🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Gore Verbinski
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2001
- Runtime (length): 2h 3min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (118K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 54%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A criminal goes to Mexico for a gun, his girlfriend gets kidnapped by a surprisingly insightful hitman, and they all learn about love and antique firearms, probably while arguing the whole time.
🍿 The Mexican: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Jerry’s Last Job
Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt) is stuck working for the mob to pay off a debt. His girlfriend, Samantha (Julia Roberts), is fed up with his criminal life and gives him an ultimatum: end his association with the mob or lose her. Jerry’s boss orders him to Mexico to retrieve a valuable antique pistol known as ‘The Mexican’.
Samantha’s Journey
Samantha leaves Jerry and heads to Las Vegas. En route, she’s kidnapped by Leroy (James Gandolfini), a hitman assigned to ensure Jerry’s compliance. An unlikely bond forms between Samantha and Leroy as they journey together.
Chaos in Mexico
Jerry encounters numerous obstacles in Mexico. He retrieves ‘The Mexican,’ but the seller is accidentally killed. His car is stolen, along with the gun, leading to a series of comedic mishaps as he tries to recover it.
Confrontations and Revelations
Jerry, Samantha, and Leroy eventually converge in Mexico. Tensions rise, and Jerry ends up killing Leroy in self-defense, as he realizes Leroy was sent to kill him all along. They later find themselves face-to-face with crime boss Arnold Margolese (Gene Hackman).
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt): A clumsy criminal tasked with retrieving a valuable antique gun from Mexico to settle a debt with the mob.
- Samantha Barzel (Julia Roberts): Jerry’s exasperated girlfriend who is kidnapped and forms an unlikely bond with her captor.
- Leroy (James Gandolfini): A sensitive, gay hitman who kidnaps Samantha but develops a connection with her.
- Arnold Margolese (Gene Hackman): The incarcerated mob boss who sends Jerry on the mission to retrieve the gun.
- Bernie Nayman (Bob Balaban): A double-crossing mob lieutenant working to sell the gun for profit.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Leroy: “When two people love each other – Really… Love each other – but they just can’t get it together, when do you get to that point where enough is enough?” – Leroy poses this question to Samantha, reflecting on the complexities of love and relationships.
- Samantha: “I need sunshine to grow; that’s who I am.” – Samantha uses this metaphor to explain her need for a supportive and nurturing relationship, implying Jerry does not provide it.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $57,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $66,845,033
- Worldwide Gross: $147,845,033
💥 The Mexican Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘The Mexican’ isn’t perfect, but I really enjoyed it! Brad Pitt is hilarious as the clumsy Jerry, and Julia Roberts is great as his exasperated girlfriend. James Gandolfini steals every scene he’s in; I was rooting for his character the whole time. The plot is a bit messy, but the unexpected twists and turns kept me entertained. I found myself laughing out loud. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something different from typical Hollywood fare.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts”
- “Viewers who enjoy dark comedies”
- “People interested in crime stories with a romantic twist”
- “Fans of James Gandolfini’s acting”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
- “Brief drug references”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While the cast is undeniably talented, ‘The Mexican’ suffers from a convoluted plot and inconsistent tone, making for a viewing experience that feels more chaotic than cohesive. The film tries to blend romance, comedy, and crime, but often misses the mark in delivering a truly satisfying blend.
- IMDB: “Despite a stellar cast, ‘The Mexican’ feels disjointed. The humor is uneven, and the plot meanders. James Gandolfini’s performance stands out, adding depth to an otherwise superficial narrative. While watchable, it ultimately fails to live up to its potential.
- AllMovie: “Director Gore Verbinski attempts to juggle dark comedy with heartfelt moments, but the tonal shifts can be jarring. The film succeeds in creating memorable characters, particularly Gandolfini’s, but the overall experience is somewhat uneven, making it a flawed but intriguing watch.
Audience Reactions
James Gandolfini’s performance was amazing and unexpectedly touching.: Viewers appreciated the surprising depth and emotional range Gandolfini brought to his role as Leroy.
The chemistry between Roberts and Gandolfini was a highlight.: Many viewers loved the unexpected friendship between Samantha and Leroy, finding it to be the most compelling part of the film.
Overall Consensus: ‘The Mexican’ is a mixed bag, offering moments of genuine humor and compelling performances, but ultimately suffers from a convoluted plot and inconsistent tone.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The casting choice of James Gandolfini as Leroy was Julia Roberts’ idea.”
- “The movie’s soundtrack features ‘El Cable’ by Mario Carniello, performed by Esquivel.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Mexican?
The Mexican is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options as well. Some streaming services may offer the film as part of a subscription.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Mexican, you might like these similar films:
- True Romance (1993): Both films blend romance, crime, and dark humor with quirky characters and unexpected twists.
- Get Shorty (1995): Features a mobster navigating unusual situations with humor and charm, similar to Jerry’s predicament.
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005): Another action-comedy with a focus on a dysfunctional couple dealing with dangerous situations and relationship issues.
🛒 The Mexican Related Products
- The Mexican (DVD): Own the complete movie in DVD format to relive the adventure and comedy anytime. Features bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews.
- Brad Pitt Movie Collection (DVD): This collection contains multiple movies starring Brad Pitt. Enjoy his greatest acting performances in movies like, Mr and Mrs Smith, Fight Club, and Inglorious Bastards.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Mexican features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Mexican is about Jerry, tasked to retrieve a valuable gun, and his girlfriend, Samantha, who gets entangled in the mess. It’s a blend of crime, romance, and comedy.
James Gandolfini plays Leroy, the gay hitman, in ‘The Mexican’. His performance is a standout, adding depth and humor to the character.
While it has comedic elements, ‘The Mexican’ is more of a dark comedy with romantic and crime elements. It doesn’t rely solely on humor but blends genres.
🔥 Bonus Content
Top 10 Mexican Standoffs in Movies
Curious about iconic movie standoffs? Check out this list of the top 10 Mexican standoffs, delving into the suspenseful moments that leave you on the edge of your seat.
Why The Mexican Mafia Hated American Me (Movie)
Did you know the Mexican Mafia had a strong opinion about the movie ‘American Me’? This video explores their reaction, delving into the reasons behind their disapproval.
What is a Mexican Standoff? The Ultimate Showdown
Ever wondered about the anatomy of a ‘Mexican Standoff’? This video breaks down the key elements and techniques used by renowned directors to create these thrilling and suspenseful scenes.
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