Once Upon a Time in Mexico ★★★ 2003 (R) The last in Rodriguez's "El Mariachi" trilogy. El Mariachi (Banderas) is enlisted by corrupt CIA agent Sands to take part in a coup against the President of Mexico. The coup is being planned by vicious cartel leader Barillo (Dafoe) and crooked Gen. Marquez, both of whom want to see El Mariachi dead (and the feeling is mutual). Confusing plot twists and twirls around flashbacks, doublecrosses, triplecrosses, and at least three different subplots to keep you guessing about what's going on and who's on whose side. The top-notch cast keeps it all together (especially Depp, who walks away with every scene he's in), under the playful guidance of Rodriguez, who doesn't disappoint with several spectacular action scenes. 101m/C VHS, DVD. US Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Danny Trejo, Enrique Inglesias, Marco Leonardi, Richard "Cheech" Marin, Ruben Blades, Pedro Armendariz Jr., Gerardo Vigil;
Director:
Robert Rodriguez;
Writer:
Robert Rodriguez;
Writer:
Robert Rodriguez;
Cameo:
Robert Rodriguez.
