The fact that this movie had two big Hollywood stars (well, 3 if you count Gene Hackman, but he's in EVERYTHING these days anyway.) may have done it an injustice everywhere outside of the box office. Everyone was expecting typical Big Hollywood over-the-topness, which this movie does not have. Instead it is sublime. (Note: pay attention to the "slow" periods of the movie, they are actually important.) The way the story of the gun and it's maker is re-told, each time revealing a little more, giving you the clues you need to tie it into the current story, up to the beautiful climactic scene is nothing short of brilliant. Think of this as an Indie movie which just happens to have two big Hollywood stars. Think of it as the movie 'El Mariachi' WANTED to be. Simply the best effort to come out on major release in years.