Bandidas (2006)

Let's say straight away that this is not a great film, but then if you look at the DVD cover and the casting of Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek together, this should come as no great surprise. If you accept this from the off then the movie does offer some decent popcorn munching entertainmet. Set in the 1850s the two girls play Mexican companeros who join forces to redress the murderous activities of a ruthless American land baron. These latter day Robin Hood's steal from the banks in order to help the poor. Throw in a bit of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", and much film of the leading ladies decolletage and you have yourself a film. Miss Cruz wins the battle of the cleavage by a whisker! Given these facts it is no surprise the film has gained a cult following.

The screenplay is written by that talented devourer of comic books Luc Besson, who gives the film a distinct comic book flavour. It is a French, Mexican, American co-production filmed in that haven for westerns Durango, Mexico and in Mexico city itself. Salma Hayek is Mexican by birth so plays her role with ease. Penelope Cruz, who is a fine actress, just has some fun in a role that requires little effort on her part. The appearance of two of modern cinemas most beautiful women together is certainly a casting coup by any stretch of the imagination. Akin to getting Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren together a few years back. Dwight Yoakam is a memorable baddie, and Sam Shephard who's made a few westerns has a cameo appearance to try and give the film some street cred. Forget the plot, and just enjoy the action infused with some hit and miss humour. The girls have a memorable cat fight and there is plenty of gun blazing action. Like a home made chocolate brownie it is a guilty pleasure that I enjoyed more than I should have.

Two insanely beautiful Mexican women decide to exact revenge on some pistoleros, hired guns for a U.S. banking concern, who shot each of their respective dads. One is a spoiled rich girl, the other a poor girl, and these two unlikely allies unite forces. They meet some guy who trains them how to shoot, and the fearsome Bandidas are born, free to plunder the Mexican desert in sexy outfits and chase the bad guys. They set out to even the score by robbing banks.

Does the premise make sense? Of course not. It's just a convenient set up of odd circumstances so Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz can do a Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid send up, except with high heels and thick Spanish accents. They trade barbs pretty humorously, and make a good screen comedy team. The action is fun, and of course, way over the top. The expert of the new science of forensics (this is set about a century ago) is the luckiest guy in the old west; he gets to kiss both of them.

Campy slapstick fun. The whole cast has a good time, and makes the satirical and playful mood amusing. Good brainless popcorn entertainment.

Penelope Cruz "Abersalutly Gorgeous" Love Her. Best proper movie i've seen in a long time. Can easly be watched several times, and still be really engoyable. Bye it now:);)