The Mexican

The Mexican is currently streaming in the US on Kanopy and Hoopla, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 1,624 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Watch it for Brad Pitt — stay for everyone else around them. Start it on Kanopy whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

The Mexican arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate The Mexican from the crowd. Jerry Welbach, a reluctant bagman, has been given two ultimatums: The first is from his mob boss to travel to Mexico and retrieve a priceless antique pistol, known as "the Mexican"... Or suffer the consequences. The second is from his girlfriend Samantha to end his association with the mob. Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2001. What keeps The Mexican from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

The Mexican is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Brad Pitt's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.