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Film Review: Machete

Machete

Vivian Gil

Absolutely over-the-top in every way imaginable, Machete wasn’t billed as a comedy but the movie has so many outrageous kills, ridiculous lines and eccentric characters it’s impossible not to laugh your way through the movie.

Director and writer Robert Rodriguez, along with writer Álvaro Rodríguez and director Ethan Maniquis, created Machete. Machete, played by Danny Trejo, is an ex-federale myth known for his crazy killing skills and weapon of choice. He’s hired to shoot the Texas Senator (Robert De Niro) as a part of a larger plot formulated by politicians to control the border and therefore the drugs. But, instead, he’s double-crossed and enlists the help of Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez to engage in a crusade against the corrupt government.

 If you get sick at the sight of blood, this movie is not for you. Intestines are ripped out of bodies and heads are blown away in a gruesome display of death. This movie is an epic action flick where the cheesy lines make the film. Fans of Rodriguez’s previous work or the works Quentin Tarintino will thoroughly enjoy this movie.

Film Review: Mortal Kombat

Film Review: Mortal Combat

Vivian Gil

To enter the great realm of Earth and take over our world, the Outerworld must win ten Mortal Kombat tournaments. Once in a generation the greatest fighters in the world are rounded together to fight for the safety of our Earth. Now, after winning nine tournaments, the Outerworlds need one more win to invade and conquer Earth. Three fighters, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade band together to fight for the safety of Earth.

Based on the video games, Mortal Kombat, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, is an action-packed film that brings to life the characters from which it was inspired. On their journey to win the tournament, each fighter must battle with their demons to truly become the winners of Mortal Kombat. Helped along the way by Raiden (Christopher Lambert), the God of lightening, he tries to help his chosen fighters overcome their demons to win. Liu Kang (Robin Shou) seeks revenge on Shang Tsung (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), a sorcerer and tournament host, for the murder of his brother, Johnny Cage (Linden Ashby) aims to prove himself after the actor finds himself the center of the media’s joke, and Sonya Blade (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras) hunts for revenge after the murder of her partner.

Although this movie dates back to 1995, it still enjoyable today. The lines sound cheesy now, but to anyone who has played the videogame, lines like “finish him” are classic. To those who have never played the game, the movie is easy to keep up with and the fight scenes do not disappoint and the film even throws some funny lines and hints of romance, effectively expanding its audience.

Film Review: Miracle at St.Anna

Miracle at St. Anna

Vivian Gil

Director Spike Lee brings us a story by New York Times bestseller James McBride. Miracle at St. Anna follows four Buffalo Soldiers from the Army’s Negro 92nd Division during World War II. After they cross over German lines, the Buffalo soldiers find refuge in a small Tuscan village. Fighting a war for a country that doesn’t respect them, the soldiers manage to find solace in the unlikely peasant village. Although they are fighting along Buffalo soldiers, the white American soldiers still experienced racist feelings towards their fellow comrades. On the other side, is the Buffalo soldiers’ unfamiliar friendships with those of white skin. The film stars Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, and Omar Benson Miller as the African American soldiers.  

Along with tackling the racial tensions that occurred in the period, Lee tiptoes around the mysterious and unexplained.  After finding the head of a statue, the soldiers begin to experience life or death situations and prevail numerous times. They begin to treat the head as a superstitious magical power. When one of the soldiers rescues a little boy (Matteo Sciabordi), the boy returns the favor by helping them in inexplicable ways. It becomes a war movie with a touch of fantasy.

Lee confronts a side of war that is often never portrayed: the African America point of view. He not only tackles a difficult story, but also shoots in an exhilarating way. With slow death scenes yet quick transitions, he leaves you no time to mourn the losses until the final shot that scans over the dead bodies so you can take in the full effect. 

The film does struggle with length and fluency. At around 160 minutes you have to make a conscious effort to focus on the story. Different sub plots occur that intertwine and it becomes difficult to keep track of them all. But in the end, the movie captures an emotional story with lead characters that hardly ever get their story told in Hollywood.

Dark Elf Featured Talent: Melissa Heflin

 

Where do you see yourself as an actress?

I want to be a Screen Queen-I am an aspiring to be a Screen Queen anyway!

Tell us a little about yourself- how did you get into entertainment?

I did an online web commercial for Reese’s peanut butter cups when I was 14.

I started runway when I was 13 or 14 and when I was 19 I got to be a supporting lead in my first film, “Scarlet Rain,” a Horror film.

 

Who do you enjoy working with?

My friend Johnny Sullivan-I worked with him on Scarlet Rain, Crave, Plan 9 from Outer Space the remake and a few others. He has worked on Pirates of the Caribbean, and he’s really really funny.

Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?

I am in the process of going to Rome to film Left 4 Dead, as a witch. I’m very excited, I love that video game!