Machete Kills

Machete Kills is a high-octane action film released in 2013, directed by Robert Rodriguez and starring Danny Trejo, Alexa PenaVega, and Mel Gibson. The film is the sequel to the 2010 movie, Machete. The film expands upon the eccentric and violent world of the original film, keeping true to its Grindhouse roots with visceral action sequences, over-the-top on-screen violence, and wild characters, tropes no stranger to Rodriguez films.

In this second installment, Danny Trejo returns as the titular character, Machete, a former Mexican Federale turned vigilante. Trejo brings an undeniable gravitas to the role, effortlessly embodying the stone cold execution-style Machete is famous for. Trejo’s rough charisma shines through his iconic character, making it a gripping portrayal of a relentless hero driven by a moral compass.

The story reveals Mexican ex-Federal agent, Machete, being called upon by the President of the United States, unforgettably played by Charlie Sheen, employing his unique style of eccentric flair. The President assigns him a nearly impossible mission, to take down a revolutionary warlord and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer, depicted by Mel Gibson with an icy menace. As Machete traverses through difficult terrains and battles treacherous villains, he encounters an array of colorful allies and adversaries.

Among these is Alexa PenaVega as KillJoy, a skilled assassin with a penchant for violence and sophisticated weaponry. She emanates a lethal charm in her portrayal, providing the perfect foil to the rough-around-the-edges Machete. Mel Gibson, on the other hand, skillfully plays the larger-than-life antagonist, proving himself as a formidable adversary to Machete’s unyielding resolve.

Despite its outright absurdity, the film congregates a star-studded ensemble including the likes of Michelle Rodriguez as Luz/She, a tough-as-nails taco-stand owner and part-time revolutionary; Jessica Alba as the dedicated and fearless Sartana and the flamboyant and conniving El Cameleon played by a host of notable stars including Lady Gaga in her film debut.

Machete Kills is steeped in Robert Rodriguez's trademark style of satire blended with action — a homage to the exploitation films of the past. From its comic book-styled violence to its deliberately outrageous storylines, Machete Kills never shies away from its Grindhouse inspirations. Through a combination of tongue-in-cheek humor, narrative exaggeration, and vivid characters, Rodriguez crafts a film that is entertaining and often wittily self-aware.

The aesthetic of the film adds to its appeal, displaying an authentically gritty and grimy universe that complements its pulpy story. The cinematography, courtesy of Robert Rodriguez, employs a varying palette of saturation and rich colors, enhancing the visual appeal of the film, while the action sequences are choreographed with a brutal sense of balletic grace, visceral intensity, and comic book bravado.

The film’s score, composed by Rodriguez's band Chingon, matches the energy of the visuals in equal measure with a blend of heavy guitar riffs and emphatic percussion, adding to the film's gritty, audacious ambiance.

In essence, Machete Kills is a gloriously outrageous action film, rife with absurdity, bristling with exaggeration and richly steeped in audacious humor. The film, in a nutshell, thrives on its repeated defiance of realism, a wild joy ride that gleefully parodies its exploitation inspirations while proudly brandishing its brazen absurdity. It employs a refreshing, if not ostentatious, take on the action genre, reveling in its over-the-top portrayals and audacious narrative. Unabashedly cheeky, the film engages audiences with its blend of high-octane action, comic book appeal, and larger-than-life characters, providing an unforgettable cinematic escapade.