Bandidas

This is a typical "just fun to watch" movie. Nothing for hardcore movie freaks, more but i find it rather well done. Not to much clichés, some gags are very good and some nice lines of text... The action is also in balance and sometimes rather funny. The 2 Bandidas are of course quit sexy and nice looking, but especially Penélope Cruz (Maria) performs well and has that very groovy "archtype" Spanish look that makes you wonder where to hide if she ever get's mad at you. The story and characters are not so well developed, but that's hardly a problem for this type of movie. So if you are looking for a fun movie to relax with and have a good time with your girl/boy/pet and you like some humor and action, check it out. But don't expect a "cinematic masterpiece".

Set in Mexico in the 1800s, a violently strong banking corporation is moving in on Mexican lands, trying to muscle out the Mexicans off their own land. A spoiled brat lady and a farmer's daughter find themselves victims of such oppression, and together have bonded to unite in a cause against the banking corporation. Eventually, the two became bank robbers, bandidas who rob the oppressors to avenge and restore the rightful property of their people.

This movie is based upon the idea of its producer, the highly respected film director-producer Luc Besson, who was responsible for films like Leon: The Professional and The Fifth Element. Bandidas is directed by Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg.

Being a big fan of Sergio Leone's classic Spaghetti westerns (like the Clint Eastwood classics "A Fistful of Dollars, The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly, and the Charles Bronson revenge epic "Once Upon A Time in the West"), I appreciated the manner in which the director employed subtle Sergio Leone shots and sequences, not to mention a little of Ennio Morricone's music to spice up the little moments of Sergio Leone homage. But, of course, the film has the fast pace of a typical enjoyable action-adventure. There is one action sequence wherein the technique of bullet-time (as pioneered by the Matrix movies) was smartly used in a well done, impressive sequence.

In terms of brands and generalizations, the closest in comparison to this movie, being a popcorn action chick flick, is Charlie's Angels. But while the Charlie's Angels and its sequel may have been crammed with absolute unoriginality and badly-recycled tricks, Bandidas, on the other hand, is quite healthy with its own potentials. First of all, these 2 main characters are very attractive, not only in terms of beauty and sufficient cleavage exposure, but also in terms of their on screen chemistry, their chuckle-worthy bickerings and arguments, not to mention their vibrant aura on screen.

Penelope Cruz, for instance, who plays a somewhat simpleminded farmgirl acts convincingly dumbed down, to have the appeal which reminds you of Joey and Phoebe from the Friends TV series. Salma Hayek as the sophisticated and educated brat shows a radiant and spunky side of her on this role. i cant believe how delightfully ageless Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz are on this movie. While their nagging arguments may sounds a bit annoying in the trailers, I eventually grew to realize that when you watched the movie in its entirety, their noisy arguments are indeed hilarious and oftentimes cute. Although it's such a forgettable role, country singer Dwight Yoakam pulled off a satisfactory performance as the main villain of this movie. Sam Sheppard also appears as the Bandidas' mentor. And the film also stars Steve Zahn, who plays a quirky young scientist who obviously is trying to pioneer the science of crime forensics.

There is a thought-provoking pro-Mexican, Anti-American colonialism plot in this movie, which I suspect may be the reason why this film isn't out on US theaters yet; it isn't even listed to be set for release in US theaters anytime soon. Which is a shame, since this film really deserves a spotlight attention. Sure, it's a mere popcorn flick, but it's good as one.

Do not be fooled by the film's lack of, or unappealing sense of marketing; this film really is big and deserves a summer blockbuster treatment. It's unexpectedly good! It's irresistibly charming! BANDIDAS is the summer big action-adventure that not many have known of yet.

I have seen this movie today and i must say it cheered my day.It was funny(many laugh out loud moments), the action was very very good for its genre (Western), a good plot to go by and it accomplishes to give you that old Western feeling.Penelope and Salma were magnificent and a perfect on-screen couple.For what it is (Action Western),it deserves an applause...I don't know why some people didn't like it, Considering it is PG-13, Genre Action Western Comedy (and not a drama or social movie that goes for an Oscar) it's top in its genre.It's got what it promises and even more.It is a very fun movie and unlike what another poster said , it does deserve the money to buy a ticket and go see it.

Bandidas is a conventional, predictable cinematic product and yet, it manages to be a laughing out loud experience and a great time at the movie theater.

The story of the two opposite mexicanas played by Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz kicks off when both meet personal tragedy and seek for revenge (first, for themselves and them for the whole people of Mexico).

Hayek and Cruz are great to watch as the film highlights their comedian and physical talents quite well.

Technical work on the film is also top notch and Steve Zahn/Sam Shepard's supporting roles bring both masculinity and humor to this laugh-fest.

Overall, this movie will not win any Oscars but it will definitely win the heart of the audiences.

Amusing and silly continental Western produced by Luc Besson and filmed in Mexico , with two top-flight actresses .Funny and enjoyable film with noisy action , struggles, shootouts , amusement and entertainment . It's a slapstick comedy where two gorgeous women fight for a vendetta. Goofy and entertaining tongue-in-cheek European Western about two female outlaws go in action to execute a relentless vengeance . Set in 1848 , New York bank wants to put a railroad across Mexico, so it buys up small banks around Santa Rita, Durango, and evicts country people on the proposed rail line carried out a nasty enforcer against those who owe money . Then two very different sexpot women , the European-educated , daughter of a banker , named Sara (Salma Hayek showing cleavage) and the farmer Maria (Penelopé Cruz) become a bank-robbing duo in an effort to combat a ruthless killer executioner caller Tyler Jackson (Dwight Yoakam) who runs afoul after them , while terrorizing poor villagers and then the two rebel girls are wanted...alive or dead . As Sara and Maria robbing banks and then riding off with the loot, being accompanied by a bumbling fool (Steve Zahn) and become the new Robin Hoods in the West .No man can come between them! Wanted...alive or dead .Being Bad never looked so Good! .Definitely wanted.

An European Western Featuring Two Beautiful Actresses as bank robbers , they're both international sex symbols and buxom beauties .The picture displays crazy characters with silly plot and some amusing moments here and there . It is a muddle but acceptable French/Mexican co-production Western with an appropriately goofy tone , it has has action, fun , brawls , light-weight comedy , crossfire and surprise-filled entertainment . Interesting to note is that plays like a male sex fantasy of female supremacy . The all the men in the movie are idiot , perennially horny and incompetent buffoons . The women are sassy , bossing the men around and outsmarting them at every turn , while they carry out philantropic action to feed the now landless people . Both of whom form a sympathetic and agreeable couple , María, the strong but innocent and uneducated daughter of a farmer , while vixen Salma Hayek as a brave and impulsive girl who'll stop at nothing to get her purports . Both Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz have the goofy men wrapped around their finger . You can guess the conclusion from sheer arithmetics alone and the movie is pretty good from a technical standpoint, but eurowestern fans will have a ball seeing two of the most beautiful women ever to grace the silver screen. The picture packs an attractive female duo , funny gun-play along with fist-fight very much in the style of two Continental Westerns : ¨Legend of Frenchie King¨or ¨Les Petroleuses¨ by Christian Jaque played by B. B and C. C : Brigitte Bardot , Claudia Cardinale and ¨Viva Maria¨ by Louis Malle with Jeanne Moreau and Bardot . On the flip side, however, as a Western this film didn't quite have the same quality as many others in the genre and a major reason could be the fact that it was intended more for European audiences and specifically , the French public . In any case , while it wasn't a bad movie for the most part , I thought it should have been much better and that's why I have rated it accordingly . It does eventually outstay its welcome , and there are a surprising amount of ridiculous confrontation , shoot'em up, fights and laughters . It certainly has an enthusiastic cast , as Steve Zahn who steals the show with his gestures , faces and excesses as a bungler , stupid investigator and there appears ordinary secondary actors , such as : Dwight Yoakam as the murdeous pursuer , Denis Arndt as a wealthy banker , Sam Shepard as their experienced instructor and Mexican actors as 'East' Carlo , Carlos Cervantes , among others .

The motion picture was well directed by Joachin Rønning and Espen Sandberg , both of whom are friends from childhood , and they began directing professionally shorts . Known for making films about famous Norwegian historical figures, like Thor Heyerdahl and Max Manus. And other films together or separated , such as : Maleficent , Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales , Doomsday , Amundsen , Marco Polo series , among others . Rating : 6/10. Decent , acceptable Western especially appointed to Penelopé Cruz and Salma Hayek fans .