Movie Review: Machete (2010)

MACHETE

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
OCTOBER 9, 2010

Director Robert Rodriguez has the touch. He has a way of turning a satirical film into a legitimate endeavor worthy of viewing. The action in “Machete” is absurd. Swinging Indiana Jones style out a window with a man’s intestines has got to be one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed. The ridiculous situations in the film (Machete getting revenge by making a sex tape with Lohan’s character and her mother) render “Machete” novel but still peerlessly entertaining. The fact that Rodriquez could make an entire feature film out of a trailer created solely as filler for the intermission between the theatrical double feature of Grindhouse deserves some recognition. Most critics feel the story of “Machete” was not worth a 105-minute runtime. However, personally, the film holds its own, remaining unreal yet unmatched.

Several factors turned people off of the film (mainly the cast), which on the contrary, brightened the satirical aspect that I was venturing out to see.

Danny Trejo makes a great main character. Left to wander in the shadows as a supporting character most of his career, mainly as a big tough biker, Trejo has never had the opportunity to shine. “Machete” was just the film for him, and he filled the part perfectly.

Cheech Marin is a fantastic supporting character. The absolute absurdity of the church fighting with guns carries a massive portion of the laughs in the movie.

Also, Lindsay Lohan plays a character modeled after herself (save for the fact that she is not involved in webcam porn) should give the film some extra watch-ability.

Review the cast alone and try to overlook “Machete.” With massive stars like Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, and Lindsay Lohan meshed with Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, and Steven Segal; the film does not lack any star power, which should be worth the price of admission. Not that most audiences will gain anything but a few laughs, just being able to see such stars perform in such a fun and unique film, you gain the satisfaction of a truly exclusive experience.

“Machete” won’t earn regard for any performance or logistical nominations. Still, if Hollywood is looking for ways to entertain audiences without stooping to “3D propaganda”, “Machete” is a step in the right direction. Watch the trailer from “Grindhouse” before viewing the film, and take note that Rodriguez recreates every last scene promised. Rodriguez has proven, just as he did with Tarantino during “Grindhouse,” that he can successfully revolutionize an art form of the past, like that of the “Grindhouse” films, making it presently relevant and witty. If we keep score, it is time for Tarantino to step in with his retort towards this genre, his one-up on Rodriguez, and his “Machete.”

RELEASE DATE
September 3, 2010

DIRECTOR
Robert Rodriguez
Ethan Maniquis

WRITTEN BY
Robert Rodriguez
Álvaro Rodriguez

STUDIO
20th Century Fox

R
(for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity)

ACTION
CRIME
THRILLER
105 minutes