Movie Review: 'Machete' Is A Cut Above The Rest

By Michael Lopez

Yes, we know “Machete’s” been out for over a week now (and still hitting the Top 5 in the box office countdown), but it’s never too late to give an “official” Blogamole review. Keep in mind, when WE see films, we don’t base it on artistic cinematography, historical accuracy, or delicate nuances like those other frou frou critics. We just want to know if a movie kicked butt, and “Machete” definitely did!

First off, Academy Awards can you at least CONSIDER Danny Trejo for a Best Actor nomination here? The man is 66 years old (can you believe it?) and still taking his shirt off for insane fight scenes, motorcycle stunts, and a sword showdown with Steven Seagal! Not only that, he really delivers a great performance that’s subtle, emotional, and even somewhat tragic (yes, there are tears here people!)

And how about the rest of the actors? Truly top notch! We love it when people like Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez resurrect stars from years past for hard-edged roles. This time Robert’s assembled Don Johnson, Steven Seagal, and Cheech Marin and cast them all against type. He even stuck in former “Spy Kid” Daryl Sabara as a tough little cholo!

There’s also great work from Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Lindsay Lohan (making full use of the movie’s R-Rating) and Robert De Niro as an evil Senator we all love to hate. And from behind the scenes, Rodriguez has promoted his longtime editor, Ethan Maniquis, to co-director status (very cool).

As discussed in our video clip interviews, the plot definitely has some immigration undertones, but never references anything like SB 1070 directly. Instead it mixes in a revenge tale of double crosses, long knives, and car wrecks with political bad guys looking to capitalize and profit on the Texas border issues.

Watch the clip below to see what else director Robert Rodriguez had to say about the film!

We actually think this approach helps the movie succeed even more. Rather than beat people over the head with an overt political message, Rodriguez and Maniquis focus on making the movie entertaining first and foremost. But those following the deeper plot can leave with immigration conversational points that are unfortunately much more real than our anti-hero “Machete.”

Have you seen “Machete” yet? What did you think? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Danny Trejo, Immigration, Machete, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Robert Rodriguez, Video