(m)Exploitation

I remember watching the Grindhouse (2007) double bill when it was first released in the cinema and the sense of cinematic superiority I could display upon hearing a patron in the row behind state his excitement at seeing the upcoming feature 'Machete' for which the trailer had just been screened. Little did I know it would be he who was to enjoy laughing last.

I have been excited about the release of Robert Rodriguez's Machete since it was announced that the trailer was to be made into a full length production. My love for exploitation cinema has been well documented throughout my blog and this year has already seen a classic in Black Dynamite receive its overdue UK release. Although I feared disappointment, caused by heightened levels of excitement, I soon found there was no reason to worry. The original trailer for Machete, contained within Grindhouse, promised a full-on exploitation fix whereas, upon first viewing, the official trailer for the actual release was much less encouraging. It just didn't have the same impact and it appeared as the grindhouse look of Rodriguez's Planet Terror (2007) had been ditched in favour of that of the generic action-movie. I was wrong.

The plot sees Danny Trejo in his first leading role playing Mexican immigrant Machete. An ex federale who sets out to right the wrongs resulting from the killing of his wife. Some time later we join Machete as he seeks work as a day labourer in Texas before being offered $150,000 to kill a corrupt Senator. Accepting the cash involves Machete in a plot to win support for the Senator and he is quickly double crossed and hunted for the assassination attempt. Machete is unstoppable in his efforts to seek revenge and assist in the protection of Mexican immigrants to Texas.

The cast is extremely impressive and is notable for memorable performances from Robert De Niro, Steven Seagal and Cheech Marin. I really can't recommend the film enough especially if you, like me, are trying to avoid Potter-mania at all costs. The scenes that I looked forward to from the original trailer were included in the movie and the fact it was quite clear that these were filmed years previous, and sometimes even with different actors, added to the grindhouse feel of the film. I would have liked it to be heavier in terms of stylisation but the action, script and acting is more than enough to satisfy. It has been reported that the sequel, promised during the credits, has already been written and with a 'more violent' directors cut due for DVD release Machete isn't going away anytime soon.

Official Site - http://www.vivamachete.com