Movie Review - Machete Kills

Machete Kills **½ (R) For those who missed the backstory, Machete began as a fake trailer within a campy retro double feature by Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and some of their cronies, nostalgically titled Grindhouse. It starred Danny Trejo as an avenger racking up a big body count of bad guys. The bit was such a fan fave they decided to stretch the concept into a funny, bloody action flick in 2010. That was such a hit (including a Best Comedy nomination from the St. Louis film Critics), Rodriguez co-wrote and directed this sequel.

I loved the first one, as Trejo rallied an abused Hispanic underclass against the politicians and big business types who were exploiting and vilifying them. Many died in a flick that managed to be a solid genre piece and hilarious spoof at the same time. This one, alas, suffers from a bit of sequel dropoff, but still has a few highlight moments on both the gore and comedy scales. Trejo’s entire persona may make Vin Diesel seem like Cary Grant, but the highly popular character actor handles his grim eponymous role as if to the manor born. Or, perhaps, the barrio. Several cameos and supporting roles from big-name performers (Mel Gibson, Lady Gaga, Sophia Vergara, Carlos Estevez, to name a few) add to the fun, and pave the way for a possible third outing. (10/11/13)