Desperado

Rating:
Summary: "Desperado" Special Edition DVD Review!
Review: After a couple of average DVD releases, "Desperado" finally gets the SPECIAL EDITION treatmant. The second and most popular in Robert Rodriguez's "Maricahi" trilogy takes a far different approach from its independent predacessor. As Robert explains on the audio commentary, his goal was always to make a low-budget movie that looked like a "big summer blockbuster" and few can deny that he acheived that goal.

"Desperado" has Antonio Banderas taking over the Carlos Gallardo role as the mysterious loner with the guitar case full of guns. He is looking to avenge the death of the women he loves at the hands of a Mexican drug cartel. Along for the ride is an ensemble cast which includes Steve Buscemi, Cheech Marin, Quentin Tarantino, and Danny Trejo. All of these actors pale in comparison to sexy young newcomer Salma Hayek who steals the movie in her major film debut as a librarian who eventually becomes Antonio's love interest.

"Desperado" is one of the finest action films to be released in awhile. Only John Woo's "Face/Off" comes to mind when thinking of films released since that have been able to successfully mix stylish action sequences with great dramatic moments. The soundtrack, organized by Robert himself, and consisting a number of Tito & Tarantula tracks, really adds to the atmosphere of the film. Rodriguez has a lot of fun with a story that is esentially a Western genre film and pumps it full of amazing action scenes, hip dialouge, stunning actors, and a soundtrack that compliments it so well.

This is by far the best version to drop on DVD yet though it could have stood to include a little bit more behind-the-scenes footage. The director's commentary by Rodriguez is inciteful and the featurette chronicling the "video storyboarding" of the bar shoot-out is impressive but it would have been nice to hear some of the cast look back at the filming of this movie and perhaps, the inclusion of some deleted scenes would have put it over the top. All in all, you really can't complain. It is a quality DVD presentation of an excellent action film.

Rating:
Summary: Great modern day western with plenty of action
Review: Desperado is a great action movie with an excellent cast that will not disappoint. El Mariachi is a mysterious figure who travels from town to town cleaning the scum off of the streets with his guitar case full of guns. His sidekick walks into a bar telling huge overblown, stories about him before El Mariachi enters the town. When he does there are explosive results. The whole movie is one action scene after another, but that is what makes it so great. Rodriguez truly knows how to put together a shootout. The cast is great, excellent action sequences, plenty of tongue in cheek humor, and so much more. If you like action movies, check out this great modern day western.

Antonio Banderas is perfectly cast as the mysterious stranger, El Mariachi. He does not have to say much, but he is perfect in the role. Joaquim de Almeida is also very good as Bucho, the man who is being tracked down by El Mariachi. There is a very good plot twist with Bucho late in the movie. And I cannot forget the gorgeous Salma Hayek, who is great as the bookkeeper who helps El Mariachi when he stumbles into her store. The movie also stars Cheech Marin, Steve Buscemi, Quentin Tarantino in a very funny part, and Danny Trejo. The Special Edition DVD offers widescreen presentation, commentary by director Rodriguez, theatrical trailers, an exclusive first look at Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and 10 minute film school with Rodriguez. For a great action movie that never slows down from beginning to end, check out Desperado.

Rating:
Summary: Hollywood-ized sequel to indie hit still worth a gander.
Review: Robert Rodriguez's bigger-budget sequel to his surprise hit "El Mariachi" demonstrates that more money and more polish don't necessarily equal a better movie. Still, one can't deny that "Desperado" is still pretty watchable. There's good action, some funny moments (mostly courtesy of Steve Buscemi and Quentin Tarantino), and the undeniable beauty of Salma Hayek. The thing goes on a little too long, however, for a movie that basically just wants to entertain you with a succession of cleverly conceived and shot action sequences. Kudos to the DVD image, though: it's blisteringly sharp and clear. The extras are good, too.

Rating:
Summary: The Mariachi Has Returned... (4.5 Stars)
Review: With a bigger film budget and a well-known cast, Robert Rodriguez's "Desperado" continues the tale of the Mariachi who was forced into a life of violence. The film is action-packed, suspenseful and quite humorous. Some of the action sequences are over-the-top, but then again that is most likely the point. The end result is a very entertaining action flick that resembles a modern day Western.

The film is pretty much a sequel to "El Mariachi," only this time with well-known stars. The nameless Mariachi is still coping with the death of his girlfriend and is making due with his injured hand, but he has dedicated his life to wiping out big-time drug dealers. His mission is against a certain known drug dealer that runs the town with an iron fist. Knowing that his life is filled with hatred and vengeful wishes, the Mariachi totes a guitar case of ammo and fire power and won't think twice of using them when he's in a tight spot. It's only a matter of time before he gets to show the drug dealer his "bag of tricks" personally.

This was a very highly entertaining movie to watch. While it may not be a better film than "El Mariachi," it proves to be a very stylized action trip with more tricks to it then ever before. Rodriguez is able to use a higher budget and has a chance to do more with his film in a visual and action sense. Even with the special effects and outstanding shootouts, Rodriguez is still able to tell a successful story. Antonio Banderas is great as the "Mariachi" and gives his role a certain type of coldness to it--but is still able to add a lovable and sensitive quality to character. It was great to see stars like Steve Buschemi, Salma Hayek, Cheech Marin, and Quentin Tarantino fill the screen with their unique talents. In fact, it was during the shooting of this very film that Tarantino told Rodriguez that he had to make another movie since he considered it a Western Trilogy. This would later on become "Once Upon a Time in Mexico."

The DVD has some cool extra features to offer. First, the picture looks great and the sound quality is more than decent. Extras included are an "Anatomy of a Shootout" featurette, a sneak peak at "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," trailers, commentary from the director and more. The "Anatomy of a Shootout" featurette was extremely interesting to watch as Rodriguez lays down the thought process to most of the stunning action sequences in the film. A pretty nice DVD package altogether, if you ask me.

"Desperado" is a more-than-entertaining action movie with an interesting premise and some fantastic characters. It's definitely a lot better than a good majority of the action flops that are out and about today. If you're interested in seeing the continuation of the Mariachi's quest, then this is the pick for you. This is a very amusing movie that delivers, and then some. -Michael Crane

Rating:
Summary: Love this movie!!!
Review: I've seen Desperado,Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and El Mariachi, and as far as I'm concerned there is no comparison. Desperado is a great movie! - really entertaining with great characters, story line that's easy to follow, action, humor, and great music! And then there's Antonio Banderas - I can't picture another actor playing that part. He's perfect for it. Salma Hayek was very good in her part too.

I bought the Superbit version after buying the regular edition and I like it a LOT. If Once Upon a Time in Mexico comes out in Superbit - I won't be tempted to buy a second copy.

I've watched Desperado several times already, but only could last through Once Upon a Time once. Enough said.

Rating:
Summary: She causes car wrecks.
Review: Ah the delectably curvy, sensuously capable Salma Hayek holds her own if not outright steals the show. This and Fools Rush In are my favorites of hers. She and Antonio definitely have a great chemistry onscreen in this Mexican shoot-out noir. Antonio, previously a mariachi, is on a revenge kick to kill the drug lords responsible for the death of his beloved and the loss of his guitar playing hand. The action sequences are marvelous and hold up well to the matrix style enhanced effects that came about later in the 90's. Salma plays a strong willed and capable Latina book store owner, who crosses paths with the Mariachi, with a quiet fortitude. She falls a bit too quickly for the hero as all hell breaks loose with the final showdown between Antonio, his two buddies [wielding guitar cases that launch rockets and double as machine guns], and the final drug lord. A dark and not so subtle humour pervades, especially with Cheech and Tarantino. Overall an effective, amusing, enjoyable action flick with a bunch of great ensemble cast. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Like the Feeling You Get from Eating 20 Heads of Kot'n Kandy
Review: While the original El Mariachi marks one of the greatest cinematic achievements ever, this "sequel" is certainly one of the greatest turkeys ever created. The "action scenes" are so contrived as to be laughable; I wouldn't have taken them seriously any time after finishing the third grade. Cheech Marin continues his embarrassing career as silly Hispanic sidekick-filler in the notorious tradition of African-American actors placed in demeaning roles in early Hollywood films. Antonio Banderas looks old, fat, and tired. The only reason to watch this film might be the nude shots of Salma Hayek, but even that is not worth sitting thru this utter trash; do yourself a favor and just rent a real blue-movie if you looking for a little skin.

Robert Rodriguez could only redeem himself after this utter disgrace to his heritage by creating a 3.5 hour epic on the Conquest of Mexico in Spanish and Nahuatl. Otherwise he should be completely shunned as an outcast. This film was worse than an utter waste of time. Anyone who has graduated from primary school should consider this film an insult to their intelligence.
My only regret is that "zero stars" is not an option.

Rating:
Summary: Campy, over the top, funny, and a classic
Review: A sequel/remake of the indie classic El Mariachi, Robert Rodriguez remade his indie classic with a much bigger Hollywood budget, and a bankable then rising star in Antonio Banderas. Banderas plays the Mariachi; a revenge driven guitarist carrying a guitar case loaded with guns and weapons. On his mission to find the man behind the death of his lover, he runs across a beautiful book keeper (Salma Hayek in the role that got her well known) and plenty of action that results in quite a balet of blood, bullets, and explosions. The action scenes are over the top and they manage to reach the point of absurdity at some points, but for some reason it all manages to click, and Desperado ends up being one of the best action films of the 90's, and it made Banderas and Hayek stars and further more announced Rodriguez's directorial talent to the world. The film includes a great cast which includes Steve Buscemi, along with Rodriguez regular Danny Trejo and Cheech Marin, and a humerous extended cameo from Quentin Tarantino.

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Summary: blazing action with a little bit of love
Review: the movies highlight and best scene is the gun blazing, action filled shootout in the bar and Banderas just slides his guns out from under his sleeves as the man opens his guitar case and finds the guns and just opens a can of whoop ass on the guys. Quentin Tarintino, Steve Buscemi, Salma Hayek, Danny Trejo and Cheech Marin join Banderas in this totally great action flick from Rodriguez, oh and theres a love scene involving Hayeks haha's

Rating:
Summary: 3.5 out of 5
Review: In 1995, with a much larger budget and a top-notch cast and crew, writer/director Robert Rodriguez set out to remake his low-budget film festival hit, EL MARIACHI. The end result, titled DESPERADO, is a very violent and entertaining actioner that combines Sergio Leone's gritty westerns with Quentin Tarantino's no-holds-barred violent actioners. Antonio Banderas stars as a gunslinging "mariachi" who enlists the aid of a small-town bookstore owner (Salma Hayek, in her breakthrough role) in his attempt to take down a local drug lord (Joaquim de Almeida). There is plenty of violence and enough sex to any true Tarantino/Rogriguez/action fan won't be disappointed; there's also a very good soundtrack by Los Lobos. The action is very well directed, if not extremely bloody (this helped to get that "R" rating), and flows through the entire film. There's also occasional comedy moments, primarily at the end. Banderas is great as El Mariachi; Salma Hayek gets her first nude scene (this also helped with the "R" rating). Action and western fans will love Rodriguez's own brand of "West Side Story", followed by ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO.