70’s exploitation was never this good
THE PLOT
Mexican Federale ‘Machete’ Cortez sees his wife beheaded in front of him and is left for dead in a burning building. Three years later in Texas, seeking work as a day labourer, Machete is hired to publicly assassinate an outspoken Senator vying for re-election on a platform of ‘keep out the illegals’. Double-crossed and injured he sets about tracking down those responsible to clear his name and right the wrongs.
THE REVIEW
I will say it now, just to save time, I loved this film!! Violence and dialogue are over the top. The editing is shoddy and the soundtrack kitsch. All is exactly as it should be and perfectly delivered. Machete is gory and funny in equal measure; the intestine rope-cum-bungie escape from a high-rise window gloriously captures this. Machete (Danny Trejo) is old school, a no nonsense hard-man with ethics and only speaks when he has something to say, like ‘Machete don’t text’. Beautiful.
Machete also boasts a number of cameo and support roles with seemingly unlikely stars, along with usual collaborators Cheech Marin and Tom Savini. Michael Booth (Jeff Fahey) is the man bankrolling Machete’s $150k assassination of Texas Senator John McLaughlin (Robert De Niro). We first meet McLaughlin accompanying boarder patrol vigilantes led by Don Johnson’s xenophobic redneck sheriff, Von Jackson. Of course these patrolmen don’t arrest and deport, they shoot to kill. Booth works for Mexican drug lord Torrez, the samurai sword-wielding murderer of Machete’s wife, 3 years earlier.
Much groaned at Steven Segal plays the part of bad guy Torrez and hits just the right note. Of course that note is the same drone as in every other Segal film ever made; the difference here is that it works. Segal’s usual monologuing during a fight scene usually evokes a feeling of compassion for the other guy, this time it’s the other guy that is supposed to win, so that’s just fine! Listen for the brilliant use of the Six Million Dollar Man slow-mo sound effect each time Torrez draws his sword. Superb.
Michelle Rodriguez heads up ‘The Network’, a group established to aid and support illegals and is under surveillance by Jessica Alba’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, Sartana Rivera. Rounding out the female leads and surprisingly/unfortunately providing the ‘tits’ part of this ‘tits and guns’ flick, is Lindsay Lohan.
If you don’t come away from watching this with a stupidly excited grin you deserve an axe to the groin. As I write this several hours after viewing I’m still revelling in Rodriguez’s masterpiece. Don’t let my excitement overpower; this film is not without its faults, for example, his former chief was on the take and present at the time of his wife’s murder, an obvious target for revenge you might think, but we never see him again. And Tom Savini’s hired gun disappears from the script after an impressive entry and subsequent involvement in the crucifixion of ‘Padre’ Cortez (Marin), Machete’s brother. DVD deleted scenes perhaps? Or will we see more of them in the alluded to (and assumed fake) teaser titles ‘Machete Kills’ and ‘Machete Kills Again’? Who cares really? For me it still perfectly fits with the 70’s exploitation-style feel and is just as likely intentional for that reason alone. In fact, due to the style of film it’s easy to put any faults down to thoughtful deliberation.
Being a fan, I find it a pity that this is only Danny Trejo’s first lead role of any significance, but then that’s possibly because too few directors have the vision of Rodriguez. More please sir.
Machete will likely only have a short run in cinemas so see it while you can, if you miss it make sure you pick it up on DVD/BluRay.
THE VERDICT
One of the best, most enjoyable films in a long time. Highly recommended for anyone with a sense of humour and lovers of pointless action. A must watch. If this review can’t convince you the trailer will!
TC
NOW SEE THE TRAILER...THE REVIEW
I will say it now, just to save time, I loved this film!! Violence and dialogue are over the top. The editing is shoddy and the soundtrack kitsch. All is exactly as it should be and perfectly delivered. Machete is gory and funny in equal measure; the intestine rope-cum-bungie escape from a high-rise window gloriously captures this. Machete (Danny Trejo) is old school, a no nonsense hard-man with ethics and only speaks when he has something to say, like ‘Machete don’t text’. Beautiful.
Machete also boasts a number of cameo and support roles with seemingly unlikely stars, along with usual collaborators Cheech Marin and Tom Savini. Michael Booth (Jeff Fahey) is the man bankrolling Machete’s $150k assassination of Texas Senator John McLaughlin (Robert De Niro). We first meet McLaughlin accompanying boarder patrol vigilantes led by Don Johnson’s xenophobic redneck sheriff, Von Jackson. Of course these patrolmen don’t arrest and deport, they shoot to kill. Booth works for Mexican drug lord Torrez, the samurai sword-wielding murderer of Machete’s wife, 3 years earlier.
Much groaned at Steven Segal plays the part of bad guy Torrez and hits just the right note. Of course that note is the same drone as in every other Segal film ever made; the difference here is that it works. Segal’s usual monologuing during a fight scene usually evokes a feeling of compassion for the other guy, this time it’s the other guy that is supposed to win, so that’s just fine! Listen for the brilliant use of the Six Million Dollar Man slow-mo sound effect each time Torrez draws his sword. Superb.
Michelle Rodriguez heads up ‘The Network’, a group established to aid and support illegals and is under surveillance by Jessica Alba’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, Sartana Rivera. Rounding out the female leads and surprisingly/unfortunately providing the ‘tits’ part of this ‘tits and guns’ flick, is Lindsay Lohan.
If you don’t come away from watching this with a stupidly excited grin you deserve an axe to the groin. As I write this several hours after viewing I’m still revelling in Rodriguez’s masterpiece. Don’t let my excitement overpower; this film is not without its faults, for example, his former chief was on the take and present at the time of his wife’s murder, an obvious target for revenge you might think, but we never see him again. And Tom Savini’s hired gun disappears from the script after an impressive entry and subsequent involvement in the crucifixion of ‘Padre’ Cortez (Marin), Machete’s brother. DVD deleted scenes perhaps? Or will we see more of them in the alluded to (and assumed fake) teaser titles ‘Machete Kills’ and ‘Machete Kills Again’? Who cares really? For me it still perfectly fits with the 70’s exploitation-style feel and is just as likely intentional for that reason alone. In fact, due to the style of film it’s easy to put any faults down to thoughtful deliberation.
Being a fan, I find it a pity that this is only Danny Trejo’s first lead role of any significance, but then that’s possibly because too few directors have the vision of Rodriguez. More please sir.
Machete will likely only have a short run in cinemas so see it while you can, if you miss it make sure you pick it up on DVD/BluRay.
THE VERDICT
One of the best, most enjoyable films in a long time. Highly recommended for anyone with a sense of humour and lovers of pointless action. A must watch. If this review can’t convince you the trailer will!
TC
UK Release Date: 26 November 2010
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