Machete

Stereotypes are cool. Aren’t they? You agree Robert Rodriguez? Machete is the story of a military trained Mexican immigrant who tries to bring down a radically conservative politician who enjoys shooting Mexicans for sport. The film has an obvious political agenda that is placed side by side with excessive gore and shallow nudity. The gore and nudity are expected with Rodriguez but the preaching was stuffed down the viewer’s throat.

So, firstly southern border enforcing Americans are presented as uneducated white trash that have no respect from human life. Then the illegal immigrants are shown as day laborers and expendable workers. To add insult to injury, they all eat tacos and burritos throughout the film. I think a movie that tries to show the worth of a group of people would do better presenting their potential. Maybe a clearer showing of the conditions in Mexico or showing what they can amount to in the US would have been more affective. I seem to be completely over thinking this intentionally campy film. But, in my opinion, if a film goes political they need to back it up more than Machete does.

The big names in the cast aren’t overly successful. But, the script allows for usually mediocre actors to appear stronger through over the top comedic sequences. Michelle Rodriguez, and Jessica Alba fit that bill. Danny Trejo holds his own in the title role that doesn’t really demand that much. Machete is kind of a less classy James Bond. Charm is definitely not his selling point, though he is comically promiscuous. 007 never seemed to enjoy spurting blood as much.

The film’s over-the-top antics provide a comical and exciting experience. As I not so subtly said above, the politics shroud the positive elements of Machete. One thing is sure; nobody can leave this movie without feeling some type of emotion. The only problem is if too many people feel immense disgust. I only felt moderate disgust. (7.1 out of 10)