Machete

As part of his 'Grindhouse' double feature with Quentin Tarentino, Robert Rodriguez made a fake trailer for a film called 'Machete'. Now we get to see the real film.

As evidenced by 'Grindhouse', Robert Rodriguez knows that genre and can make a great fun horror film. This is more in the action territory but is not as good as 'Planet Terror'. It lacks a lot of the fun the earlier film had. I realise that he and co-director Ethan Maniquiz are trying to make a political statement with the film but the balance between fun and serious message seems to favour the serious message side. Some of the fights are very good and Machete certainly knows how to butcher his enemies to pieces, with lots of blood and guts. There are also heaps of Robert's trademark scenes and action hallmarks. Another problem is that he seem to want to cram too much into the film and so it is far too long and drags in a few places.

Danny Trejo has nicely played supporting characters in most of Robert Rodriguez's films. It is great to see him front and centre. It is not the type of role to stretch his acting talents too much but he is definitely suited to the role. Jessica Alba is very good but I can't see any chemistry with Danny. I admire Robert DeNiro for doing this film and he seems to be having a lot of fun doing it. The rest of the cast do a good job in their small roles. If the tabloids are to be believed then Lindsay Lohan is playing herself.

A good but not terribly great action film. Lots of blood to keep you interested but the story gets a little too preachy and takes some of the fun away.