But WTF is this? Kobe Bryant is The Black Mamba? I deeply admire Robert Rodriguez -the guy graduates from film and then does everything including bleeding (he donated blood and became a medical test subject) to finance his first feature El Mariachi. Which I loved, a little rough but clearly it is the work of a passionate and skilled story teller. Not only is he an inspiration but it felt like he was was carrying the maverick flame for all independents. And I couldn't wait to see his next film.

Flash forward 20 years Rodriguez now has his own studio Troublemaker Studios in Texas, A listers contact details and is as comfortable producing other studios features as he is directing his own. Unfortunately with every new release Rodriguez's maverick flame is diminished just a little more and his innate sharpness is replaced by knowing smiles, parody and pandering to the lucrative teen market. I know it sounds like I'm moaning and that's because I am - I'm happy that he has gone on to incredible well deserved success but I would just like to see his talent put to a sharp mature film that doesn't rely on generic story lines, star cameos replacing good performances and over use of FX.

Well until then - here is his latest commercial The Black Mamba for Nike, which suffers from all the issues I list above. For once I can genuinely say I'm happy Mickey Rourke didn't do this film.