Robert Rodriguez’s Machete might be the best thing to happen to Mexicans in film in a long time. Or the worst thing, depending on your sense of humor. It is, however, one of the summer’s most fun movies without a doubt. No, I still liked Piranha 3-D better, but this is still up there. With its’ over the top violence, retro 70’s flavor, and all star cast that plays along; for my pesos, it’s hard to go wrong.
Robert Rodriguez’s Machete might be the best thing to happen to Mexicans in film in a long time. Or the worst thing, depending on your sense of humor. It is, however, one of the summer’s most fun movies without a doubt. No, I still liked Piranha 3-D better, but this is still up there. With its’ over the top violence, retro 70’s flavor, and all star cast that plays along; for my pesos, it’s hard to go wrong.
Machete was a Federale in Mexico; the best. But by trying to do the right thing, his way, he crossed the wrong people, and he got burned by those he thought he could trust. After his wife is killed, Machete vows revenge. Sound like a 1970’s grindhouse movie chock full o’cheese? Well, it should, seeing as it’s based on the fake trailer in the film Grindhouse Rodriguez did with Quentin Tarantino a few years ago. But don’t worry, no sign of Tarantino here. He’s probably out plotting his next roll of the dice for theaters.
This movie has a cast that reads like a list of favors being called in and guys that haven’t really worked in a while. You’ve got DeNiro (as Senator McLaughlin), the hardcore right wing senator from Texas looking to get rid of ALL the illegal immigrants, any way he can, with the flag-waving, gun toting evil border patrol sheriff, Don Johnson, and McLaughlin’s aid played by Jeff Fahey, who just wants the money to be made from keeping illegals in the States. Need a bad-ass bounty hunter? Add Tom Savini! And who’s the big Mexican Drug Lord? Why, it’s Steven Seagal, of course! They all chew the scenery up pretty good, and it’s silly and fun. Add Cheech Marin, Lindsay Lohan (What?!), Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, and the main man, Danny Trejo as Machete, and you have a recipe for entertainment.
Machete kicks some serious ass and does it with style as well as creativity. This movie will get this years award for most practical use of entrails. And not only does Machete dish out the whupp-ass, he gets the girl, too. Well, ALL the girls, at one point or another. Who can resist that chest tattoo and that weathered, craggy face? Not the ladies, that’s for sure.
This movie plays to the Mexican stereotypes in every way possible. So much tongue-in-cheek here you’ll choke laughing on it. Weed-wacker as weapon too ridiculous? Nope. Some really funny stuff here. At the same time, there’s obviously a message about immigration, too. But ultimately it’s a big, violent, ride of fun.
My only complaint is that it might have been five or ten minutes shorter, but it doesn’t lag much, so it’s a small thing. I might also say that this is a very stylized movie. If you liked the Grindhouse vibe then you’ll have lots of fun, but if that style didn’t do anything for you, then you may not really get the humor and you may just think it’s cheesy and bad. But me? I’d say you just don’t get it and you should just go see that Jennifer Anniston movie because maybe that’s all the style you can handle. Hey, this is just one man’s opinion. That’s what movie reviews ARE.
Indeed, Machete is almost as much fun as Piranha 3-D was – ALMOST. It certainly was worth my entertainment dollar. If you like Robert Rodriguez films, and a send-up of 70’s exploitation style films, you’ll probably enjoy this, too. And remember, Machete don’t text.
~ Neil T. Weakley, your average movie-goer, reminding you not to fuck with the wrong Mexican.
