Desperado (1995) Critic Reviews

The commercial transition has been remarkably successful. This is primarily thanks to Rodriguez, who not only retains the original movie's kinetic flair, but takes it further.Read the full review

The stunts dazzle until you miss the low-key charm and cost-conscious inventiveness of the original. Desperado is best when Rodriguez lets his playful side cut through the blare of a born filmmaker indulging his first chance at high-end Hollywood fireworks.Read the full review

The camera loves Banderas -- a velvet stud -- as much as it did the young Clint Eastwood.Read the full review

Nothing but set pieces, snoozes between its scenes of carnage.Read the full review

I was pleased again and again by set-ups, camera angles, lighting effects, editing rhythms and the fanciful staging of action scenes. But I never for a moment cared about the characters, and the plot was all too conveniently structured - just a guideline to the action.Read the full review

Search for some independent inspiration, and you'll be looking for a long time.Read the full review

The real problem with Desperado, however, is that this sequel is without purpose and may be the most unnecessary follow-up since the second "Crocodile Dundee."Read the full review

Desperado also has some entertaining twists, some sexy goings-on, but on the whole, watching the film is about as much fun as sitting on a cactus.Read the full review

Could scarcely be more dazzling on a purely visual level, but it's mortally anemic in the story, character and thematic departments.Read the full review