Get the Gringo

About Get the Gringo

Get the Gringo, also known as How I Spent My Summer Vacation in certain regions, is a thrilling American action film directed by Adrian Grünberg. Released in 2012, the film showcases Mel Gibson (a career criminal) who, in an attempt to escape from the U.S. Police, breaks into Tijuana jail where he learns the ropes from a young Mexican boy in order to survive.

Making / Production

The movie was made under the direction of Adrian Grünberg, produced by Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey and Stacy Perskie, and written by Adrian Grünberg, Mel Gibson, and Stacy Perskie. The film was shot in Mexico in Veracruz and San Francisco de Campeche.

Actors

• Mel Gibson as 'Driver', portrayed a brutal and highly intelligent career criminal who has to adapt quickly to a brutal new environment.
• Kevin Balmore as 'Kid', demonstrated excellent acting as a tough street kid who forms an unlikely alliance with Mel Gibson's character.
• Daniel Gimenez Cacho as 'Javi', played a corrupt and dangerous prison official, delivering a chilling performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was Mel Gibson's first leading role since Edge of Darkness (2010).
• 'The Kid' is shown smoking, which is a tribute to the western films where a young actor smokes, as in For a Few Dollars More (1965) where a young actor smokes a cigar.
• The original title 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation' is taken directly from one of the essays written by the students of Mrs. Krabappel in 'The Simpsons'.

Quotes

• “Plan B? We need a plan C, D, E. We need more alphabet!” - Driver
• “You can't just keep being the good little boy while the adults run this business.” - Javi
• “God's got nothing to do with this.” - Driver

Music, Soundtrack

• 'Cancion del Mariachi' performed by Los Lobos featuring Antonio Banderas
• 'Esclavo y Amo' performed by Los Pasteles Verdes
• 'La Gotita' performed by Andrea Balency Trio
• 'Driver A' composed by Antonio Pinto for the original score of the film.