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Review: Machete

Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse was the unfortunate victim of its own gimmick. It was originally conceived as a double-bill in reverence to the B-movie and splatter tradition of yesteryear, but American audiences failed to connect with the concept, and as a result, the feature was spilt into two, diminishing its unique appeal.

One of the major talking points of Grindhouse (or Death Proof and Planet Terror) was the number of spoof trailers showcased before the main features. The most notable of these was Machete, featuring Rodriguez regular Danny Trego as the knife-wielding, easy-loving, all round hard-ass titular character. And now we have the full movie, which much like Grindhouse had the potential to fall victim to its own self-awareness.

It was possible that Machete would rely too heavily on the audience’s knowledge of Rodriguez’s work, and indeed, the references and in jokes that were bound to litter the movie. The danger of such a personal project (Rodriguez and Trejo had reportedly tossed the idea around for years) is that it may be too self-involved, too alienating for those not in the know.

But fortunately, Rodriguez has avoided this, delivering what could be the most entertaining cinema experience of the year. That is, of course, if you don’t mind brutal violence, ludicrous comedy, memorable characters, and all-round sexiness.

It may also be the ultimate Rodriguez film, building on everything that has been appealing in the maverick director’s canon of work until now.

First and foremost, Danny Trejo is excellent here. As the ultimate Mexican badass, Trejo has managed to carve an infinitely appealing character out of Machete, playing off the cult reputation he has acquired in some works as From Dusk Till Dawn, Con Air, and Breaking Bad. Stepping out from the shadow of supporting roles and cameo spots, Trejo delivers the right mix of intimidation, machismo, sex appeal, and comedy. Like the rest of the movie, Trejo is completely aware of whom Machete is and how he needs to move, speak, and flippantly brutalize villains.

And the violence is, to coin the popular vernacular, awesome. Just as Rodriguez is renowned from innovation in his formal approach to movies (as seen in El Mariachi and Sin City), the action here is wholly original. It is also, at times, shocking and laugh-out-loud funny. Seriously, in cinematic history there has never been a more innovative way of utilizing a man’s intestinal tract.

But aside from the excessive and comedic violence, there is much more to enjoy here. Each of the characters is perfectly cast, which great turns from Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez and Jeff Fahey.

Rodriguez also makes good use of the actors that appear based on reputation, positioning them with postmodern delight in appropriate roles: Robert De Niro as a crooked senator; Steven Seagal as a naughty Mexican drug lord; (introducing) Don Johnson as a right-wing vigilante; and Cheech Marin, in the greatest cameo since Bill Murray’s turn in Zomibieland, as a gun-toting priest (his box of ‘Mexican’ cigars is one of this years comedy highlights).

All of these characters move through a plot, which, as engaging as it is, really plays second fiddle to the aesthetics of the movie.

As the titular character is drawn into an assassination attempt on De Niro’s senator, he uncovers a web of conspiracy that aims to exploit illegal Mexican immigrants for the benefit of filthy drug money. Or something like that. Of course, it’s really not that important; as the plot develops the real entertainment comes from the anticipation of whom Machete will wreck his havoc upon next, and more importantly, how.

At times the movie may border or cheesy or downright ludicrous (Alba’s Independence Day style speech is a case in point), but surely that’s what this film is all about. Above all else it’s fun – and very sexy fun at that – a genuine thrill-ride that delivers the laughs and adrenaline at a relentless pace.

All of this makes for the ultimate example of what we have come to appreciate in Rodriguez’s movies: violent, sassy, subversive, hilarious, and inspired. And for all his faults, no one can knock Rodriguez for making the movies he wants to make, and Machete is no exception.

Of course, this won’t be to everyone’s tastes, and if any of the plus points detailed above turn your stomach or flip your no thanks I’m cultured, you know switch, then probably best to give it a miss.

Otherwise, go see Machete – pay for a ticket and cast your vote for Hollywood to bring us more no-nonsense fun.

We could have done with a bit more Steven Seagal though…

Tom Fordy is a writer and journalist. Originally from Bristol, he now lives in London. He is a former editor of The Hollywood News and Loaded magazine. He also contributes regularly to The Telegraph, Esquire Weekly and numerous others. Follow him @thetomfordy.

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  1. Pingback: UK fans can see Machete from this Friday! Check out these new clips! | Hollywood News

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