El Gringo

It's hard to believe that major Hollywood producer Joel Silver got involved with this movie, since it was destined to go straight to DVD. Actually, I didn't think that this movie was terrible. Certainly, I can see why some people might not like it. The direction and the editing is often very flamboyant, when a less-is-more attitude in these departments would probably have worked better. Also, the movie is VERY bloody and violent, which will probably repulse some prudish viewers. But I have to admit that I wasn't bored while watching the movie. There are a few action sequences that really deliver the goods, for one thing. And the crazy direction and editing, though sometimes annoying and pretentious, did make me curious as to what strangeness would come next. I would say that if you have a taste for direct to DVD movies, and are in the mood for something in a much different style than usual, then you'll probably find this movie an acceptable time waster.

First of all, I haven't seen Get The Gringo, so I won't compare the two. Now, El Gringo has a small plot; Man has a bag, hides in Mexico, and once people find out there's a large amount of money in the bag, they hunt him down. There's a couple of twists and turns, which are poorly executed. The acting isn't Oscar worthy, the dialogue is pure cheese, the humor feels out of place, the editing is effed up choppy, but the action sequences are awesome and was enough to hold my interest. I'd say it's the type of movie I'd have playing in the background while I'm doing other things. Just because I'm giving it a low rating doesn't mean it's bad.

4/10

"One man can't make a difference, trust me." After a man (Adkins) grabs a bag full of 2 million dollars and runs to Mexico he thinks he is safe. He stops in the town of El Fronteras where he plans to hide out until he can safely return. After word of his bag gets around he must now do all he can to survive. You may be wondering why this sounds familiar. It's because a movie called "Get The Gringo" is the same thing. I have always wondered why two movies about the same thing usually come out at the same time. At least movies like "Armageddon" and "Deep Impact" or "Mirror Mirror" and "Snow White and the Huntsman" tried to have different titles. This one is almost the same title even. This had more of a feel of early good Robert Rodriguez movies like "Desperado" in the beginning and slowly started to turn into a bad Rodriguez movie like "Once Upon A Time In Mexico". There really is nothing else to say other then this is a decent movie that I enjoyed, but I liked it better when it was called "Get The Gringo". Overall, not bad but too soon for a remake. I give it a B.

This action movie is centred on an unnamed American policeman who, following an operation that goes badly wrong, crosses the border into Mexico with a large bag full of money. He makes his way to the town of El Fronteras where he gets a very frosty reception. He can't even buy a glass of water. The town is run by a corrupt sheriff and a criminal gang; they don't want strangers in their town and the rest of the population are too scared to confront them. Our protagonist's only ally is the woman who runs the bar and even she will be pleased when he leaves. Things get worse when people learn what is in his bag.

This film was never going to be in contention to win any awards but if you are looking for action you can do a lot worse. The rudimentary plot might not be the most original but it provides a good excuse for plenty of stylishly shot action. Scott Adkins does a solid job as our protagonist and other notable performances come from Yvette Yates, as the bar owner; Sofía Sisniega, as a would-be gang member and Christian Slater as Adkin's boss. For the most part the film is near non-stop action or moments where action could erupt at any moment. There is also a degree of humour at times and an unnecessary, but fairly tame, sex scene. Overall I wouldn't say this is a must see film but it is worth watching if you are a fan of action; it was certainly better than I expected.

I won't write a long review, going into detail, because this film isnt put there to judge in that way. It's cheap, corny, greatness!! Adkins acting in this is one of his best performances and some of the action is bang on!! It isn't your usual Scott Adkins taekwondo fest but to be honest it's all the better for it. Turn on, tune in cop out.