A Night in Old Mexico

A Night in Old Mexico is a sweet little tale about a down-and-out and bitter old-timer who goes on a trip to Mexico and finds new purpose in life after getting his hands on a young exotic dancer and some dirty drug money. If that sounds a little naïve and trite, it's because it is. But Robert Duvall has always had a strange ability to add validity to almost anything, no matter how mediocre the circumstances, and so he does here as well. The supposed weighty material in the movie, such as the relationship between Duvall and his grandson (played by Jeremy Irvine), or such as the existential themes in the script, always stay just a little short of poignant, but at least the filmmakers want to make them felt, even if they're not quite able to convey it. And when the drama isn't quite working, there's just enough humour in here to cover it up.

"I have never in my whole life seen someone like you." Red Bovie (Duvall) is a proud rancher who has just lost his farm, land, house and everything he owns. He has also just met Gally (Irvine) who claims to be his grandson. After being shown the trailer which will be his new home Red drives off with Gally and they head for Mexico. Along the way they pick up two hitchhikers which change the course of not only the night but their lives. The first thing I have to say about this movie is that Robert Duvall was the perfect choice. This is his Gran Torino in the way that this seemed like a movie where they turned on a camera and just filmed him being himself for a few days. He is the only real name in this but that does not diminish the movie at all. It started off a little slow but by the end I ended up liking it and was glad I stuck it out. There is drama, action and some comedy in this but the real reason to watch is Duvall. You really can't take your eyes off of him and his casting alone makes the movie better. Overall, a good movie that I did like but Robert Duvall is the reason to watch. I give this a B.

A Night in Old Mexico was well-received in its North American Premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. Some of our great actors age poorly and take easy money making roles (such as Robert DeNiro in Last Vegas and the Meet the Parents series), but Robert Duvall is still doing some serious acting. In A Night in Old Mexico, he plays a character that is likely not that different from himself. He plays a crazy old Texan united with his wayward grandson and looking to have a last thrill ride in south of the border. In some ways, the role is reminiscent of Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman. The thrill ride takes a few unbelievable twists and turns, but it is still enjoyable to see how much spunk the old fellow still has. I'm not sure this will get much of a wide release, but if you have a chance check it out. Duvall remains a worthwhile entertaining old curmudgeon in old Mexico.

I loved this movie. I get it. there are blockbusters, huge movies with great scripts...and there are small movies, with low budget and with lots of constraints. There is great connections between Angie, Duvall and the young kid. I agree with Patty Wafers when she said that in Mexico they are not afraid of living with old people. they love their seniors, unlike other cultures where seniors are nothing but dirt and they only belong in a retirement home. Duvall says " I am not done. I have places to go, things to do". why not? we are all going there sooner or later. this is a cute little movie. it has a lot of heart, great actors, excellente directing taking in consideration the challenges and the low budget. Excellent little movie. a little adventure is always good. dreaming about doing things you normally don't do can bring a sense of freshness and life into your heart. Duvall said he was afraid of dying with someone spoon feeding him...better die living, huh?

Let me start off by saying I love Robert Duvall, but this is not one of his better efforts (no fault of his, lousy writing and lousy co-stars). It's his typical "tough old guy" routine on steroids.

The movie starts slow and gets slower. From there it becomes boring and increasingly predictable.

I found myself fast forwarding to get to a point where there was something going on.....and then suddenly I was at the end, thank God.

Skip this one, and keep your love and appreciation of Mr Duvall intact!