I have long been a fan of Robert Rodriguez. His maverick approach to making movies and deftly side-stepping the Hollywood system is certainly to be admired. Even though he probably has the clout to get major studio funding, the idea of that just doesn't seem to appeal to him..

Back in the early 90's, Rodriguez only had a handful of short films to
His credit. Itchy to make a feature, he raised a mere $7,000 (most of
which he earned by subjecting himself to drug testing) and set out to make El
Mariachi, a splendidly creative action picture that he shot very quickly with
the help of friends and family. The movie was shot for the Spanish film
Market and Rodriguez' modest goal was to make enough to fund
another picture. Ultimately, the film became bigger than he thought it
would, and before long, El Mariachi was playing film festivals and
earning high marks from critics and film fans.

In 1995, Rodriguez would go on to make a sequel (although many
consider it more of a bigger budget remake) called Desperado. And while the
follow-up had a considerably bigger budget (around 7 million dollars), it
actually looked much more expensive than it was. As was the case with El Mariachi, Rodriguez wrote, directed, edited and even shot much of Desperado. The film was very thrifty and showcased Rodriguez's great sense of timing, especially with action sequences.
He also deserves high marks for convincing the studio to go with a then
virtually unknown Salma Hayek.

Flash forward to eight years later, in which Rodriguez has completed
His trilogy with an ode to Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America, the
aptly titled Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

Actually, the principal photography on this film was completed a
Couple of years ago, but Rodriguez decided to finish off the Spy Kids trilogy
Before editing this picture together. This has paid off in a big way with
Johnny Depp's stock up as a result of his popular turn in Pirates of the Carribean.
Clearly, that's carried over to this picture.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico is painted on a bigger canvas than it's
previous installments, and features Antonio Banderas as the gun toting
Mariachi, once again on a mission of vengeance. This mission has him
crossing paths with a corrupt lawman played with brash glee by a hilariously
entertaining Johnny Depp.

Once Upon a Time In Mexico has been populated with several familiar
Latino stars including Banderas, Enrique Iglesias, Cheech Marin, and Ruben
Blades as well as up-and-comer Eva Mendes (Training Day, 2 Fast 2 Furious).
There are also many Rodriguez film regulars including the menacing Danny Trejo. Rodriguez also took this opportunity to work with some of his favorite performers such as
Willem Dafoe and Mickey Rourke. Sadly, he forgot to flesh out his screenplay,
and many of his big name cast aren't given the chance to truly shine. This
isn't to say Once Upon is worthless--but it certainly feels convoluted
and offers up too many characters and disjointed storylines.

Also missing, is the break neck pacing and the expert sense of timing that made the
last two installments work so well. There are a few exciting sequences to
speak of--including an escape scene in which Banderas and Salma Hayek rapel down the side of a building while chained together at the wrists. Unfortunately, most of the action razzle dazzle on display in Once Upon A Time in Mexico lacks the flow of it's
predecessors.

Still, Once Upon a Time in Mexico does have an ace up it's sleeve, and
that ace is Johnny Depp. As was clearly the case in Pirates of the
Carribean, Depp steals nearly every scene he's in here as well, as he bursts onto the screen with a swagger that is more than entertaining. So much so in fact, that I got
the sense that perhaps Rodriguez decided to make him the central character
in the editing room because Depp seems to have more screen time than top
billed Antonio Banderas.

As great as Depp is, I'd also like to bring up veteran Ruben Blades as
an ex-lawmen seeking a little vengeance of his own. Blades manages to hold
his own despite being seemingly upstaged by the blood and bullets around
him.

Robert Rodriguez is an absolute madman, and even though I felt that
This installment was the worst of the three, I admire his unlimited energy.
He wrote, shot, edited, scored and directed Once Upon a Time in Mexico,
And proves that there is still plenty of room for those who want to buck
The Hollywood system. That, in itself, is something.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico is a film with moments, and it is worth
watching for Johnny Depp, an actor who, after all these years, really
seems to be getting recognition for being the expert actor he's always been. It's about time!