stealing the show.
Runtime: 1 hr 42 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Synopsis: The saga of the mythic guitar-slinging hero, El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), continues in Robert Rodriguez’s bravura action epic Once Upon a Time in Mexico. The new adventure is set against a... The saga of the mythic guitar-slinging hero, El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), continues in Robert Rodriguez’s bravura action epic Once Upon a Time in Mexico. The new adventure is set against a backdrop of revolution, greed and revenge. Haunted and scarred by tragedy, El Mariachi (Banderas) has retreated into a life of isolation. He is forced out of hiding when Sands (Johnny Depp), a corrupt CIA agent, recruits the reclusive hero to sabotage an assassination plot against the president of Mexico, which has been conceived by the evil cartel kingpin Barrillo (Willem Dafoe). But El Mariachi also has his own reasons for returning – blood revenge. The desperado returns with his two trusted sidekicks Lorenzo (Enrique Iglesias) and Fideo (Marco Leonardi). And the legend of El Mariachi reaches new heights of excitement and adventure. Columbia Pictures and Dimension Films Present Once Upon a Time in Mexico starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Johnny Depp. Also starring Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Danny Trejo, Enrique Iglesias, Marco Leonardi, Cheech Marin, Rubén Blades and Willem Dafoe. Once Upon a Time in Mexico was written and directed by Robert Rodriguez. The film was produced by Elizabeth Avellán, Carlos Gallardo and Robert Rodriguez. The director of photography, editor, production designer and composer is Robert Rodriguez. The costume designer is Graciela Mazón. Once Upon a Time in Mexico will be released on September 12, 2003. The film has been rated R by the MPAA for strong violence and language. [More]
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek, Ruben Blades
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek, Ruben Blades, Willem Dafoe, Enrique Iglesias, Marco Leonardi, Mickey Rourke, Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin, Eva Mendes
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Screenwriter: Robert Rodriguez
Producer: Robert Rodriguez
Composer: Robert Rodriguez
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Reviews for Once Upon a Time in Mexico
'Once Upon A Time in Mexico plays like a delirious combination of A Fistful of Dollars, The Revenger's Tragedy and Airplane.'
A shoddy Sergio Leone 'tribute' filmed from a first draft by a director who lacks the discipline to match his talent.
This third chapter in Rodriguez's Mariachi trilogy is perhaps his best film yet--a lively, outrageously enjoyable action comedy with serious subtext.
...a cartoonish action movie that entertains without garnering empathy for any of its characters, with the exception of Ruben Blades' Jorge.
Occasionally hits heights worthy of its Sergio Leone-inspired title ... but its manic invention exhausts more than enthralls.
To be fair, Rodriguez's wicked dialogue does elicit some laughs amongst the on-screen carnage.
A splendid cast and spectacular orgies of carnage combine to produce a surprisingly creaky, labored, and boring movie.
Over the top and all over the place, Once Upon A Time In Mexico is as unruly as it characters: joyously style-driven as a Bond movie but with its own set of style guidelines.
Latest News for Once Upon a Time in Mexico
May 08, 2007:
Banderas Denies "Sin City 2" Gig
Just because he's worked with Robert Rodriguez a half-dozen times already, that doesn't mean Antonio Banderas is a lock to appear in "Sin City 2" -- despite what... More...
April 06, 2006:
Critical Consensus: Take Or Leave This "Lead,: An Odd "Number," "Benchwarmers"
This week at the movies, we explore the joys of dance ("Take the Lead"), mistaken identity ("Lucky Number Slevin"), our national pastime ("The... More...
September 18, 2002:
Film fans know Robert Rodriguez as the man who made the inexpensive indie hit, 'El Mariachi' -- In 2003 he brings badass guitar cases back into fashion with 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico,' the third installment of the Mariachi legend. ![]()
More...
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