In turn-of-the-century Mexico, two very different women become a bank-robbing duo in an effort to combat a ruthless enforcer terrorizing their town. In 1848, a New York bank wants to put a railroad across Mexico, so it buys up small banks around Santa Rita, Durango, and evicts farmers on the proposed rail line who owe money. The bank's henchman is the murderous Jackson. He runs afoul of two women, María, the tough but uneducated daughter of a farmer, and Sara, the European-educated daughter of the owner of one of these banks. To feed the now landless people and to seek revenge, María and Sara become bank robbers, veritable Robin Hoods. But Jackson and his hired guns are after them. What are the women's options? Mexico 1880, Sara Sandoval (Salma Heyek) is the daughter of a rich banker. Maria Alvarez (Penélope Cruz) is the daughter of a poor farmer. These two woman have nothing in common expect their culture. But Tyler Jackson (Dwight Yoakam), who represents the New York Bank and Trust. He's planning to rob the people of Mexico, especially those who can't played their debts. Sara and Maria find help from unlikely man from New York, his name is Quentin Cooke (Steve Zahn). A young forensic inspector. Now these three people are rubbing banks to feed the poor and trying to find any evidence against Jacksin. Since he murdered Sara's father.<br/><br/>Directed by Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg made an amusing comedy western with the right elements of adventure and humour. Heyek and Cruz seems to be having a great time and they are also attractive leads as well. This film never had a wide release in the U.S. (Which this movie could have been successful) but 20th Century Fox sadly decided to not give it a big release. Which it will probably be a cult movie for certain tastes.<br/><br/>DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) and an fine Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an entertaining and humorous commentary track by actresses:Heyek and Cruz, which some viewers might find this more enjoyable than the movie. DVD also includes a brief featurette and the theatrical trailer. This lively adventure also have some touches of Spaghetti Western as well. Sam Shepard appears in a small role as The Girls' Mentor has the brightest moments in the picture. Some might find this movie to be thinly plotted but the ingraining cast makes up for most flaws in the film. Written by Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, The Messenger:The Story of Joan of Arc, The Professional) and Robert Mark Kamen (The Karate Kid, Kiss of the Dragon, The Transporter). Besson is also one of the film's producers. Flavorable score by Eric Serra. Super 35. (*** 1/2 out of *****). Action/comedy with eye candy. BANDIDAS is a fun to watch romp about a rough around-the-edges, but winsome, peasant Maria(Penelope Cruz)teaming up with a beautiful and sophisticated heiress Sara(Salma Hayek), whose father has just been murdered by the vile, ruthless Tyler Jackson(Dwight Yoakam). Jackson has swindled control of land and money with further plans to rob one bank after another to build his empire. The two beauties decide to seek revenge against the villainous baron Jackson, by robbing banks before he can get to them. The two lovelies prepare themselves with pointers from the expert bank robber Bill Buck(Sam Shepard)and are joined in the robbing spree by a trained criminal scientist(Steve Zahn). Quite humorous in spots, but mainly it is the jiggle and wiggle that garners attention. The only thing I can think to make this movie better is to have Hayek and Cruz joined with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Cote de Pablo(NCIS)as saddle pals.
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