Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Sometimes movies are full of actors we've never heard of and directed by people who wouldn't even register to the biggest of movie buffs. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (OUTM) is not one of these types of films. OUTM is the exact opposite. The third movie in Robert Rodriguez' oft overlooked Mariachi trilogy has more stars than the Milky Way. Banderas, Depp, Hayek, Dafoe, Rourke, Trejo, Mendes, and even a pop star (Enrique Iglesias) come out for this solid action flick. Told in a way that doesn't require viewing either The Mariachi (1992) or Desperado (1995) is some of Rodriquez' best work. With that in mind, come for action, great filmmaking, and amazing cast, stay for the Latin beauties (Hayek and Mendes) because their presence alone makes the film a must see.
It is no secret that my go to genre is action. If you take a look at my MotW choices, action is hard to find. I will say however that I enjoyed Once Upon A Time in Mexico, especially the action sequences. The camera usage in these sequences is impressive and goes well with the quirky nature of these scenes and the film in general.
ReplyDeleteWith that said though, the action takes second place to Mr. Depp, my favorite thing about OUTM. I love the character and what he is given to do and say. Depp just takes all of this to a higher level as it is clear that he is having a blast. Arguably, my favorite performance by Depp.
These are the action films I find the most joy in. They don't take themselves so serious and instead embrace their outlandish story. It makes for a fun experience for everyone involved. I have not seen a lot of Rodriguez's work but he seems like a filmmaker that has this down pat. What is your assessment of Rodriguez as a filmmaker?
Depp really steals the show here. Considering that the Sands character was not in the first two parts of the trilogy makes it even more impressive. Depp was on fire back in 2003 as this was released just a couple of months after his iconic first appearance in the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with you about enjoying action films like this one the most. Often action films just take their seriousness level so far that it becomes a chore to watch them. The humor and bizarre things that happen in OUTM bring a lightness to the film, one that all of my favorite action movies have. As for Rodriguez, the guy is an institution. He can do anything in the film world and he is extremely productive. I'll admit, he hasn't put out too many, if any, exceptional films but the guy does solid work. The quantity of content he's produced in the last 20 years shows just how much talent he has as a filmmaker and I think his work will be remembered for quite some time.