A Night in Old Mexico (2014)

Simply Perfect

How sad is this?

Fresh and Exciting

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Robert Duvall is my favorite actor of all time but not even he could save this miserable script, poor directing and amateur cinematography. Other than Duvall, the other actors are worse than you would see in any high school play. The script is probably the worst I have ever seen produced. There are at least 30 scenes that were imitations from other, real films. Of course, they were very poorly executed. There were plot holes at every turn and others that just didn't make sense. I didn't bother to research but I cannot fathom how this train wreck got produced. I felt sorry for Duvall throughout the whole film. His performance was definitely not Oscar worthy and my mind drifted off, wondering if he has financial problems that would have led him to participate in this amateur endeavor. I have honestly seen much better productions from film schools.

Spanish/US co-production well played , magnificently set in Mexico , stunningly directed and it pays tribute to the great American actor Robert Duvall . About to lose the property that's been in his family for generations, Texas rancher Red Bovie (Robert Duvall) is contemplating suicide , as forced to sell his family ranch to developers, a financially strapped but proud senior citizen, finally meets his grandson (Jeremy Irvine) and gets involved with drug dealers (Luis Tosar) . This is an exciting as well as thought-provoking story about sympathetic human beings and how they cope with an relentless chase who carry out some drug dealers . It is an extreme situation and this is conveyed pretty well by Emilio Aragon ; as a trio of unfortunate characters -perfectly played by Robert Duval , Jeremy Irvine and Angie Cepeda- are mercilessly pursued and they have to flee with a loot that have found . The flick is dedicated in loving memory of Christopher Bates , executive producer of the film and dead at 2013 . The main discernible reason to watch Spanish director Emilio Aragon's English language debut , A Night in Old Mexico, results to be to see star Robert Duvall in front of a nice cast and center dancing circles around the cringe worthy supporting players . To be fair , his interpretation is fabulous , he is the first character , granting a special kind of depth . Intelligent and interesting script written by screenwriter William D. Wittliff, reteaming with Duvall for the first time since the memorable 1989 television miniseries, "Lonesome Dove" . It's a project that's reputed to be nearly 35 years in the making , but the end product can't quite justify the means with this reunion that feels akin to Duvall's last stint as director , 2002's ¨Assassination Tango¨ . And Duvall has recently directed ¨Wild Horses¨, he stars as an old rancher who once kicked his son off his property for being gay and now finds himself at the center of a missing person investigation ; in addition to starring , Robert directed a cast that includes James Franco and Josh Hartnett.Thrilling as well as evocative musical score by the same filmmaker , Emilio Aragon , including Mexican sounds . Colorful and evocative cinematography by David Omedes . The motion picture was compellingly directed by Emilio Aragon , an effort that feels far superior in comparison his first film : ¨Paper birds¨ . The production and directing of his Opera Prima "Pájaros De Papel" (paper birds), a lifelong dream, seems he has been dedicating his whole life to , being nominated for Best First Director Award at 2011 Goyas (Spanish Oscars) .

Once again, Robert Duvall delivers like few others can. The cast, story line and everything about the movie was grand. His co stars, while I was unfamiliar with them prior to this, were so outstanding. Movie drew me in right from the start and held me fully. Only disappointment I had with the movie was that it had to end. No matter what role Mr. Duvall plays, he is so very convincing and makes you feel like he is someone you know personally. The scenery was outstanding as well with such a great soundtrack. Its sad that ranchers and farmers alike face the devastation of losing the homes and land that they have worked so hard on due to the way things are these days. I will purchase it on DVD as soon as it is available and look forward to watching it time and time again. Instant classic.

A Night in Old Mexico was well-received in its North American Premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. Some of our great actors age poorly and take easy money making roles (such as Robert DeNiro in Last Vegas and the Meet the Parents series), but Robert Duvall is still doing some serious acting. In A Night in Old Mexico, he plays a character that is likely not that different from himself. He plays a crazy old Texan united with his wayward grandson and looking to have a last thrill ride in south of the border. In some ways, the role is reminiscent of Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman. The thrill ride takes a few unbelievable twists and turns, but it is still enjoyable to see how much spunk the old fellow still has. I'm not sure this will get much of a wide release, but if you have a chance check it out. Duvall remains a worthwhile entertaining old curmudgeon in old Mexico.