September 21, 2003

Once Upon a Time in Mexico

ouatimThere are too many characters, and it's impossible to tell who's zooming who. This renders the plot incomprehensible. Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas are barely in it. Johnny Depp steals the whole movie. Robert Rodriguez was the cinematographer, editor, composer, writer, producer, and director. Perhaps his movies would benefit from some teamwork? Perhaps his ideas are asphyxiating in this vacuum?

Trailer Notes: I saw the trailer for In The Cut - apparently Meg Ryan has a dangerous sexual tryst with a cop played by Mark Ruffalo?! Who keeps casting this shambling, gnomish doofus opposite tall gazelle types? First Gwyneth Paltrow in View from the Top, and now Meg Ryan? Somebody pair him up with Janeane Garofalo, quick! (Digital Projection, Loews Boston Common)