MEXICAN, THE
Released: March 2, 2001
Brad Pitt tries to transport an ancient gun called The Mexican, believed to carry a curse, back across the border, while his girlfriend (Julia Roberts) pressures him to give up his criminal ways. From DreamWorks in-house director Gore Verbinski comes an interesting, funny and extremely violent story that starts out in a "Pulp Fiction" sort of tone (producer Lawrence Bender is associated with both movies) and ends with studio boss Spielberg's trademark emotional coda. Pitt shines in yet another non-pretty boy role and Roberts, seemingly at a career high, takes arms and kicks ass. Along for the ride are James "The Sopranos" Gandolfini and Gene Hackman. Scenes with Roberts and Gandolfini are very well written and executed. While the body count is relatively low (one guy is shot and left for dead a few times even!), the bloodshed is particularly gorey and earns it's R rating easily. Not a "Snatch" like funny flick, I was happy to discover this movie had just the right amount of comedy mixed in with the ensuing chaos. Not overly sappy, this is a fun ride. Great cinematography too, worthy of seeing on the big screen...
133 Minutes
DreamWorks SKG