There’s nothing more annoying than a movie that tries to be deceitful and fool its viewers. And “The Mexican” does just that as it takes a love story and disguises it with tales of mobsters and a mysterious gun.

But the mobsters are more concerned with love than their job, and the gun’s history is completely based on love. So what you have is a full-blown love story – lucky for director Gore Verbinski, “The Mexican” is cleverly written, well directed and has some of the best actors out there.

It tells the story of Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt, “Fight Club”), a clumsy, soon to be ex-mobster who doesn’t fit the mobster prototype at all. He is forced to take one more job to save his life.

But his girlfriend Samantha (Julie Roberts, “Erin Brockovich), an overzealous relationship junkie, won’t have any of it and dumps him despite his pleas.

Jerry’s mob boss sends him to Mexico to retrieve a pricey antique pistol called the Mexican and bring it to his boss.

Due to a general lack of trust in the mob, other men are sent out to follow Samantha in case Jerry tries to do any double-crossing.

Leroy (James Gandolfini, “The Sopranos”) is sent to Samantha, and quickly befriends her, handing out relationship advice.

It turns out Leroy is struggling with relationships himself and his little side plot of a love story adds a comedic yet slightly misplaced twist.

The biggest flaw of the “The Mexican” is the fact that it can be quite boring at times. The premise is misleading in that it suggests that this film will provide much action, but despite a few run-ins with some Mexicans, the movie lacks excitement.

But the way everything is tied together so nimbly keeps things interesting for the most part, and elements of surprise and unpredictability are kept throughout, despite the usual love story undertones.

Coming off an amazing performance in “Snatch,” Pitt continues to show that he is a versatile actor and not just a pretty face.

Jerry’s character is fun to watch as his passion for his girlfriend remains strong and he overcomes all of the bad luck he encounters.

Jerry is the combination of an ungraceful mobster and a passionate person, an enjoyable character to watch and a nice role for Pitt.

Also coming off an amazing performance and a best actress nomination for “Erin Brockovich,” Roberts adds to her reputation as the hottest ticket in Hollywood.

The elements she brings to Samantha bring her alive so much on the screen – she is the most fun to watch.

Samantha’s knack for reading into things too much and getting overly flustered about her relationship adds much humor. But there’s always something lingering with her and how much love she has for Jerry.

Bringing an edge and sensitivity to a mobster has been done many times before, but the way Gandolfini does it is spectacular.

Even when he is beating someone’s ass and then pumping them full of bullets, the first time you see him, there’s an irresistible feeling of wanting to like him.

Even though Leroy is having troubles in his own love life, he covers it up by giving advice to others.

Gandolfini’s great acting portrays this perfectly and shows why he has won so many awards for his acting in “The Sopranos.”

J.H. Wyman wrote a wonderful script that was brought to life with great acting, but Verbinski’s directing could have breathed even more life into it.

The clever nature of the script’s interwoven storylines could have been exposed a little more so people can appreciate it for what it is.

“The Mexican” is a love story, about a gun, that isn’t about a gun at all. Or something like that.

Just see the damn thing.

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