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40 out of 45 people found the following review useful: El Mariachi's best (and most violent) outing, 16 April 2005 Author: Mr Ben from Hampshire, England
Being a product of the video game generation, I have recently rediscovered the therapeutic qualities of slow-mo death-match on the N64's "Perfect Dark". A quick ten-minute blast with a couple of meaty pistols in each hand can easily dispel the day's stresses and strains better than a hour on a couch - trust me. Although it may upset the moral minority to admit it, being able to unleash the violent impulses that exist in us all in a safe and socially acceptable manner is hugely beneficial to one's emotional state of mind. Far better to play a video game where you are responsible for truly reprehensible criminal acts than to do it in real life, after all. And in the same way that games often depict senseless violence, the cinema has long been home to violence in one form or another - from "Tom & Jerry" to "Enter The Dragon". For me personally, "Desperado" is as close to a cinematic equivalent of a video game as we'll see - perfectly orchestrated and highly entertaining mayhem but as empty inside as one of El Mariachi's spent casings.Director Robert Rodriguez practically remakes his low-budget debut "El Mariachi" with Antonio Banderas as the mysterious stranger who walks into town with a guitar case full of guns and a serious grudge against local crime lord Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida). You see, El Mariachi lost the love of his life and his ability to play guitar (after he's shot through the hand) at the hands of Bucho's goons and so, El has a score to settle. After announcing his arrival in town by taking out Bucho's bar, El finds himself helped by glamorous bookstore owner Carolina (Salma Hayek) in his seemingly impossible quest.It ain't big and it ain't clever but my, "Desperado" is a whole lot of fun! Tongue firmly in cheek, the cartoony action and simple revenge story combine to create a fabulously entertaining film that still stands out as a truly unique picture. Easily better than the muddled climax to the trilogy ("Once Upon A Time In Mexico"), "Desperado" highlights the brilliant creation of the Mariachi character and Banderas is the ideal choice for the role. Seemingly indestructible in battle, El carries one fatal flaw - his heart of gold - and right until the end, you're never quite sure if he'll make it or not. Opposite him, Salma Hayek has never been (or looked) better than she was here. Simply oozing sexuality, Hayek smolders like desert sand and steals the film. And this despite humorous cameos from Steve Buscemi, Quentin Tarantino and Cheech Marin."Desperado" isn't quite the masterpiece that it should be. It's about as original as a Hollywood remake and its lack of any sort of ambition doesn't limit its scope but merely means that it reaches its targets with ease. And if plausibility and complex story lines are what you're looking for then move on because this film is as simple as one of Jerry Springer's guests. To be honest, "Desperado" makes no illusion as to what its about and stakes its ambitions right from the first scene. It's arguably one of the best action films made in recent years but this type of film is all-too-common, rarely appreciated by "serious critics" and frequently dismissed as "throwaway cinema". Not so - "Desperado" is an enjoyable, amusing and explosive scorcher of a movie and is highly recommended to anyone who likes their gun-fu and OTT fight sequences. Or anyone who doesn't play "Perfect Dark"...
40 out of 47 people found the following review useful: Extremely likeable action movie., 30 January 2004 Author: Boba_Fett1138 from Groningen, The Netherlands
Sharp knives, big guns, awesome fights, great dialogue, wonderful characters and Selma Hayek looks better then ever. These are just a few reasons why I like this movie."Desperado" is more than an action movie. It has tons of fun in it which makes the movie extremely likeable to watch. The action is way over the top but it works very well since the movie obviously doesn't take itself serious. It's fun and cool to watch at the same time."Desperado" is a kind of movie that really needs no story and basicily there isn't really any. All the fun characters, dialogue and action sequences make you forget that there isn't really a story. The Quentin Tarantino cameo is especially entertaining and so are almost every Mexican bad guy that are all in one way or another over the top.A must see, in my opinion.9/10
37 out of 46 people found the following review useful: Stylish, 30 April 1999 Author: Andrew Howe (moonbeam130@hotmail.com) from Sydney, Australia
It is well known that Robert Rodriguez is a fan of John Woo, the Hong Kong film director who made the best action flick ever, The Killer (if you haven't experienced it yet, hotfoot it down the video store right now and check it out. You won't be disappointed.) Desperado doesn't quite scale such lofty heights, but it comes closer than most.Allow me to summarise the plot. A drifter (played by the impeccably sculptured Antonio Banderas) arrives in town in search of his girlfriend's murderer and kills everyone he meets. Roll credits.Which is kind of like saying Moby Dick is a book about a big whale. It's style which is important here, and it's something this film has in spades. The blistering action scenes are artfully choreographed, but the same could be said of Commando. What gives this film the edge is the Mexican setting - the whole film is choked in dust, and comes complete with greasy villains, decaying cantinas, rough-hewn stone buildings and an irresistible Latin-American soundtrack. There's explosions, gunfights, knife throwing, fisticuffs, and a scene involving two deadly guitar cases which is just so ridiculous that it fits in perfectly. There's precious little acting talent on display and no plot to speak of (though the film does have a *great* sense of humour), but in the end you leave the theatre feeling satisfied without really knowing why. And, in the final reckoning, that's good enough for me.
32 out of 38 people found the following review useful: Give me the strength to be what I was, and forgive me for what I am., 18 September 2004 Author: Andy (film-critic) from Bookseller of the Blue Ridge
Sinking us back into the gritty life of a tormented guitar player, Rodriguez sets the stage for an amazing film. This time, Antonio Banderas steps into the role of the troubled Mariachi as he continues his quest to rid Mexico of the corrupted drug lord that destroyed his life. Using friends like Steve Buscemi, he finds the town that is harboring his villain named Bucho. The Mariachi's form of questioning normally leads to several dead, a cinematic gun fight, and some classic Sergio Leone verbiage. Unfortunately, our hero does not escape unscathed and finds himself being healed by the likes of Carolina, a bookstore beauty played by Selma Hayek. Together they build a steamy relationship that will help our Mariachi reach his final destination.As more gunfights, explosions, and blood rock this independent blockbuster, we soon discover a hidden secret about our hero, one that could change the course of his destination.This was an impressive second outing by director Robert Rodriguez. While I was worried that Hollywood would have drained too much of his imagination, it was instead the direct opposite. Hollywood gave him the tools to build an amazing 'sequel'. While different, yet the similar to his independent feature 'El Mariachi', Rodriguez sets the stage for a roller coaster film that makes you hold your breath and pray for more. He has taken elements from his first film and expanded them to new levels. Banderas is perfect as our 'new' Mariachi and the chemistry between him and Selma Hayek cannot be contested. Banderas' ability to control this enraged man was spectacular. They worked as our two main focuses of this film. Coupled with some humorous moments with Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino, this film successfully stood on its own two feet thanks not just to the action, but the actors in their respective roles. Finally, Rodriguez is a genius behind the camera. He is able to give us exactly the right amount of action, drama, and comedy for our liking. He is the proverbial salad bar of cinema. While giving us this deeply rooted character hell-bent on destroying this drug lord, he also lets our imaginations wander with his comical and cartoonish action sequences. The scenes of men flying through the air after being shot are somewhat comical, yet completely Rodriguez. He has successfully created this world that is all uniquely his own. Rodriguez has done this by giving the world depth and outside characters. He builds suspense and also suspicion all at the same time.Overall, an amazing film (in case you haven't noticed) that should be found in nearly everyone's film collection. Grade: ***** out of *****
27 out of 35 people found the following review useful: plot,we don't need no stinking plot, 13 April 2004 Author: randall pennington (rpennington9@comcast.net) from Chattanooga, Tennessee
I've heard many people say that they couldn't follow the plot of this flick.I think they totally missed the point of this movie.ITS AN ACTION MOVIE.thats the whole plot.Its called lets find the bad guy,and his henchmen,and kill them.I thought it was absolute genius.Skip the plot,and go straight to the action.Banderas was pure fire.All his emotions smouldering just beneath the surface.The stunts and effects were first rate and extremely entertaining.Even the extras did great work.I would recommend this film to anyone who is wanting some great entertainment.Mark me don't go looking for some Oscar winning dramatic performances.But it is fun,pure unadulterated fun.Also the photography is absolutely first rate.As is the almost Kubrickesque atmosphere of the film.Ydnar
22 out of 28 people found the following review useful: Can You Say 'Preposterous?" (But Lots Of Fun), 10 March 2006 Author: ccthemovieman-1 from Lockport, NY, United States
There are so many adjectives one could use describing this film, I wouldn't know where to begin to start. I'll just try to limit them to a few. The headline here states one of them. Others could be "ludicrous," "fun," "amusing," "stupid," etc. You get the idea.Robert Rodriguez took the profits from his first film, "El Mariachi," and continued on with the story now with more funds, so he made it glossier, more explosive, added some name actors and, of course, way overdid it, making it almost a cartoon it is so outrageous. He continued this with the third film, "Once Upon A Time In Mexico" which is even more of the same. If something worked subtly the first time, filmmakers think that to improve on it is by bombarding the audience with it the next time. They don't know when enough is enough and, boy, does that apply to Rodriguez. He does keep you entertained, though, once you check your brains at the door and begin watching the show. However, all this excess makes it lose any credibility "El Mariachi" might have built up with the first show in this trilogy.Whether the movie is really dumb or its just tongue-in-cheek humor by Rodriguez, it has super-style and fun to watch. Talk about stylish! No wonder Quentin Tarantino and he are good friends and the latter has a guest appearance in the film. They both love having fun with the cameras.The first eight minutes let you know what you are in for: outrageousness. It's an 8-minute scene at a bar involving a story told by Steve Buscemi. It's one of the highlights of the movie.Antonio Bandaras and Selyma Hayek are the "good guys" but they aren't exactly Billy Graham and Mother Teresa. If they are the good guys, you can imagine how evil the "bad guys" are? Speaking of them, two of the toughest- looking hombres in the business are chief among the villains: Joaquim de Almeida and Danny Trejo.Some of the action scenes are so outrageous you laugh out loud. My favorite was a guy shooting rockets out of his guitar case! As that tells you, it's just a wild ride: 103 minutes of south-of-the-border Rodriguez-Tarantino lunacy and despite what may sound like a bunch of insults, I always have fun watching this movie.
20 out of 28 people found the following review useful: I absolutely, absolutely, ABSOLUTELY love it!, 30 September 2001 Author: Loff24 from Portugal
A true 90's cowboy movie, everyone who saw El Mariachi could foresee that this picture would take the concept to the top. Fast-paced, greatly shot, incredibly edited, this movie refuses to take itself seriously and is well-succeeded in so. Antonio Banderas is the perfect Mariachi, adding a new depth to the first movie's main character. He seeks revenge. Revenge for all the things they did to him. And he will get it, the easy way or the hard way. Fellow portuguese Joaquim de Almeida is Bucho, the villain, whose relationship with El Mariachi turns out quite surprising near the end. Until they both meet, there will be much gun-slinging action to fill the screen with anthological scenes, like the bar fight, the "Quedate Aqui" song and the final showdown. The movie is a comedy, even in the action scenes. I guarantee it, it's two hours of fun and a visible influence of the Westerns and B-Movies in someone's talent. Cracking good fun, which becomes addictive. Memorable movie.
16 out of 21 people found the following review useful: Robert Rodriguez's sequel-cum-remake of El Mariachi., 16 August 2005 Author: Captain_Couth (sirjosephu@aol.com) from Sacramento, CA
Desperado (1995) was a fun and big budgeted version of Desperado. Robert Rodriguez has fun with the film and the characters from El MARIACHI. Antonio Banderas stars as the mythical El Mariachi whilst Salma Hayyek co-stars as his love interest. Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino are among the other stars who make guest star appearances.El Mariachi is hiding out in another small desert town. He's become a legendary vigilante who's still seeking out justice for his dead girlfriend. He has a companion (Steve Buscemi) who helps him out find those who were connected to the boss from the first film. During one of his hits, a hired gun from another crime family comes into town (Danny Trejo). He also fits the description of El Mariachi (somewhat). A local book dealer (Salma Hayek) crosses paths with the legendary crime fighter. Who is the man behind all of El Mariachi's sorrow? Why is he so desperate to single handedly trying to crush the crime in the area? How does he do it by himself? Is he that good? To find out the answers for all of these questions you'll just have to watch DESPERADO.A fun second parter to EL MARIACHI. Unlike most sequels, you don't need to watch the first film to enjoy this one. It's just another entertaining film that'll burn some time. Enjoy!Highly recommended.
13 out of 18 people found the following review useful: The best all-round film of the three..., 20 May 2004 Author: Rob Taylor (Rob_Taylor) from London
After watching El Mariachi, it was easy to see the improvement in production values between the two. Not surprising, considering the difference in the price tag of the two films. But, as I pointed out in my El Mariachi review, money isn't everything.Although better visually, Desperado benefits from better actors who bring more life to the characters. The overall effect, given another reasonable plot, is to make a much more polished looking film that deservedly did as well as it did at the box office.The aforementioned plot is, essentially, the same as the first film when you boil it down - the Mariachi ends up killing a lot of no-good drug-dealers and warlords etc. - and there's the obligatory love interest. But although very similar, this movie was more enjoyable due to it's overall finish and style.I originally watched this movie some years ago, long before I got to see the original El Mariachi, so I suppose I am a little biased in preferring this one to the the first in that Banderas IS the Mariachi as far as I was concerned. But not to knock the first movie, which tells us the early history of the Mariachi, and is a worthy film in its own right.Desperado is good, if sometimes a little gory, fun. Nothing to analyse too much, just enjoy. If you have the opportunity, watch the original, then this one and things will make a lot more sense. Desperado has enough back history woven into it to make it a standalone film, but the overall experience is better watching the two back to back.
4 out of 6 people found the following review useful: Quick Reviews!!, 11 January 2005 Author: malkane316 from NI
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
The film in which Rodriquez really came to prominence, Desperado is a continuation from his low budget effort 'El Mariachi', which deservedly gained him recognition from big studies, and indie heroes such as Tarantino. The man with the guitar case full of guns is coming to town, looking for the man who killed the woman he loved. He sends a friend ahead of himself, Buscemi in another great performance, to tell the tale of an encounter with the man, to try and find out if any locals have knowledge of Bucho, the one he believes is responsible for his lover's death. When Banderas finally comes to town several bloodbaths ensue in glorious fashion, and he takes refuge with a local woman played with strength and guts by Salma Hayak. Naturally they fall for each other as The Mariachi gets to the bottom of the mystery.The film has good performances from all, is very stylish and funny, with excellent dialogue, and the plot admittedly takes a step back to let the action have centre stage. The bullets fly everywhere, the action is fluid and original, and the stunts are all the more impressive because of the tiny budget. The sex scene is memorable, not because it is gratuitous, but because of the lighting and cutting, like much of the film. Violent and loud mouthed, but brilliant fun, and one for aspiring directors who have small budgets, proving that it can be done. 9 out of 10.
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