September 5, 2010 -- “Machete” is a kind of ultimate popcorn movie. An homage to 1970s blaxploition films and splatter action flicks, this “Mexploitation” action film packs a real action punch while mixing in a heavy dose of political satire. It is anything but subtle, but it is effective in getting its political point across. Not only is the violence over the top, but there is also plenty of nudity and sex, also key ingredients in the films of the 1970s that “Machete” emulates. This movie is what “Grindhouse” should have been. The finale, in which a bunch of Hispanics in low riders attack a white supremacist militia compound is beyond belief. In another scene, a Hispanic priest, played by Cheech Marin, of all people, is literally nailed to a cross in a church by a corrupt racist politician. Like I said, not subtle.

Writer-director Robert Rodriguez (the “Spy Kids” movies and “Sin City”) pushes the pedal to the metal in this action film. Its take no prisoners approach with nonstop splatter, sex and satire is no-compromise filmmaking. That is often lauded by lovers of independent cinema, but is seldom done in such a modest genre setting. It is not your typical art film where people talk about their feelings until you fall asleep. This is in-your-face Hispanic pride with a hero very much like the legendary John Shaft.

The plot has a corrupt politician, Senator McLaughlin (played by Robert De Niro, yes, really) gunning down Mexicans at the U.S. border. He gets his campaign financing from a Mexican drug lord named Torrez, played by action hero Steven Seagal (I'm not making this up, honest). McLaughlin is involved in a plot to build a wall along the Mexican border which will be used to control the supply of illegal drugs and drive up prices. McLaughlin and Torrez are both in bed with a leader of the anti-Mexican militia, Lt. Stillman (Don Johnson of the “Miami Vice” and “Nash Bridges” TV shows). Another bad guy is McLaughlin's corrupt chief of staff, Booth (Jeff Fahey of the TV show “Lost”). Another key player is Luz (Michelle Rodriguez of the TV show “Lost”). She is head of an underground Hispanic organization opposed to McLaughlin, Stillman and the others. Other players include Jessica Alba and Lindsay Lohan.

The central character is Machete, played by Danny Trejo, who originated this character in another Rodriguez film, “Spy Kids” in 2001 and continued playing the character in two “Spy Kids” sequels. Those films also had an element of Hispanic pride in them. He also continued the character in the “Machete” and “Planet Terror” segments of “Grindhouse,” segments also directed by Rodriguez. According to the film's credits, two more sequels may be planned (or, more probably, they are just spoof titles), so the legend of Machete may not be over yet. Trejo looks nothing if not tough. When he tells a bad guy that he messed with the wrong Mexican, you believe him. Like the gladiator Maximus, he will have his revenge in this life or the next. Torrez says something to that effect in his battle with Machete.

There is an awful lot of blood in this film and a lot of hacked off body parts, but the action is so over-the-top you can't really take these elements seriously. The same is true of the sex scenes, which are every bit as ridiculous as the fight scenes. Despite all the splatter and sex, it is all done with a smile. This film is certainly not for all tastes, but it is very entertaining if you enjoy it in the same spirit it was made. It helps if you happen to agree with its political message as well. This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2010 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at .