MACHETE (USA 2010) ***
Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis

Started off as a fake trailer for the double B-feature GRINDHOUSE several years back, MACHETE is made into a full movie which lives up to the promise of the trailer.  Danny Trejo reprises his role as Mexican MACHETE, pushed to the limit and forced to kill (with a machete, what else?) in order to survive.

Those familiar with Robert Rodriguez (EL MARIACHI, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, DESPERADO, GRINDHOUSE) films know what to expect and he delivers here in MACHETE which turns out to be one of his better films.

Rodriguez parodies B-films in general and probably his own earlier films.  MACHETET (Danny Trejo) is a highly skilled Federale soldier, hired by some unsavory types to assassinate a senator (Robert De Niro). But just as he’s about to take the shot, he notices someone aiming at him and realizes he’s been set up. He barely survives the sniper’s bullet, and is soon out for revenge on his former employers, with the reluctant assistance of his old friend (Cheech Marin), who has become a priest and taken a vow of nonviolence.

The story is relatively unimportant as the target audience that comes to watch this flick just want action, violence and more violence. This Rodriquez and his co-director Maniquiz provide.  In the first 10 minutes of the film, the lead character MACHET with his machete has decapitated 3 heads, chopped off hand and killed a dozen people at least.  As for dialogue and script, Rodriguez is no Tarantino who can provide exceptional distracting, compelling dialogue.  But the dialogue in MACHET is slick enough and to the point.  The humour is hilarious enough, especially when the 4 main bodyguards of the villain begin discussing their job and loyalty.  Cheech Marin is also in hilarious top form as a fast talking priest.

The action scenes are well executed and credit should be given for the effects of the modified cars.  The villain McLaughlin (De Niro) is spared in the climax, just so that he can be killed the proper way in the next 5 minutes.  Everyone appears to be having fun in the film, especially the lead actor, an old and pockmarked Trejo.  But he gets to kiss the leading lady, Jessica Alba.  Fortunately, the fun and spirit rubs off on the audience as well.