Machete
Rated: R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity.
Starring: Danny Trejo, Steven Seagal, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Cheech Marin, and Robert DeNiro.
Grade: B-
In 2007, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino collaborated to bring moviegoers Grindhouse, a gore filled homage to the B movie genre. The action packed double feature consisted of a film from each of the directors, separated by a number of faux trailers for supposedly upcoming films. Though many of these laughable clips were never revisited, at least one fake trailer proved to be a cinematic gem, as was proven when Machete hit theaters this weekend.
Machete follows the story of an ex federale of the same name, and his struggle to bring Torrez, (Steven Seagal, Kill Switch) the Mexican drug cartel that killed his wife and daughter to justice. Machete travels to America in hopes of keeping a low profile, but he is soon dragged into the middle of a farfetched political plot and framed for the shooting of the outspoken Senator McLaughlin (Robert DeNiro, Righteous Kill). While attempting to get to the bottom of the plot to frame him, Machete makes allies in some unexpected places, enlisting the help of Sartana (Jessica Alba, Valentines Day). Together, the two gather evidence to prove the dirty dealings of Senator McLaughlin, and his financial backers.
Danny Trejo steals the show as Machete, bringing his tough guy experience to the forefront of the character, and portraying the blade slinging man of few words with unmistakable authenticity. Throughout the course of the film, Trejo manages to shoot, kick, and slice his way to pure bad ass status like a murderous MacGyver, pulling off ridiculous feats like driving from the backseat of a car by turning a machete that is lodged in the driver, and outfitting a standard weed eater with 6 inch blades like some sort of gardener from hell.
While the film would be nothing without Trejo in the leading role, the star studded supporting cast makes Machete a true delight. Alba shows a tougher side of herself as an immigrations agent looking to further her career and do right by the law. Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and Furious) further proves her ability to play hard-as-nails chicks as Luz, the leader of an underground immigration ring. DeNiro brings his charm and experience in criminal roles to enhance the shady senator, and Daryl Sabara who also worked with Trejo and Robert Rodriguez on the Spy Kids trilogy provided fun blast from the past while playing Julio.
While it could probably be said that without the B movie feel, a few more plot twists and a somewhat larger budget, Machete could have been a hit, I think that this film will quickly find a heavy cult following. For those interested in the B-movie genre, Machete is a fantastically gory thrill ride, with a great cast, plenty of explosions, and a fairly decent plot. Though I don’t expect record attendance or five star ratings for this bloody shoot ‘em up tale, it was definitely worth admission prices, and provided a couple hours of entertainment and laughs.
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