The Mexican
The Mexican

The Mexican

2001Movie123 minEnglish

Jerry Welbach, a reluctant bagman, has been given two ultimatums: The first is from his mob boss to travel to Mexico and retrieve a priceless antique pistol, known as "the Mexican"... or suffer the consequences. The second is from his girlfriend Samantha to end his association with the mob. Jerry figures alive and in trouble with Samantha is better than the more permanent alternative, so he heads south of the border.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic44/100
Google Users72%
Director: Gore VerbinskiGenres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Romance, Thriller

Plot Summary

Jerry Welbach is a bumbling Los Angeles cook who owes money to the mob. To get out of trouble, he's tasked with traveling to Mexico to retrieve a priceless antique pistol known as the 'Mexican'. His girlfriend, Samantha, decides to join him, leading to a series of increasingly dangerous and absurd situations involving hired killers, corrupt police, and the pistol's own peculiar history.

Critical Reception

The Mexican received mixed reviews from critics, who often found the plot convoluted and the humor hit-or-miss. However, the chemistry between stars Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, along with James Gandolfini's performance, were frequently cited as highlights. Audiences generally had a more favorable view, appreciating the quirky action-comedy elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the star power and on-screen chemistry of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.
  • Criticized for a convoluted and often nonsensical plot.
  • James Gandolfini's supporting role as the mobster husband was a standout for many reviewers.

Google audience: Google users appreciated the film's comedic elements and the performances of the lead actors, finding it an entertaining, albeit flawed, action-comedy. Some viewers felt the plot was too convoluted, but most enjoyed the star power and the unique premise.

Fun Fact

The antique pistol at the center of the plot, the "Berdan" pistol, is a real, very rare firearm. In the film, it's depicted as a single-action revolver, though the actual Berdan pistols were double-action.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Aaron

Aaron

It’s been a while since I’ve seen this and maybe my tastes may have evolved but I recall liking it a lot and watching it a second time at one point. I was pleasantly surprised by James Gandolfini’s brave choice of his small role, after the ...
r96sk

r96sk

Silly entertainment! <em>'The Mexican'</em> works as a comedy and works as an adventure road trip flick, so it evidently achieved what it set out to do. This 2001 release features a strong cast, as we get Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts toge...