The film features plenty of flashy action sequences, a substantial budget, a script stripped down to its bare essentials, and a large ensemble cast that ultimately has little to do. It wasn't until I watched it that I realized this was the third installment in a series beginning with “Mariachi.” However, having already seen “Desperado,” I had a better grasp of the plot: a gunman and his girlfriend are pursued by a drug lord who eventually has his men kill the woman. Overcome with grief, the Mariachi retreats into a life of bitterness. Later, he’s contacted by a CIA agent, who offers him a chance for revenge while also thwarting a military coup aimed at assassinating the Mexican president. Does that sound complicated? It is! The script lacks depth and refinement, relying heavily on what I previously described as “latinxploitation” – stereotypical portrayals of Latinos and Mexicans – when reviewing “Desperado.” And I still feel these movies don't help dispel the preconceived notions that exist in white, English-speaking America. If director Robert Rodríguez seemed enthusiastic about action scenes in “Desperado,” he went completely overboard here: there are enough bullets to supply another invasion of Iraq. While those outside Mexico may be aware of the country’s corruption and the challenges authorities face against powerful cartels with international connections, this film amplifies that by depicting Mexico as a lawless land where power is determined by weaponry and drug money. Consequently, the film received limited support from Mexican officials, resulting in the Mexican flag being replaced with something else in the presidential palace—a substitution I still don’t fully understand. Regarding the action itself, did anyone else notice a resemblance to Tarantino's style? Despite its rapid pace and constant forward momentum, the film suffers because of its thin script. Eventually, it becomes unclear who is trying to do what; everyone just shoots at each other. It’s hard to say why! Even with limited material and a poorly developed character, António Banderas remains worth watching, though Johnny Depp truly shines in this cast. Few actors can elevate an underdeveloped role, but he does, consistently commanding attention and overshadowing Banderas while reducing Salma Hayek to essentially an extra. Eva Mendes is attractive, but she’s given nothing substantial to work with, and Willem Dafoe's performance is underwhelming. The extensive cast includes many well-known actors and even a singer—Enrique Iglesias—suggesting more of a desire to be involved than the ability to contribute meaningfully to the final product.

Source on TMDB