Rainey Dawn In the third movie of Rodriguez's "Mariachi" trilogy, a Mexican drug lord pretends to overthrow the Mexican government, and is connected to a corrupt CIA agent who at that time, demands retribution from his worst enemy to carry out the drug lord's uprising against the government

Clockwork-Avacado What I actually thought of this low-brow, mock-exploitation film is largely irrelevaent, given the general lack of any serious attempt to present anything more than 90 minutes of bizarre, escapist wham-bang action. Like Rodriguez subsequent, and better known "Machete" franchise, this features a bunch of Mexican, and not so Mexican guys posing around, looking cool, and blowing things up/shooting things. That's basically it. In fact, its' aesthetic is so similair to the MAchete films, that it makes you wonder whether Rodriguez is stuck in something of a rut. Anyway, though, if you have to watch this movie, then I'd recommend you watch it for Johnny Depp being a bad ass as usual, with his third-arm gimmick, and his distinctly annoying, but you like him anyway style. In fact, by the end of the film, he's the only thing worth watching, if you'll pardon the pun. Not that Antonio Banderas is a bad lead, but moping about doesn't exactly suit such a film, and that's basically all that he does. Shoots a load of people, then has a mope. Does this a couple of times, then that's the film over. But, like I said. Not the real point here.THE REAL POINT - is to warn anybody who looks at the cover of this movie and thinks, "Oh, A kind of rubbish looking film with Salma Hayek in it," then buys it for that very reason. Despite being large on the cover, and second in the cast list, I feel it is my duty to warn the world that SALMA HAYEK IS BARELY EVEN IN THIS FILM. This is a classic case of deliberate misrepresentation, on the part of the film-makers who obviously felt that selling this movie as nothing but a macho-posturing movie would hurt their sales. And they'd be right. Oh, those cunning devils, who knew that she's the best actress in this movie by some considerable margin, that she's basically the only reason why I even watched this film. To be featured so large in the promotional material, and to have about four minutes of screen time, all in hugely irrelevant flashback sequences, is definitely a crime, not to mention the fact that it's a decidedly undignified role for her even when she is on screen. So, if, like me, you love Salma Hayek, as one of the sexiest screen presences in film, and you think this will constitute "A Salma Hayek Film", then you're totally wrong, oh my brothers (and sisters). 'Tis a travesty, indeed, and a massive waste of talent. Now, excuse me. I'm off to rewatch "Savages" again. I may be gone for some time. And, if you have been fortunate enough to have read this public serveice message, then I thank you, and feel that I can go about my business, in the hope that at least one person will be saved from the same arch disappointment that I felt.Thank you, and Good night.Say "Good Night", Salma...She's Waving...

LeonLouisRicci Great Directors all have a stigma of stature that is inherent to all that excel in their craft. That is, the comparisons to one's own work as opposed to the comparison of one's peers.This is not the Director's best film. It is too derivative and the accentuation of his signature style only dilutes and dismisses its ability to arouse the senses and in effect numb the audience with over kill. More is less sometimes, especially when working from an already stimulated synapses. In this film it is the odd things that work the best. Not the familiar. The reputation for excess need not be pushed further to attain an attractive and more enjoyable ride. The roller-coaster can go off the track if pushed passed the event's horizon.As far as edgy action flick's go, this is better then most. But the Director has his own reputation to live up to. P.S. The best film of 2005...Sin City...Congratulations

Maniac-9 Once Upon a Time in Mexico finishes up the Mariachi trilogy perfectly. You have Banderas in the lead role again but also have another great actor in a main role with Johnny Depp as Agent Sands to play counter point to him. I was at first bummed out that Salma Hayek's role was fairly small but from a storyline purpose keeping it the way it was is a good way to create motivation for the Mariachi to come out of retirement and to seek retribution. You also have a great supporting cast with Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin, Ruben Blades and Danny Trejo. The movie is basically what Desperado was but on a much higher level with a better overall cast.