There is a delerium at the heart of Once Upon a Time in Mexico. Rodriguez is playing with genres -- his own stomping grounds, as well as spaghetti westerns, and Hong Kong crime comedies. One can see "Spy Kids" for adults seeping through. And at points Depp is having so much fun with his silly role, we see the actor rather than the act. There is not too much else -- a star-filled cast, and beautiful HD videography round out the bill. Fodder, but fun fodder. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285823/
The Extended Edition of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy stretches more than 10 hours. Even with the occasional misstep -- Frodo and Sam disguised as orks? -- there is no reason to watch any of the theatrical versions ever again. There is little revolutionary about these films: The effects take the technological realization of a fantasy world to a new level, to-be-sure, and the adaptation of a gargantuon work has humbled even more innovative directors. But the overall effect is like a well executed military campaign to construct a mighty entertainment. It is *remarkably* successful in this regard. But why do I feel guilty?
The Stand In: I wish I could say more than that I couldn't watch more than 20 minutes. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082601/
The Suicide Club: Other than its missing a third act, this Japanese horrro film might have gone some where. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312843/
