A plot with an action-reaction approachBy: Nate Corley
– Staff Writer –
It’s a dark and silent night as several Mexican citizens try to illegally cross the American border however, before they can reach safety they are surrounded by Jeeps and Humvees, most scatter into the darkness but one married couple who are obviously pregnant are unable to run away from their pursuers. The couple is then mercilessly shot down by a gang of American border vigilantes. In the gangs midst is an American senator whose campaign solely rests on the de-humanization and deportation of America’s illegal population. Thus begins “Machete,” one of the most action packed, comedic and bitter sweet films of 2010.
The original film outline of “Machete” began back in 2007 with its fake release trailer that accompanied Rodriguez’s and Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 “Grindhouse” films. Rodriguez originally planned to expand the trailer into a feature-length film that would end up being a bonus feature for his other film “Planet Terror.” However, it ended up turning into a full-fledged theatrical release. “Machete” racks out an all-star cast that includes Robert De Niro playing the illegal immigrant hating Sen. McLaughlin, Cheech Marin plays the shot gun toting badass Padre; Lindsay Lohan plays the ditsy and very exhibitionist April Booth, and Steven Segal who plays Torrez the evil drug lord of the film.
The basic plot line of “Machete” follows a simple action-reaction approach. The story begins and ends with anti-hero of the masses Machete Cortez (Danny Trejo) fighting for the rights and safety of illegal immigrants in America while fending off waves of evil senators, assassins from poorly made websites, an INS agent with attitude, a taco stand rebel ready to lead a new revolution, and a small army of American vigilantes hell bent on stopping the immigrants at the border…violently.
While the cast listing kept the film entertaining, the virtual lack of plot coupled with the bittersweet reality of America’s current economic crisis which has been attributed to the rise in illegal immigration seems to have the audience laughing at some points, and awkwardly looking away at others.
