(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

Men Are From Venus...

The two main DVD releases next week are at opposing ends of the gender spectrum; one film aimed directly at females and the other at their male counterparts. I have to admit to not being a big fan of either television series and this may have influenced the way I approached each of the two films however it is important to note that both were successful at the box office and will fill many a stocking come December 25th.

Man up and get in there! 

The A-Team (or Das A-Team - Der Film as it is known in Germany) was released on 30th July this year and stars Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson and UFC light-heavyweight Quentin 'Rampage' Jackson as B.A Barracus. The A-Team does not deviate from the tried and tested formula of the series which is no bad thing as this lends itself well to the action blockbuster. Starting with a mission in Iraq, the four horsemen are quickly double crossed and find themselves on the wrong side of the law before creatively freeing each other from the confines of federal housing and embarking on the rectification of the wrongs they have suffered. The A-Team offers little in the way of surprise but is an enjoyable watch and delivers on the big budget entertainment we all expected from the release.

Overkill is underrated

The stand out scene for me involved the steering of a tank using heavy artillery which about summarises what you can expect from the movie. Good performances from the main cast members, and enough of a narrative structure to keep your attention and build suspense.

I have never been a big fan of the Sex and the City series and was further put off the sequel to the first cinematic outing after being reliably informed, by an ardent fan, that it is "dire... it really is". The plot will be immediately familiar to followers as the recognisable protagonists continue their efforts to find love and settle down with the odd mishap added for comedic effect. The original movie was filled with references to the fashion industry to the point where it seemed like a prolonged series of product placements.

You have to take the tradition, and decorate it your way

The thing that has always stood out to me about the narrative of the series was that, for all the proposed Independence and 'girl-power', the protagonists continually strive for male assurance and companionship and it is only when this is realised that the characters can be fulfilled and the series end happily. It does however draw huge audiences and continues to bring in endless amounts of profit for the producers and stars. I am sure that, even after the poor critical reception of this sequel, this will not be the last of these characters on the big screen. Audiences were drawn to the boundary pushing of the narrative content and the frank portrayal of sex has led to a change in mainstream attitudes so the series is not without merit. I hope however that the controversy is not generated in depictions to come through the desperate escapades of the aging cast.

Both movies are out on 29th November but if neither releases tickle your fancy I would recommend a trip to the cinema for Machete or The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest.

Official Site
http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com
http://www.ateam-movie.com