Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- campy
- irreverent
- lurid
- cult movie night
- grindhouse double feature
What critics said
Critics generally found the sequel's schlocky lunacy and violent spectacle familiar but less deftly assembled and less spark-filled than its predecessor.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film uses absurd villains, weaponized sexuality, grotesque kills, and deliberately over-the-top action as its primary comic register.
Machete is a former Federale who accepts a presidential mission and personally pursues figures threatening mass destruction.
The missile aimed at Washington drives Machete's mission, Mendez's threat, and the pursuit by opposing agents.
The border patrol and assassination plot develops into a mission involving the White House, nuclear Armageddon, and potential global war.
Films like Machete Kills, and why
Machete
Shares exaggerated grindhouse action, vigilante violence, dark comedy, and intentionally cartoonish exploitation aesthetics.
Planet Terror
Shares hyper-stylized action, irreverent humor, graphic violence, and pulpy revenge storytelling.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
Shares flamboyant exploitation filmmaking, outrageous set pieces, splatter violence, and comic-book excess.
Shoot 'Em Up
Shares campy action spectacle, eccentric villains, sexualized provocation, and knowingly absurd genre conventions.
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Rodriguez
- Release Date
- 2013-09-12
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (2099)
Cast
- Danny Trejo
- Mel Gibson
- Demián Bichir
- Amber Heard
- Michelle Rodriguez
- Sofía Vergara
- Charlie Sheen
- Lady Gaga
- Antonio Banderas
- Walton Goggins
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Machete Kills about?
- A stone-faced former Federale hacks through assassins, revolutionaries, and nuclear intrigue in a deliriously violent grindhouse action spectacle.
- What is Machete Kills like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Machete Kills as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Machete Kills violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Machete Kills as graphic.
- What did critics think of Machete Kills?
- Critics generally found the sequel's schlocky lunacy and violent spectacle familiar but less deftly assembled and less spark-filled than its predecessor.
- Which films are like Machete Kills?
- Films with a similar feel include Machete, Planet Terror, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, and Shoot 'Em Up.
- How long is Machete Kills?
- Machete Kills runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch Machete Kills?
- In United States, Machete Kills streams on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel.
