Wolff rating: GOOD
Plot summary: Fairly cheesy take on mistaken identities with two kinds of mob, with a poor musician caught in the crossfire.
Biased, pithy comments: Excellently filmed, this movie has broad humor at the same time it is is trying to be serious. Could very well be guilty of stereotyping Mexican culture except that as a pulp story, it depends on its stereotypes to make its point---that's like complaining about ``L.A. Confidential'' because it stereotypes 30s Angelinos. I like to think of this film as sort of a Mexican ``Nuns on the Run'' only with more automatic weapons. Even then, Rodriguez could film a fight.
Other Notes: I've specifically left out the info that is usually the hook for people to watch this---it was made for around \$7,000 with Rodriguez using his friends as cast and crew. Although that's relevant (it explains moments where perhaps another take would have done), it's not the focus of the film. Spanish with subtitles. Followed, sort of, by ``Desperado.'' Amusing book by Rodriguez chronicles the filming and the fallout of ``Mariachi''---it's called ``Rebel Without a Crew.''
How many times I have seen it: x3
Starring: Carlos M. Gallardo, Consuelo Gomez, Peter Marquardt.
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez