Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that although Machete is directed by Spy Kids' Robert Rodriguez, this movie -- which is based on a fake trailer that Rodriguez created for the 2007 film Grindhouse -- is definitely not for kids. Like some of his other adult-oriented movies, it's filled with crazy violence, gratuitous nudity and sexual innuendo, and strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"), as well as drinking and smoking. Though it's well made and actually has a very strong message about racial tolerance, this kind of extreme filmmaking is absolutely adults-only fare.
Sexual
Content
The main character sleeps with -- or almost sleeps with -- at least four different women. Machete rescues a naked girl in the opening scene; her breasts and bottom are visible. She conceals a phone in her vagina (she retrieves it offscreen). Two sexy nurses care for Machete in a hospital. He kisses girls in bed on two separate occasions and makes out with two naked women at once in a swimming pool. Jessica Alba is seen naked in the shower (side view). Michelle Rodriguez wears a sexy outfit -- leather bra, bare midriff, and leather pants. One adult male confesses to "impure thoughts" about his pretty daughter. Also sexual innuendo and sexual suggestion.
Violence
Tons of hyper-intense, hyper-stylized violence that pushs the envelope on splatter and gore. The hero kills many, many opponents, with few repercussions. Americans shoot Mexican innocents in cold blood at the border, including a pregnant girl. Viewers see severed heads, severed limbs, and punctured eyes. The hero uses a human intestine as a rope. A priest is crucified. Objects such as corkscrews, meat thermometers, weed whackers, broken glass, and high-heeled shoes are used as weapons, as well as lots and lots of big guns and knives. Cars are smashed up.
Language
Non-stop strong language, starting with multiple uses of "f--k" and "s--t" (in various forms). Also "son of a bitch," "c--ksucker," "pecker," "balls," "p---y," "whore," "nuts," "damn," "goddamn," "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation), "hell," and "a--hole," plus Spanish curses like "cabrn" and "pendejo."
Social
Behavior
Although there's an underlying message about racial tolerance, it's secondary to the constant violence (by both "good" and "bad" guys), sex, and language.
Consumerism
Not applicable.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Characters smoke cigarettes and drink tequila. One character takes some kind of pills with booze. Lindsay Lohan plays a drug addict who also smokes cigarettes (she's discovered passed out at a "crack house," but viewers never see her taking any drugs).