The story of a music-loving guitarist mistaken for a hit man who carries his weapons in a guitar case, it is peppered with twists, turns and in-your-face Peckinpah-worthy gunfights, a love story and an unexpected ending. Without a star to bring an audience into the theater (like Antonio Banderas, who starred in Rodriguez's fancier remake, Desperado), the original flies exclusively on a powerful combination of originality and adrenaline -- and it's a wicked ride.
The Denver FilmCenter will screen El Mariachi at 7 p.m. today and again at the same time on Cinco de Mayo proper. It's definitely a celluloid achievement to celebrate, one that you'll want to take in on the big screen. Tickets range from $7 to $9.75; for information and reservations, visit the DFCC online or call 303-595-3456.
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