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Created Feb 11, 2013 06:04PM PST • Edited Feb 11, 2013 06:04PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Are Mexican prisons really like ‘The shadiest malls in the world’ (as Mel’s character put it)? It sure made for an interesting backdrop to this tale of a gringo’s survival. And who knew Mel would make such a fine Mexican prisoner? Yes, that’s right – in this action flick that Mel helped write, he shows us he’s still got it – and plenty enough of it to survive the dog-eat-dog world of ‘El Pueblito’. What makes this movie especially interesting, is that in addition to frenetic ass kicking, Mel shows us his softer, wiser side – dare I say he’s even paternal at times in his assumed role of looking out after Kevin Hernandez! Decent story, great (almost Tanantino-esque) action, and a new lease on Mel-dom. Worth a watch to be sure.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

   Mel Gibson earns his pay with this one. Nothing especially stand-out, but he keeps his bar fairly high. The pairing with Dolores Heredia and Kevin Hernandez is decent, but honestly, the acting from most of the cast is less than memorable.

5. Male Stars OK 2.5

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    Hey, I learned something knew about Mexican living.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.0

17. Sex Titillating 1.8

18. Violence Fierce 2.4

19. Rudeness Salty 1.8

21. Reality

    Glib 1.8

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.8

23. Biological Glib 1.8

24. Physical Glib 1.8