Bandidas
After a very brief theatrical run last fall Salma Hayek / Penelope Cruz Bandidas car arrived on DVD. No doubt that most of those who watch this film will be those who want to see the two beauties use the same screen, but the film has much to offer just about everyone. Although the story is simple and not all that new, Joachim Roenning / Espen Sandberg-helmed Bandidas is entertaining as hell, and sometimes that all that matters.
History is set in the late 19 th century in Mexico, and Hayek and Cruz play women who seemingly polar opposites of each other. Hayek is Sarah Sandoval, a rich Mexican, who has just arrived home after having educated in Europe; Cruz Maria Alvarez is in a poor young woman who was able to earn her appearance and innocence, and not so much on her smarts. Towards the two women cross when Tyler Jackson (Dwight Yoakam), a sleazy robber baron commits theft, murder Hayek father and stealing money from the land and the Mexicans. As a result, Sara and Maria everyone decides to become a bank robbers. But while Sarah wants money so that she could return to Europe, she wants the money so that she could return it to the victims of Jackson’s crimes. Two women originally facing off against each other, but soon they will ultimately as partners in crime, enlisting the assistance of retired bank robber (Sam Shepard), to show them the rope. For persons “Looney Tunes-esque crime spree, Jackson hires New York criminologist Quentin Cook (Steve Zahn) bandidas track, but when the women seduce him with a folding-type clothing and kisses, he joins them in their quest for justice for Mexican people.
Yes, it is flimsy excuse for a plot, and the whole movie feels like to live cartoon effect, but so, what? It’s fun to watch, and the actors, as if they were having fun, which is more than you can say a lot of films. Although he had just a movie for about 10 minutes, always reliable Shepard gives the impression of Bill Back, ex-thief who takes bandidas under his wing, and relates well to them simply as people, not sex objects. It is worth noting that neither Sarah nor Maria hooks up with a man during the movie (except for some playful kissing with the participation of Quentin). These women are tough cookies, which are more interested in achieving their goals, they are not damsels in distress, but to rely on their own wits to get them from the unstable situation. I Hayek and Cruz portray their characters very well and beautifully played each other.
20th Century Fox Bandidas DVD is gorgeously communicated, which means the film beautiful landscapes (shot entirely on location in Mexico) are superbly presented. A brief behind-the-scenes featurette is included as well as a comment from Hayek and Cruz. Stars’ commentary is a nice accompaniment of the film, and the two joke a lot with each other, supporting their on-screen unit.
While Bandidas sometimes silly, and certainly this is not the most thought-provoking film that is certainly entertaining. And, of course, it is always great to see a movie in which women are strong and self-possessed.
Click here to download Bandidas movie…
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.