Rating of
2/4
See the other films in the trilogy first
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/01/08
"El Mariachi" (Antonio Banderas) is back, and is recruited by a corrupt CIA agent (Johnny Depp) to prevent the assassination of the president of Mexico, which is being planned by cartel lord, "Barrillo" (Willem Dafoe).
"Once Upon A Time In Mexico" is a disappointing action movie with a weak plot, and only fair performances by the entire cast.
The movie drags on between shootouts, and can be really boring. There is not enough character development to care for anybody, however this is the last of a trilogy, so character development is there. I never saw any of the other movies in the trilogy, so I don't know who is new, and who isn't.
The visuals are equally boring. Mexican architecture is mostly reds and light browns, and doesn't lend itself to something visually attractive. The gunfights are fast paced, and have a lot of quick edits. Like the rest of the movie, they are not visually spectacular like they could have been, but are the best part of the film.
One major disappointment is that every promo for this movie makes it appear that Salma Hayek is a major character in the movie. She is even in the promtional posters for the film. However, she is only seen in flashback scenes. Enrique Iglesias has more screen-time, and isn't in any of the promotional materials as far as I am aware.
This movie would probably be better if you watch the previous films in the trilogy. If you don't, then I suggest that you skip this movie
