Is Machete Kills Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Machete Kills is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Machete Kills Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Machete Kills emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Crime, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Ex-Federale agent Machete is recruited by the President of the United States for a mission which would be impossible for any mortal man – he must take down a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer who has hatched a plan to spread war and anarchy across the planet. Unlike standard genre fare, Machete Kills attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Machete Kills features a noteworthy lineup led by Danny Trejo . Supported by the likes of Mel Gibson and Demián Bichir , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Machete Kills (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Machete Kills Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Machete Kills is a Action, Crime, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. Ex-Federale agent Machete is recruited by the President of the United States for a mission which would be impossible for any mortal man – he must take down a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer who has hatched a plan to spread war and anarchy across the planet. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Machete Kills Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Machete Kills attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Machete Kills reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Machete Kills Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Machete Kills incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Machete Kills adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Machete Kills?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Machete Kills Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Machete Kills Budget
The estimated production budget for Machete Kills is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Machete Kills
- Danny Trejo – Machete Cortez
- Mel Gibson – Luther Voz
- Demián Bichir – Mendez
- Amber Heard – Blanca Vasquez / Miss San Antonio
- Michelle Rodriguez – Luz
Top Highlights
Danny TrejoMachete Cortez
Mel GibsonLuther Voz
Demián BichirMendez
Amber HeardBlanca Vasquez / Miss San Antonio
Michelle RodriguezLuz
Sofía VergaraDesdemona
Charlie SheenMr. President (credited as Carlos Estévez)
Jessica AlbaSartana Rivera
Lady GagaLa Camaleon
Alexa PenaVegaKillJoy
Where to Watch Machete Kills Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Machete Kills is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Machete Kills stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Machete Kills movie hit or flop?
Machete Kills has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Machete Kills worth watching?
Machete Kills is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Crime, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Machete Kills online?
Machete Kills may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Machete Kills
I wonder what drugs Rodriguez was on when he wrote this movie but he must have been under the influence of something since it is even more weird and insanely violent than his usual concoctions. What is worse it that it really is somewhat incoherent, like ideas for scenes was just strung together with no real concern for the overall picture. I did like the movie as a two-hour distraction from reality and I had quite a few laughs at the ludicrously violent scenes. Unfortunately some of them made me squirm in my seat because the where not really funny-violent but just silly-violent. Charlie Sheen as a president was a real really poor choice of actor. Mel Gibson as Voz was better and I have to confess that I do like Michelle Rodriguez. Lady Gaga? Well, “bof” as the French say. Machete himself, which to me was one of the main reasons for watching the movie, was also a bit of a disappointment. He walked through the movie like he was just boored being on the set. There was never any real spark. At the end of the movie I have to say that I felt a little disappointed. As I wrote, I did like it but it never reached the levels of enjoyment that I hoped for.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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