Review of Machete Kills (2013) by Alex R — 25 Oct 2013

In 2010, Robert Rodriguez adapted his fake trailer Machete to the screen. Machete was a fun, low budget style action film that was pretty farfetched. This follow-up still manages to keep the fun, and intensity of the original, but at the same time doesn't try to do anything new or refreshing with its ideas.

Despite this, I quite enjoyed the mindless action here, and it is a better movie than what most people have said about it. The film boasts an impressive cast, some surprising names (Lady Gaga, Charlie Sheen, or Carlos Estevez for this film.

). Although not perfect, this sequel will still appeal to diehard Machete fans. I really enjoyed the first one, because of its sheer ridiculous action and exploitation style, and it's a genre of film that I quite enjoyed.

This follow up still boasts everything that made the original worth checking out, but at times leaves a bit to be desired. The film's weak point is obviously Danny Trejo's lack of great dialogue, but I guess that's the whole point, his actions speak louder than words.

Still, it would have been interesting to have a bit more depth to the character, which would have made the film a bit better than what it turned out to be. For what it is, Machete Kills is a mindless popcorn flick worth checking out, but if you're expecting something like the first one, it leaves you wanting a bit more because the first film was better in terms of action, look and feel.

The original felt like vintage Exploitation cinema, this sequel feels a bit more polished, and it should have been a bit rawer to give that extra something to really make it a memorable thrill ride. In terms of a sequel, Machete Kills is very good, and lots of fun, if only they would have kept the grittiness of the original, then this one would have been a bit better.

Enjoyable overall, and worth seeing if you liked the first one.