An explosive and fast-moving ride, with plenty of plot twists to go around! Guns, explosions, action, barely unreal stunts, conspiracy, good, evil, and both combined. What more could you ask for, other than a larger part by Selma Heyek? Which reminds me, don't forget the powerful cast of indie and outskirt loyalists such as Antonio Banderas (El Mariachi), Johnny Depp (Sands), and Selma Heyek (Carolina). But I was surprised to see so many more playing almost equally significant roles, such as Willem Dufoe (Barillo), Cheech (Belini), Danny Trejo (Cucuy), Mickey Rourke (which to this day simply hearing the name makes me laugh, I don't know why)(Billy), and Julio Oscar Mechoso (advisor).

Now, to begin with, for all those who are thinking, "But I never saw 'Desperado' or 'El Meriachi'!" Yes, I realize we are a sad bunch for being in the position to say that, but I am one of you. This review will be entirely on the movie in itself, and the movie succeeds as such very well, no studying required. It's fun, action-packed, and spectacularly produced, with a spiraling story of plots and subplots that is independent and easily followed. Further, the film presents, up front, any character history we may have missed in previous films.

The visual style was beautiful but subtle, not the obnoxious extravagance common in south of the border action films. Costume and sets were simple, bold and dusty, but with enough style and exageration to make it interesting. The cinematography powered the film with additional energy and style without creating a 'Chicago' effect of choppy chaos, and knew how to crop and position. Your eye could rest long enough to register what was seen and take it in, but not so long you get bored.

The performances were great. Everyone did an incredible job throughout the film. Johnny Depp, playing Sands the American CIA agent, probably held the most interest in the film with a character that was a synthesis of good and bad in such a bad way, and played it so well. Maybe even more interesting was the character's sythesis of pride and vulnerability. He was a captivating character for me.