Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, James Gandolfini, J.K. Simmons, Bob Balaban, Gene Hackman
Running Time: 123 minutes
Synopsis: In Los Angeles, bungling thief Jerry (Brad Pitt) is dispatched by his boss Bernie (Bob Balaban) south of the border to secure "the Mexican", a precious antique gun. Jerry's girlfriend Sam (Julia Roberts) is tired of being ignored and heads to Las Vegas, but is soon kidnapped and held hostage by tough guy Leroy (James Gandolfini) as a bargaining chip in case Jerry goes rogue. In Mexico, Jerry tangles with local thieves seeking the same prize, and is eventually joined by Ted (J.K. Simmons), another member of Bernie's gang. Back in Vegas, Sam and Leroy get to know each other.
What Works Well: The unexpected bond between a goon and his victim emerges at the heart of a sprawling plot, with J.H. Wyman's script encouraging James Gandolfini to explore a henchman's surprising vulnerability. The different versions of a flashback to the legendary gun's early history are delightful mini faux-epics teasing out the unreliability of oral histories. Overall, the Mexico scenes benefit from gritty locations complemented by an Alan Silvestri music score playfully interpreting Ennio Morricone. Brad Pitt provides Jerry with a pleasing amiability, and Gene Hackman shows up with a late contribution to inject authority.
What Does Not Work As Well: In an example of more is less, the running time drags, false endings give way to more false endings, and new characters are introduced too late to properly contribute, all resulting in a loss of coherence. While Roberts' scenes with Gandolfini are excellent, the script unfortunately reduces Sam to tiresome manic screaming whenever Jerry is within earshot, a complete waste of a dream Hollywood star pairing.
Conclusion: Ragged and undisciplined, but still contains many sparkling moments.
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