Despite literally having about a thousand times more money behind it than Rodriguez's debut feature 'El Mariachi (1992)', 'Desperado (1995)' is still considered a low-budget affair - especially for an all-out action movie. It's a sequel to the aforementioned micro-budget film, with Banderas taking on the title role (and the original Mariachi actor moving to an extended cameo). Although it can be enjoyed without having seen its predecessor, it wholly works as a follow-on and represents a major improvement by a filmmaker who always stretches the cash as far as it can possibly go. Basically, the picture does everything its predecessor did not only bigger, but better. It's an energetic, stylish and slightly self-aware shoot-'em-up that constantly pushes itself to provide the most enjoyable and unique action sequences it possibly can. Of course, the plot isn't exactly deep and there isn't really a proper thematic through-line. Yet, there doesn't really need to be. The flick achieves exactly what it sets out to. It's actually really enjoyable right the way though. Sadly, its ending is sort of rushed, primarily because the final shootout is missing due to pressure from the MPAA. Personally I don't see how one final set-piece - in essence, more of the same - could have pushed things too far. Still, the finale doesn't ruin the overall experience. It's an entertaining time that isn't meant to be taken wholly seriously. 7/10
Review of Desperado
