Likely to leave a big goofy grin on the face of any self-professed exploitation lover, Machete finally hacks and slashes his way onto the cinema screen thanks to the deadly team-up between director Robert Rodriguez and star Danny Trejo.

Born from the 'teaser trailer' that formed part of Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse extravaganza back in 2007, the opus is a loving tribute to the wildly over-the-top ultra-violent actioners of years gone by.

Starting off at a hyper-kinetic pace, with buckets of blood to boot, the movie has everything you would expect and hope – and more.

Machete ripping out a goon's intestines to escape out of a hospital window? You've got it.

Machete hacking off countless heads with his trademark blade? You've got it.

The likes of Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba and even Robert De Niro brandishing guns for some shoot em-up madness? You've even got that.

Rodriguez veteran Trejo takes on the role of Machete, a former Mexican cop who sees his family killed by drug baron Torrez (played by Steven Seagal).

Machete relocates to Texas, becoming a down-and-out offered a chance to make some quick cash by assassinating the Governor (De Niro).

Unbeknownst to Trejo though, the deal is a set-up, which instead sees him left for dead, vowing vengeance on everyone and everything who has crossed him.

All this sounds great right?

Indeed it does - which makes the fact that Machete does not quite hit the spot all the more frustrating.

There are undoubtedly moments of pure genius here, and the guffaws in the screening I attended confirm that.

Inventive, eye-opening and at times downright crazy, the action sequences are Rodriguez at his absolute best.

The script is thick with gags, cliches and plenty of inspired dialogue, while the cinematography and soundtrack enhance the 70s vibe.

Add to that an absolutely sensational cast , with the likes of Don Johnson, Jeff Fahey, Cheech Marin and Michelle Rodriguez rounding out what must be one of the coolest ensembles to ever strut their stuff.

But, despite a stunning opening half-hour and a wild final half-hour, the mid-section leaves a lot to be desired.

It is as though Rodriguez felt he had to make a 'real' film, whereas you want him to go the whole hog and up everything to ludicrous levels.

Overall the film left me with a sense of frustration and a definite feeling of what might have been.

But, in terms of pure outrageous entertainment, there is still plenty to savour.