Genres

Visitors Review

2013-05-18 14:08:55

Way too long but cast and performances keep it from failing

On one summer night, while I was quickly flipping channels on my television to see if anything good was on, I saw that a movie called The Mexican was going to begin. Although I had never seen the film, I knew about the stars and though I never really admired them, I decided to give it a chance. By the end of the two longest hours it took me to watch the film (wait, Battlefield Earth was even longer) I was highly disappointed that I had even bothered to watch such a horrible and boring film that tried to catch my attention numerous times but failed every time.Despite it having two superstars in the film industry, the Mexican is a film that is not worth seeing plainly because it is uninteresting and has nothing special in it. More on the actual movie coming up later. But for now: Plot.Brad Pitt takes on the role of Jerry Welbach, a man working for some weird agency. Jerry plans to have a honeymoon or something with his girlfriend Samantha Barzel (Julia Roberts) but an unexpected change of plans forces him to go to Mexico to retrieve a gun called the Mexican (hence the film's title). Unfortunately for Jerry, someone steals the gun from him and it's up to him to get back. Meanwhile, Samantha is kidnapped by gay hitman Winston Baldry (played by James Gandolfini from TV's The Sopranos), who plans to get back at Jerry for some reason. Jerry now has a whole lot to accomplish: Getting the gun back, saving his girlfriend, and winning her heart back. The rest of the movie shows the journey that Jerry embarks on and though the plot sounds interesting, the actual movie isn't.I don't really know if this movie is to be considered a comedy for there was complete silence while I watched it and my mouth never opened. Okay, maybe for a cough but never for a laugh. I don't know what the screenwriter was thinking when he wrote the screenplay but I feel that he was ashamed when he saw how terrible the movie is. Not one joke, not one laugh. Main Point: This is not a comedy. The film is probably a mix of romance (85% percent of the film) and thriller (15% percent) because it has a couple shootouts which might satisfy action fans. Otherwise, I don't really know who to recommend this film to.The performances are good though Gandolfini steals the movie away with his brilliant portrayal of Winston Baldry. He probably was cast because of his role on the Sopranos (or the other way around) but I don't think they should have made him gay because that doesn't make any impact on the film. Julia Roberts gives her typical performance, where she always gets the good man in the end and lives happily ever after with him. Though there's a sign through the film that she's falling for Gandolfini's character, it's a bit predictable of who she'll end up with. Brad Pitt delivers an average performance as the person trying to win the girl of his dreams. Again, it makes the film more predictable and the ending is spoiled from the very beginning.The biggest problem with the film is the longness. The film is completely boring because instead of relying on plot twists to surprise the viewer, the script just enlarges one idea and adds more time to the film. I feel that instead of the 123 minutes that took the film to explain every little thing, the screenwriter could have stuck to the little things and made it a plain 100 minute film.Overall, the Mexican is definetely a must-not buy. However, if it's ever on TV, you should probably check it out. Beware, though, boredness is coming from the very first minute.

Ash119 2013-05-17 22:36:50

Great Acting..

As usual, when a movie that I look forward to seeing comes out, I read thereviews and read comments from other IMDB members. After reading thecomments about The Mexican, I actually had second thoughts about seeingthemovie, but I'm glad that I listened to my instincts and saw the movie.First of all, there were many flaws and holes in the story overall. It wasalso too long. But, the movie was entertaining and energetic. Of coursewith great actors like Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts in the same film, youexpect a phenomenal outcome. Their performances were great comically, andRoberts once again has put more depth into her character than we have seenbefore in her more lighthearted films (i.e. My Best Friends Wedding)..Thisfilm is definitely not that. I saw a little blend of Pulp Fiction andTraffic in the movie, but also containing many comedic elements. Theaudience laughed hysterically throughout most of the film, so I could tellthat they were enjoying it.So my review would be, that the film was not excellent, or really evenclose, but definitely worth watching. It was an entertaining and funnyfilmand the acting by the entire cast was great. I happen to be a fan of bothof the lead actors though.... I am usually a pretty hard judge of moviesandI still managed to enjoy it a great deal, but it could be because myexpectations were fairly low!Grade: B

2013-05-05 19:34:59

"The Mexican" es muy terrible....

While I usually respect the talents of both Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt (both have proved in past endeavors that they are more than pretty faces), this movie cannot be saved simply by having their names on the marquee. The plot was dull, the script was laughingly bad.... the whole thing simply plods along leaving the audience not caring what happens to the characters on the screen. The most comical thing about it is the fact that with such "A-list" talent on the screen, this bomb cost a fortune to make. Didn't anyone bother to read the script before they started filming? Watching this film was a couple hours of my life that I won't get back. I don't care who's starring in it - this movie is just plain bad.

2013-05-05 04:25:06

The Mexican, or how to make a great screwball comedy

The age of the screwball comedy is returning! Brad Pit and Julia Roberts create supurb performances along with a great cast that tell the story of a cursed gun, called the Mexican. Brad's character, a low level mob type in therapy and his ditsy, demanding, girlfriend played by Julia Roberts take you on a wild ride that will leave you laughing till it hurts. A great story does'nt hurt either! A gotta have flick! Buy it, you won't be sorry. Really!

DJAkin 2013-04-12 16:12:29

This movie was so so

I like Brad Pitt and I love James Gandolfini. This was ok. I could havedone without Julia Roberts. James plays a gay man which was odd. It was adecent movie overall though. There were a few funny scenes with Brad Pitttrying to communicate with the local mexicans. There are also some violentscenes. The directors commentary was ok. However, I was not too crazyabout THE MEXICAN. There was something missing. I would suggest rentingthis if you want a few laughs. However, it's rather dull. I can't even goon with this review.

2013-04-12 03:42:52

a really grate movie

I admit some sences of the movie were slow, but the amazing acting and brilliant story made up for that. This is such a grate movie, I say this is a must see movie. It is brilliant.

Rainsford55 2013-04-10 21:44:46

How to bore me in one two hour film

This was just awful. Boring, badly acted and terrible story. Suprised thatPitt, Roberts and not to mention the brilliant Gene Hackman got involved inthis dribble. Avoid at all costs. A waste of an afternoon and certainly awaste of my money. Badly filmed too. Came across like an amateur's firsthome movie. Bad move by Julia Roberts...don't do it againJulia.

AlgisKuliukas 2013-04-10 08:15:45

Delightful storyline, wonderful acting, beautifully made.

I don't know why this film has scored so badly here. It makes me wonder.Well my wife and I watched it with my son (14) and eldest daughter (11) andwe all thought it was great.In fact I'd go as far as to say it was one of the best ever. I love filmslike this, that take you off on wierd and implausible adventures intoforeign lands. Pure escapism. I thought Brad Pitt and Julia Roverts - two actors who I don't normally warmto - were brilliant. One of the best portrayals of an argumentative couplein love I've seen. The guy who played the gay assisin was great too. Thisfilm contains a great deal of wonderful dialog and magicalscenery.'Nuff said. I gave it 9 out of 10.

2013-03-31 02:14:12

charming but ultimately disappointing

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!Brad Pitt is utterly irresistable as the hapless Jerry. I am continually amazed that someone as good looking as Brad can convincingly play such backward people (Think 12 Monkeys, Snatch, Fight Club, etc).Julia is Julia. She's fluffy, adorable, and like Brad, a beautiful person playing a kind of dork--she's not as convincing as Brad, but still good.James Gandolfini steals the show. He's wonderful, lovable, and the chemistry between him and Julia is great. HOWEVER, just when you're completely in love with him, and you're thinking he's the greatest thing in the movie, Brad's character, Jerry, shoots him dead.What were the producers thinking? To kill off the character that everyone loves the most? Didn't they have a test audience? Couldn't they have given him a bulletproof vest and shown him walking away at the end? Wasn't it enough that they killed off his boyfriend? Did they have to kill him too?I probably would have given the movie 4 stars if they hadn't killed him off. If you don't mind movies where the main character is unexpectedly offed, then you'll love this film. Not for me.

Gina 2013-03-30 17:09:44

I rated this movie a 2

Unfortunately, this was a movie that seemed would never end. I almostfelttortured watching it. The most redeeming quality this movie has is thephotography so I raised my vote from 1 to 2. I usually am not harsh onmovies but honestly I felt embarassed for Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt tohave had to be in this movie.

helengorham 2013-03-20 00:52:22

Brad Pitt CAN do comedy

Funny, I laughed a lot. Mostly because of its reality. Brad Pitt andJuliaRoberts were so funny, no glamour just real people. I just enjoyed it.Noit is not rocket science as far as films go but it was just entertaining.The chemistry is there and I could not help but really like Jerry. He wasplain cute.

The_Huey 2013-03-19 11:18:28

A Matter of Personal Taste

I enjoyed this movie. I thought it was a great change of pace for BradandJulia. On the other hand, about half way through my partner found Juliaannoying and told me he'd meet me at home. So if you like Brad and Julia,and enjoy romantic comedies with a dark side, you should enjoy TheMexican.

2013-03-08 02:57:21

a great movie

Most people were disappointed in The Mexican. They expected greatness and felt that the movie fell short. I expected something mediocre (because of reviews) and found something suspenseful, funny, romantic and action packed. James Gandolfini as the gay hit man discovering his sensitive side was tremendous. He is much more comically effective than Robert DeNiro discovering his sensitive side in Analyze This. Some of the movie's characters twist and turn in who are the antagonists and the protagonists. Brad Pitt stars as a two-bit organized crime gopher that keeps screwing up. Great scene: Pitt on the side of a deserted highway, jumping and saying, "This time I win. This time I win. This time I win..." Only drawback is a lifeless Gene Hackman playing his movie self.

krista-15 2013-03-07 13:22:52

I liked it, but thats just me

I can see how some people wouldn't like the movie. It didn't have alot tosay about the world. It didn't inspire you to go out and do great things.It wasn't even extremely funny. but I still liked it. I have becomeaccustomed to Hollywood, and their mindless stupid little movies. At leastthis one had better cinematography. Perhaps it was a bit overcast, andalthough it might seem like the typical teenager flick actor would fit thepart better, that would have turned the movie into just another moneymakingteeny bopper disaster. But as it is the two biggest stars in HOllywoodmadethis movie, and that alone made it a pretty interesting movie. I'm one ofthose people who like Julia Roberts. I have heard many complaints aboutheras an actress, but she still tops my list of favorites. SO maybe I'm a bitbiased towards the film, but i still thoroughly enjoyed it.

Soledad-2 2013-02-19 09:48:31

A total failure

It's just my opinion and, of course, I might be wrong but I sincerelybelieve The Mexican is poorly done, boring, and a total waste oftime.I was expecting a good movie and instead watched a mediocre film. I don'tunderstand how good actors like Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt don't demandbetter scripts. Apparently they only care about the money they will receive.This film is worthless.

2013-02-19 04:46:17

A funny film

This review is from: The Mexican (DVD) This story went from one extreme to another and I found something to laugh about in every direction. I imagine Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts were out of energy after all the exercise! I do recommend it for adults, but not children.

2013-02-06 08:04:03

Just OK

I didn't really know what to expect, only that I had heard mixed things when it was out in the theaters. And after watching it I'd have to say I had mixed feelings about it. First off, I have to compliment the screenplay, for no other reason than it was penned by a third cousin Joel Weiner who is credited as 'J.H. Wyman'. I really did like the concept of parallel storytelling with the recounting of an old Mexican legend and the modern story, but it ultimately wasn't enough to hold it all together. Brad Pitt just doesn't do well with the main character who, like Griffin Dunne in After Hours, has a little black cloud over everything he does. This makes me wonder why the heck After Hours isn't on DVD?!?! Julia Roberts was ... OK ... but the role wasn't anything we haven't seen before. James Gandolfini was the real stand out in a wonderfully complex role. He plays it so well that you wish he could have been in more of the movie. Gene Hackman also pops up at the end for what must have been one day of shooting. Can't wait to see him in the upcoming David Mamet film Heist. [Geoffrey Kleinman DVDTalk.com]

2013-02-06 01:52:54

This is one cool movie.

Two hours and fifteen minutes of racy (for the first half) comedy/drama. Towards the end the movies starts to drag a bit. Trying my best not to overstep the boundaries of giving away some of the best surprises, let me tell you just this that you wont really regret sitting through despite of it being so lengthy. This movie has its funny moments between the characters of Julia Roberts playing Sam and Brad Pitt playing Jerry Welbach, a couple although madly in love but still having trouble. Punch Line of their relationship is when Sam asks Jerry, "When two people love each other and cant seem to get along when is it time to say enough?" Jerry's answer is the defining moment of their relationship. Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts do not share the frame much in this movie as they are separated earlier in the film when Jerry is sent for a job to Mexico and many ill-fated events follow. Meanwhile Sam takes of to Las Vegas to pursue her dream and midway is kidnapped by a hit man sent by Jerry's boss due to his inability to deliver, played by James Gandolfini. On this frame develops a very interesting relationship between the hostage and her captor. It's a wonderful movie with romance, comedy, drama, thrill all packed up in one.

2013-01-24 02:33:07

I'd rather go to the dentist...

This could possibly be one of the worst movies in recent years. The Mexican is a perfect example that 2 good lead actors don't always work well together. I like Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts isn't too bad either, but together, they just don't work. Not one element in this movie works. The chemistry between the Pitt and Roberts is non-existent. My girlfriend fell asleep half way through this movie. Normally, that isn't a big deal. Except we were watching it in the middle of the afternoon! ...

Opus-16 2013-01-23 16:42:21

forrest gumps its way along

An uneven mess that's hard to care about. Cheesy psycho-babble, tokencharacters and situations, and a poorly handled mix of comedy and badsituations. NOT what was expected by the marketing. There were some cutescenes, but not enough to save the movie. Julia Roberts tries to be winning,but ends up being annoying. Pitt's character is just plain annoyingthroughout. I had to laugh how guns are so casually waved around in Mexico,where they are illegal. Want to smuggle a loaded handgun on aninternational flight? Just wrap it in tin foil and put it in a lunch box orwrap it in a shirt. Yeah. No problem. Just an example of the leaps of faiththis movie takes to move its plot along. Anyone ever notice how much Pitt'sand Robert's nostrils look alike? I found myself noticing these things atabout the 90 minute mark. Not a terrible movie, but it has many problems. Find something else to spend your date money on.