Is Desperado Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Desperado is likely a skip if you enjoy Western movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Desperado Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Desperado emerges as a significant entry in the Western, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Cowboy Duell McCall wants to quickly deliver a herd of cattle to town, get paid and move on but romance with local girl Nora gets him involved in a feud between the town boss and Nora's dad. Unlike standard genre fare, Desperado attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Western is often anchored by its ensemble, and Desperado features a noteworthy lineup led by Alex McArthur . Supported by the likes of David Warner and Yaphet Kotto , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Desperado (1987) is negative. With an audience rating of 3.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Desperado Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Desperado is a Western, TV Movie film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Desperado Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Desperado attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to western resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the western themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Desperado reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Desperado?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Western films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Desperado
- Alex McArthur – Duell McCall
- David Warner – Ballard, Company Police Chief
- Yaphet Kotto – Bede
- Donald Moffat – Malloy, Nora's Dad
- Robert Vaughn – Sheriff John Whaley
Top Highlights
Alex McArthurDuell McCall
David WarnerBallard, Company Police Chief
Yaphet KottoBede
Donald MoffatMalloy, Nora's Dad
Robert VaughnSheriff John Whaley
Gladys KnightMona Lisa
Pernell RobertsMarshal Dancey
Dirk BlockerGrady, Livery Stable
Forrie J. SmithHarley, Calvin's Sidekick
Sydney WalshSally
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Desperado has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.2/10, and global collection metrics, Desperado stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desperado movie hit or flop?
Desperado is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.2/10 and lower collections.
Is Desperado worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.2/10, Desperado may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Desperado online?
Desperado may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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