Indebted to a major gangster after an unfortunate traffic accident, small-time hustler Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt) is tasked with transporting an antique pistol from Mexico to the US. This is no ordinary weapon, however, it reputedly carries a terrible curse that brings misfortune to whoever possesses it, as Jerry soon discovers when he attempts to take the gun north. As his feisty girlfriend Samantha (Julia Roberts) is kidnapped by a hitman named Leroy (James Gandolfini), who is out to get his hands on the gun, things go from bad to worse for Jerry as bad luck dogs his every move. With their relationship tumultuous at the best of times, Jerry must find a way to get Samantha back from Leroy without giving up the pistol, a task made even more perilous when duplicitous mobster Bernie (Bob Balaban) decides to bump him off and take the weapon for himself.
The kind of on-screen pairing that movie producers dream about, this mixture of black comedy and romance sees Hollywood heavyweights Pitt and Roberts tearing into each other with vigour as Jerry and Samantha go into relationship meltdown. Most notable for a great little performance from Sopranos star Gandolfini, playing against type (sort of) as the gay hitman who offers Samantha some much needed love life advice, the tone of The Mexican may veer a little too wildly between comedy and drama, but it never fails to entertain. Directed by Gore Verbinski, best known, of course, for the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, this is a great chance to see Pitt and Roberts at the height of their star power, sparking off each other effortlessly in this enjoyably raucous romcom road movie.
The Mexican is a Film programme that first aired in 2001 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
