This is what you might call a sprawling Western. It plays out a little too grandiose for the shallowness of the characters, but it is still a sprawling sort, with great scenery, costumes, and action.
The plot is very formula, law abiding hard working older brother and carefree lawless younger brother, and much like Stewart's classic, "Night Passage", but without the magic. In fact, I call "Night Passage" the magic Western, with Stewart, Duryea, and Murphy all playing perfectly together. Kennedy equals Duryea in the legend category, and Martin is sort of a pretty boy as was Murphy, but Murphy had much more charisma. That may explain some of what is missing.
But much of it is that the characters just aren't that likable. The circumstances become way too unbelievable, even for a sprawling Western. We often give literary license to an extent, but Bandolero clearly bypasses all credibility.
So the film is basically played for the spectacle and for the bits of humor. It may be the "Pulp Fiction" of Westerns. There are funny little lines, when added to the spectacle and scenery, make it a touch better than the average Western. But don't expect a lot. It is just a fun ride, not to be taken seriously. From that perspective, it makes good entertainment.
The plot is very formula, law abiding hard working older brother and carefree lawless younger brother, and much like Stewart's classic, "Night Passage", but without the magic. In fact, I call "Night Passage" the magic Western, with Stewart, Duryea, and Murphy all playing perfectly together. Kennedy equals Duryea in the legend category, and Martin is sort of a pretty boy as was Murphy, but Murphy had much more charisma. That may explain some of what is missing.
But much of it is that the characters just aren't that likable. The circumstances become way too unbelievable, even for a sprawling Western. We often give literary license to an extent, but Bandolero clearly bypasses all credibility.
So the film is basically played for the spectacle and for the bits of humor. It may be the "Pulp Fiction" of Westerns. There are funny little lines, when added to the spectacle and scenery, make it a touch better than the average Western. But don't expect a lot. It is just a fun ride, not to be taken seriously. From that perspective, it makes good entertainment.