50
Subpar stuff with a few multiplex-worthy bits: a gonzo opening chase with the US Border Patrol, some wisecracking narration, and grungy location atmosphere. [15 July 2012, p.N10]
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
A Mex-set spaghetti Western featuring toilet humour, organ transplants and the closest Mel Gibsons come to playing Martin Riggs since the last Lethal Weapon.
60
If the story doesn’t strain itself in pursuit of originality, it does build to a satisfying conclusion.
60
The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw
However agonising it is to admit it, this film isn't half bad, a sparky black-comic actioner with a cute "con trick" scene showcasing Gibson's Clint Eastwood impression.
70
Gibson knows how to play to the camera, and Grunberg is savvy enough to maximize what the star gives, spinning a slick package around the crazy scenario.
40
The Telegraph by Robbie Collin
Gibson wisecracks with a weary panache, and the tech credits are sharp: production designer Bernardo Trujillo and director of photography Benoît Debie make El Pueblito look almost as disreputable as their leading man’s pebbledashed phizog.
80
The Hollywood Reporter by Todd McCarthy
Gibson still has all the energy, impulsive gear-shifting ability and growly vocal command to anchor a muscular film such as this; he co-wrote it for himself, after all, and he certainly knows by now what he does best. Hernandez is entirely credible as a tough little customer with real guts, and all the actors playing bad guys seize their opportunities with relish.
60
There’s no escaping the fact that this is a nasty, vicious little film – the climax is startlingly unpleasant. But with its sharp dialogue, beautifully streamlined story and fistful of surprises, the Mel haters are going to have to find another brickbat for now.