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"The Mexican"
(Reviewed February 28, 2001)
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This movie is a split-brained missed opportunity. If the filmmakers had stuck to one plot thread--specifically, the one involving Brad Pitt as a luckless slacker dispatched to Mexico to pick up an antique firearm for an underworld boss--it could have been a contender. Pitt remains one of the most talented, likable and underrated actors in Hollywood. (His jaw-droppingly brilliant acting in "Fight Club" proved he definitely is more than just another pretty $20-million face.) He doesn't have a whole lot to do in this movie, but his scenes always are enjoyable.
On the other hand, the Julia Roberts plot thread is just about unwatchable. She plays Pitt's ditzy girlfriend, who gets kidnapped by mob hitman James Gandolfini (TV's Tony Soprano) as "insurance" to make sure that Pitt will return with the gun. (Roberts and Pitt share very little screen time; their storylines run separately, with Roberts in Las Vegas and Pitt in Mexico for most of the film.) Roberts seems to be channeling wacked-out, annoying Dharma, as if the world needs another one. We even are treated to the unfortunate sight of yet another goddamned "let's all dance around and sing along to a golden oldie" scene. (In this case, "Safety Dance" by '80s one-hit wonders Men Without Hats, who probably are quite grateful for the royalties.)
Director Gore Verbinski's only other movie was the excellent "Mouse Hunt" a couple of years ago, which was as tight and polished as "The Mexican" is loose and flabby. Maybe he should stick to rodents.
Back Row Grade: C-
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