Desperado Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Desperado
| Movie | Desperado |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Virgil W. Vogel |
| Genre | Western / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 93 minutes (1h 33m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Desperado (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Western.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Desperado are led by Alex McArthur . The supporting cast, including David Warner and Yaphet Kotto , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Desperado does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Western films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Desperado has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Western fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Desperado
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, Desperado is a Western, TV Movie film directed by Virgil W. Vogel, written by Elmore Leonard. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. As part of the Desperado Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Alex McArthur as Duell McCall.
Ending Explained: Desperado
Desperado Ending Explained: Directed by Virgil W. Vogel, Desperado attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core western themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Alex McArthur. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the western themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Desperado reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Desperado?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Desperado Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Desperado age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Desperado (1987) is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Directed by Virgil W. Vogel, the film runs for 93 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.2/10, and global performance metrics, Desperado is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperado worth watching?
Desperado is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Western movies. It has a verified rating of 4.2/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Desperado parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Desperado identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Desperado (1987)?
The runtime of Desperado (1987) is 93 minutes (approximately 1h 33m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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Part of the Desperado Collection
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