This movie is crap. I saw this with my wife at the drive-in, I forget what the second feature was, maybe Planet of the Apes. I remember how bad this film is. They try and throw some shock, good actors, and direction with this film. If there is no story you got crap. Roberts was just annoying doing her bit, Pitt had no material to work with, and James had a crappy villain role. Did I mention this movie was crap? Oh I did! Well if you like crap watch The Mexican, but if not flush this one down the toilet where it belongs. Flush, I give this film a 2 out of 10. You might need some draino, or liquid plumber to flush this film down the toilet.

THE MEXICAN / (2001) *** (out of four

The title of Gore Verbinski's new romantic comedy adventure refers to the name of an extraordinarily valuable but cursed pistol possessed by a young man living in urban Mexico. Brad Pitt stars as Jerry Welbach, an errand boy forced to work for a local mob boss (Bob Balanban) after accidentally causing a powerful kingpin named Margolis (Gene Hackman) to be sent to jail. His "last" job is to go to Mexico and retrieve "The Mexican" and its beholder. Jerry's spiteful girlfriend, Samantha (Julia Roberts),wants Jerry to keep his promise about traveling to Las Vegas with her, but she does not realize that he can either accomplish this task or be killed. Since Samantha is such an understanding lover, she packs her bags and heads to Vegas alone, dumping her "selfish" long time boyfriend. Unfortunately for her, she is in the middle of a complicated situation whether she likes it or not. While traveling to her destination, Samantha is almost killed by a hitman (Sherman Augustus),but saved by another cold-blooded killer named Leroy (James Gandolfini),who has been assigned to kidnap her just in case Jerry gets any deceptive ideas while on his journey.

Once in Mexico, Jerry locates the person and the pistol, but things go terribly wrong when the man is accidentally killed and several locals steal his transportation. Becoming suspicious, Jerry's accomplice, Ted (J.K. Simmons),is sent to find Jerry and declare the rising stakes at hand. Meanwhile, Samantha and Leroy become emotionally candid and share useful information of their past experiences involving love. While Leroy is a homosexual, he still lusts for romantic fulfillment, as the sentimental killer gives Samantha some advice of her own.

"The Mexican" is not really a romantic comedy like many audiences will expect; it is a somewhat coarse, violent adventure with undertones dealing with forgiveness and the strength of love. Actually, the relationship between the characters of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts is quite trite. Except for the third act, whenever on screen together, the two characters do nothing but bitterly argue and fight. The performances keep the romance alive; clearly Pitt and Roberts are the right choices for the parts. Brad Pitt progresses into a somewhat comedic role, and he often struggles with it. But I certainly thought his performance was funny. He gives his character the perfect amount of charm and sweetness. Julia Roberts is a little annoying but puts an effective edge in her character. We actually end up caring about both of their fates.

There are a lot of little things to like in "The Mexican" like the scenes in a Mexican bar, shuttered with a dark atmosphere and authentic cinematography by Dariusz Wolski; dim lights give the rooms a greenish tint, creating a realistic and believable mood for the scenes. The soundtrack furnishes the movie with a genuine zest. A lot of the dialogue is witty and smart, with scenes that are well-written, often funny, and keep our attention. The comedic elements keep the movie interesting and fresh. The film does an excellent job with informing us about the history of the pistol and the plot's complications are curiously intriguing. Leroy's homosexuality introduces relationship issues that give his character depth. Although often bloody and shockingly profane, "The Mexican" is not mean-spirited or nasty-but enlightening and whimsical.

The film is directed by Gore Verbinski, who also provided us with fast-paced entertainment in the 1997 family comedy "MouseHunt." "The Mexican" is much different from that film, but still has the energy and stride to keep us engrossed. Although not what many people will expect, I found "The Mexican" to be a surprising delight.

Luckless Brad Pitt can't seem to work off a debt that he owes crime boss Gene Hackman in an unbilled role. Four years earlier he got into a fender bender with Hackman right at the moment that Hackman was carrying someone in the trunk of his car. Only because it was a live someone, Hackman got off with a few years in the joint, but he makes sure Pitt pays and pays for that fender bender.

His last assignment seems simple enough go to Mexico and find a bring back an antique pistol, a real piece of craftsmanship that several legends have been told about. But even that last assignment is the last straw for his girlfriend Julia Roberts. She gives him the old heave ho as he leaves for Mexico.

But just to make sure Pitt follows through, Roberts is kidnapped and held hostage by James Gandolfini, a gay hit man with whom she bonds rather strangely with.

Of course you don't expect things to go smoothly for Pitt. The Mexican is one of those murphy's law films, if anything can go wrong it does go wrong.

The Mexican is a film that was made more than likely for no other reason than let's team Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts and get some real box office out of it. They seem to work well together, but this very quirky film just doesn't quite jell. Possibly it should have been played more as an out and out comedy than it was. James Gandolfini comes out best in this film.

Still fans of Pitt, Roberts, and the Sopranos might like it. Although if you go in expecting to see Tony Sooprano, fuggedaboutit.