ridiculous rating

A Major Disappointment

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The last part of Mexico trilogy. Robert Rodriguez, Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Danny Trejo, Enrique Iglesias, Cheech Martin, Willem Dafoe... simply amazing amount of big names in it, yet movie is nothing more than mediocre. It is not waste of your time, but I wouldn't watch it again and I am not recommending it..............................................................

So-so. Starts well, builds to a point, and then just falls apart. Was quite interesting and had the makings of a good drama but ultimately just degenerates into a mindless action movie. Antonio Banderas gets top billing but it is Johnny Depp who probably gets more airtime. Plus, Salma Hayek gets second billing, but we don't see much of her, unfortunately. All three deliver good performances, however. Good support from Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Willem Dafoe and Dabby Trejo. Enrique Iglesias can be seen in a minor role. Cheech Marin gets his customary role as wisecracking minor character.

I saw this "flick" and what I took away from it was that Rodriguez overdid the story. It's as though Rodriguez was trying to give the finale an epic scope. Well, that works, but not with something that follows Desperado. There were just too many characters that detracted from the protagonist. It was unnecessary to have that many players to convey the exposition. The plot get's confusing with all the characters working against or for the others. The action is nothing innovative, but done in such a way to add some humor. Banderas probably got a good deal signing on; considering he probably was the first actor signed on for the lead. But consequentially, was no more than a supporting actor rather than the lead. All for the sake of redundant characters to establish their M.O. during the course of the flick. So while this isn't a bad flick, it's just an overly ambitious one. If this weren't the finale in a run-of-the-mill actioneer, it probably would've made a good political thriller/ neo-noir film.

Rodriguez will not agree with me, but he rose fairly rapidly from the ranks of the un-anointed to the rank of Almost Super Director. This shortened period of suffering didn't allow him to question or understand the lore of storytelling, and his movies show it.I'm sorry I spent time watching this movie, but I was drawn in by the trailer, the theme and the stars who (I'm guessing, unwittingly?) gave of their talent to make this aimless happening.Until Rodriguez shows some indication of having read and understood the "hero's journey" as described by Joseph Campbell, Chris Vogler, and others he won't attract my attention again.He's not alone: the last Superman movie, the last Batman movie--to name but two "blockbusters"--suffer the same, lame lack of attention to the hard-won lore of storytelling.