Machete Kills (2013)
Machete originated as a peripheral character in Robert Rodriguez’s Spy Kids series. After appearing in a fake trailer in Grindhouse (2007) the character transitioned into the star of his own series of films in Machete (2010).
Danny Trejo is amazing as the titular Mexican bad ass. His natural charisma elevates this material beyond the gag premise.
Mel Gibson does his best work in years as the unhinged super bad guy, Luther Voz. His personal baggage enhances the performance because you feel like you’re seeing a glimpse into his disturbed mind.
Charlie Sheen (credited under his actual name, Carlos Estevez) is perfect as President Rathcock. Once again, his personal story enhances the character.
Michele Rodriguez continues in her quest to make a career out of playing one role: angry, Hispanic woman.
Walton Groggins, whose career should have exploded after his performance as Shane Vendrell, Cuba Gooding Jr., whose career faded after the success of Jerry Maguire (1996), Lady Gaga, whose musical career seems to be fading, and Antonio Banderas, who’s had one of the most successful Hollywood careers of any Hispanic actor, combine to play El Chameleon, an assassin who drastically changes appearance after every murder.
I’m not sure why critics disliked the film because I thought it was hysterical, like a cross between a feature-length Itchy and Scratchy, all the cheesiest elements of vintage 1970s James Bond, and the mania of Airplane! (1980). It doesn’t have anything to say about the world we live in, but you can tell everyone involved had a great time making it, and I had a good time watching it.