Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Eight years on from the success of 1995 film 'Desperado', Antonia Banderas reprises his role as gunslinging troubadour El Mariachi.  Set against a backdrop of revolution and greed, and haunted and scarred by loss, El Mariachi has retreated into a life of isolation.  He is forced out of hiding by rogue CIA Agent Sands (Depp) to help sabotage a murder plot against the president of Mexico.

Sands reports that the murder will take place during a coup attempt by General Marquez (Vigil), a man in love with El Mariachi’s wife (Hayek) and the only person who can compel him to kill again.  The coup and assassination is orchestrated by Barilla (Dafoe), the popular leader of a powerful drug cartel who has his sights set on ascending to the presidency.  But Sands has also set in motion Jorge (Ruben Blades), a retired FBI agent with a score to settle with Barilla, hoping to further confuse the attempt on the president so he can escape with 20 million Pesos.

Banderas continues to personify Mariachi, whilst Salma Hayek also makes a welcome return as the love interest.  But the star of the show has to be Johnny Depp, who continues to shine in everything he appears in.  His energy surpasses even that of his performance in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and really adds life to his scenes.

Loaded with Mexican style and impressive camerawork, this is a complex and engaging story filled with sharp and witty dialogue, exciting action scenes and stunts even Jackie Chan would be proud of.  Do not miss this opportunity to see it on the big screen again!

Alex Coe