Movie Review: The Mexican

Story: This is a movie that screams boffo box office coming out of the gate. With mega-stars like Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt there was apparently no screams for quality in the production end of the movie. Billed as a romantic comedy, it is overly cute with surprising random violence and waaaaaaaaaaaaay too long. I started to look at my watch barely 45 minutes after the credits. It is a road movie that meanders through Mexico in search of The Mexican (a handmade pistol with a history). There is a kidnapping, double crosses galore, gratuitous violence and nagging (by the female of course).

Acting: James Gandolfini (my favorite Soprano) is terrific as the kidnapper. His scenes are the only interesting ones. Julia Roberts (and I don't want you to think I am picking on her......I actually kind of like her) basically breezes through these kinds of films without that zany quality that is required. I find her soul is missing from the heart and soul that is necessary to pull it off. Her shrewish nagging was annoying. Brad Pitt is likable and good to look at. He was showing off his perfect body (very enjoyable to watch) and winking at the camera in a I am just having fun mode but can really be a serious actor if given the right part kind of thing. Gene Hackman has an uncredited cameo at the end of the film that is very bizarre.

Critters: Lots of burros and a sight gag dog with a big part.

Food: Diner food and lots of cerveza.

Visual Art: Bad motel art.

Blatant Product Placement: I saw this last week and don't remember. There was mention of the El Camino model car and Chrysler.

Soundtrack: Funny

Opening Titles: Forgot.

Theater Audience: Three others who weren't laughing either.

Squirm Scale: 0 - Kidnapping would normally add a squirm factor. But the victim was Julia Roberts so I was not concerned.

Oscar Worthy: Ha!

Nit Picking: Rehashed Mexican jokes and language.

Big Screen or Rental: Neither.

Length: Too long at 123 minutes.

LOBO HOWLS: 3