35/50x2: Machete

This was one of those films that the idea of it really had me interested, but I was a bit put off by the horrible violence that may be portrayed. Luckily, I got past that and decided to watch it anyway - and the violence was much more cartoony than horrible.

So, Machete was originally created as a fake trailer in front of the Grindhouse double feature. It was so popular that Robert Rodriguez decided to create a full-length film from it.

So, Machete (Danny Trejo) is a Federale. He is on his way to rescue a kidnapped girl when he is betrayed by his own chief and handed over to a drug-lord, Rogelio Torrez (Steven Seagal). Torrez kills Machete's wife and daughter in front of him and then leaves him for dead.

Years later, a man that looks like Machete shows up in Texas looking for odd jobs. He winds up being hired by Michael Booth (Jeff Fahey) to kill Senator McLaughlin (Robert De Niro), who is re-running for his senate position and is sending hundreds of illegal immigrants out of the country.

But, as Machete lines up the shot he realizes he is being setup, Booth works for McLaughlin and this was a way to gain sympathy votes and help McLaughlin's border campaign. Machete ends up being shot in the shoulder, but is able to escape.

Sartana Rivera (Jessica Alba) is an agent brought in to track down and bring in Machete. But, she along with Luz (Michelle Rodriguez) help Machete in taking revenge against both Booth and McLaughlin. Not to mention Machete's priest brother, Padre (Cheech Marin) and Booth's daughter out for revenge of her own, April (Lindsay Lohan).

I have to admit this was a pretty fun romp to watch. Sure, it was way over the top, but the filmmakers knew that and did it on purpose. Everyone working on this film was obviously in on this being so over the top - and it worked tremendously. It was really entertaining throughout.

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