Movie Preview: Machete

By Michael Vass | August 25, 2010

A year ago I first mentioned my initial thoughts on Robert Rodriguez’s film Machete starring Danny Trejo. With little information on the film I was focused on the chance of Trejo to become more of a leading, if action oriented, star. I stated

“The big question is if this can work. Can a film starring a Mexican, with an American bad guy, hold up? The fact that there will be some martial arts fighting, a couple of young starlets likely in tight nothing, and lots of gunfights will not hurt a bit.”

My question on this film is even more relevant today than when asked in 2009. This is especially true now that we know far more about the film itself.

Machete is not just an action film. It’s a statement about U.S. politics focused firmly on immigration and illegal aliens. At least that is directly what Robert Rodriguez wants the film to be promoted on. The first clue was a doozy when Rodriguez released a “special dedication trailer” for Arizona (after passage of the Arizona Immigration Law). Which promted me to state

“But if this becomes some kind of political rally call, rest assured that it will fail. Even if the film is great, for it’s genre. The backlash and controversy won’t make a dime in the U.S.”

What is Machete? Is it an action film, or a political statement?

Machete is really a political statement in the guise of a film. With so much more of the film and trailers out now we can see what it’s about. It is focused on a politician (played by DeNiro) that is oddly a caricature of Senator John McCain and Republicans. The staff of the politician, notably Jeff Fahey, use Machete (Trejo) to execute an assasination of the politician – who is up for re-election.

The assassination is really just a ruse to gain votes, and the intention is to kill Macete, pumping up illegal immigration fevor. When the murder of Machete fails, he seeks revenge – and gathers up what seems to be a horde of Mexican illegal alien allies (including Michelle Rodriguez – no relation – and Cheech Marin) to go up against police (Don Johnson) and shady enforcers (Steven Segal). By the way, Machete is a Mexican Federale – apparently working independently (and possibly illegally) on U.S. soil – and it is unclear if he would have actually killed the politician who has strong illegal immigration views.

The point of the film seems to be that Mexicans are people and deserve a better life. Politicians are evil because they want to deny these good people a chance to live. Therefore the evil politicians, and their views, should be removed – permenantly.

It’s all well and good if you are into Liberal politics, or happen to be an illegal alien. But beyond that, the over-simplification of the serious and complicated issue of illegal aliens in America deserves better than a faulty action film fantasy.

Perhaps it’s me, but I don’t want to go to a theater to see a poli-sci class. Given that action films often touch upon bigger issues, but they almost invariably suck when the issue is the point and the action is the backdrop. Hollywood should have learned that lesson after the slew of anti-American, hate-the-military, films that went unseen from 2005 – 2009. Lions for Lambs ring a bell? Probably not since no one saw it.

As I have said before, I like the prior films of Rodriguez and Trejo. I think both are talented. But I don’t share their politics, nor will I help fund their positions by seeing a film that is a 90 minute indoctrination.

It’s a shame, I was looking forward to this film. But knowing more about it now, seeing the direction that the film wants to promote, means I will not see it nor buy the DVD. It’s even unlikely that I would watch this on cable. At best I might watch it for review if I am paid.

Robert Rodriguez wanted to make a statement, illegal aliens (mostly from Mexico) are good people and the law is hurting them. Since he wants to bring up politics, here is my response. My response is they are good people that actively and intentionally have broken the law. I don’t feel bad, and less so when they demand rights and rewards for their criminal actions.

This film will likely do great in L.A. and other santuary cities, not to mention Mexico. Illegal aliens will likely flock to the film as well. But I doubt anyone else will see it or enjoy it as much.

Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)