Sunday, February 6, 2011

Machete

Directed by Ethan Maniquis & Robert Rodriguez (also written by), Overnight Films, 2010. Starring Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba, Robert De Niro, and Michelle Rodriguez. Along with Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, Jeff Fahey and Lindsay Lohan.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Question: If you wanted to watch the antitheses of a Nora Ephron or Cameron Crowe movie, who would you select?

Answer: Robert Rodriguez without a doubt (or maybe Quentin Tarantino).

Although another director got top billing on Machete, this movie screams Robert Rodriguez. He wrote, co-directed, produced and edited this one. So I knew what to expect - I thought.

I am pretty open minded when it comes to movie selections; and I have really enjoyed some of Mr. Rodriguez's other films (Once Upon A Time in Mexico, From Dusk Till Dawn & Desperado) but Machete was not one I would recommend for most people.

To quote my husband (since we watched this together and it was his selection): "6 decapitations and a hot naked chick - all within the first  minute. This is such a guy's film!" All this spoken through laughter as the scenes unfolded. I would have to agree with him but I watched it anyway.

With the over the top violence, wretched dialogue and a minor attempt at a storyline, Machete purposely delivers a tongue-in-cheek film. It is a comedy and must be viewed as one. If you are easily grossed out or offended - do not watch this movie. But if you have a sense of humor and don't mind blatant attempts of evoking  the child within silliness by all means, rent it.

I can not tell you how many times "Oh my god!" or "No way?" came sputtering out of our mouths through giggles and grins. It definitely wasn't a typical date night movie for most but we enjoyed it (to a certain degree).

My favorite thing: The reaction my husband got at the hospital scene. *hint* "60 feet".

My least favorite: Lindsay Lohan

Possibility of a sequel? I would expect no less from Robert Rodriguez.

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? Not a chance.

Rating: R
Length: 105 minutes

Review: 4 out of 10 (but my husband gave it a 7 out of 10)

Machete - DVD

Videos on Demand

2 comments:

Leah said...

Sounds like one to pass on unless we're in the mood to laugh in spite of something. Enjoyed that review.

Tired of Previews said...

Thanks Leah - I think you got what I was trying to say about this film. It's great to get feedbeack.