Robert Rodriguez is a director known for films that are low-budget and campy in their own way that are designed to be enjoyed for what they are. "Spy Kids" and "The Adventures Of Sharkboy and Lavagirl " are targeted for children that love to see a power fantasy for their demographic, while "Sin City and From Dusk To Dawn" are gory and gratuitous for an older crowd. "Machete" however was first shown as a fake trailer in the film "Grindhouse". Rodriguez decided to follow up on the joke and made the fake trailer a reality, bringing Danny Trejo along with him. Machete Cortez is a ex-federal agent who gets framed for an assassination attempt of Senator John MacLaughlin to secure his reelection, which was the worst mistake that anyone can do to the local myth. The plot is essentially a homage to 80's action films with the leading man being the bodybuilder badass, but also an homage to 70's exploitation films with the explicit gore, nudity, and cheese. All of this is reflected in the poster, which just sets up who Rodriguez is and what type of film you're getting into. The writing in particular is extremely hilarious from the over the top action, visuals, and dialogue, which really helps those that just want to watch a comedy overall.
The character of Machete was made only for Danny Trejo to play. In fact, this role has become synonymous for Trejo, which the character and actor are merged in TV shows and video games. Machete is basically the Mexican equivalent of an Arnold Schwarzenegger action hero trope, except he's obsessed with cutting his enemies down with the tool of the same name. He has the one-liners, memorable kills, and a womanizer, all of the essentials of a generic action hero that brings joy to fans and viewers. This does affect the rest of the cast though, since Machete steals the show, while the side characters are there to serve the plot and archetype, which still brings out fun throughout the film. Femme fatales include Michelle Rodriguez and Jessica Alba as the revolutionary and immigration officer that both assist Machete as well as being eye candy for him and the audience. The villains include John MacLaughlin, played by Robert De Niro, a Trump-like politician that wants to build an electric fence to keep out Mexican immigrants. Other include Steven Seagal as Rogelio, a drug cartel boss working with MacLaughlin, Jeff Fahey as Micheal Booth, the advisor to MacLaughlin who frames Machete, and Don Johnson as Von Jackson, a racist redneck that hunts down illegal immigrants. Standout characters that I also enjoy include Cheech Marin as Machete's brother who is a priest, and Tom Savini as a hitman hired by Booth to kill Machete, yet chickens out once he learns that he isn't messing around anymore. The actors are just enjoying performing onscreen and all have their moments to shine in comedy and entertainment. You have the character that you grow to love or hate, yet they are all just so enjoyable to watch.
Rodriguez directs the film like it came out of the 70's, which shows off the skills the director has when it comes to films of this caliber. Whether it's the filter in the beginning or the practical gore effects, the film shows off the low-budget of the film, yet you still are amazed by the caliber of stars they got or the action set pieces throughout. It's Rodriguez as his best making a cheap film look and act the best it can be with the resources at his disposal. While the editing is good at the most part for the film overall, there is one scene with Alba in her car where there are too many jump cuts in a scene of little action. Not sure about the intention, but I can excuse it since it is only just one scene. Of course the effects can use some cheap CGI blood, explosions, props, and green screen, but this is a low-budget action film not meant to be take seriously, so I don't mind the cheap quality, in fact, it helps the film in the long run. I also like the lighting and colours in the film, which incorporates a lot of yellows and brown for a dirty, unpolished look that fits the grindhouse aesthetic. Rodriguez overall captures the film as a perfect homage to a forgotten genre.
Although there are debates of what can be considered as the best film from Rodriguez's catalogue, I will stand by that this is the perfect film under his belt as well as the best example of a film that defines the filmmaker. With the action, enjoyable characters, on the nose humour, nice directing, and overall camp and cheese that will give anyone a good time. Machete is also a great introduction film for those curious of the filmmaker. I have resisted myself in talking about specific jokes and action moments, just because I want to keep them a surprise to those curious of the film. It's by no means a masterpiece or even the best of its genre, but it sure is a ton of fun for anyone looking for this kind of film.
Verdict: 8/10. If you can't enjoy this film for whatever reason, you have no sense of humour or fun in yourself. Give it a chance.
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