Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo (2019) User Reviews

The true story of Danny Trejo

[siderite · 9/10 · 30 June 2020]

Danny Trejo is an extraordinary person coming from a very ordinary background and his story doesn't need embellishment, litle movie tricks to garner emotion or other crap like that. And that is why this little documentary is a decent one, not as in relatively good, but as in not disrespecting the viewer. It tells the story and that is it. It does have some people that kind of bring up their own opinions without actually having anything important to say, but they show their support for their friend, so it's OK.

In the film you learn how a Mexican gangbanger went to prison, got a break and never looked back. After more than 365 movies under his belt, Trejo keeps humble and helps other with drug addiction, going to prison to present his points and accepting almost every role thrown his way. I knew some of the story, but it is a great one to be told and I was happy to have seen this documentary. Trejo is 76 years old, still going strong and working as much as ever. Many people from Hollywood could learn from him.

Bottom line: See this old man, with an incredulous look on his face, talk about the life that should have ended him in his youth. He still can't get enough of life. A man to be admired and respected.

Machete's new leaf

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 7 July 2020]

Greetings again from the darkness. It's easy and convenient to lump folks into the old adage "people don't change", because not changing is the easiest way. However, we'd be hard pressed to find someone who fits the "turned over a new leaf" description better than Danny Trejo. He has certainly made the best of his second chance ... and he knows it. What makes his story inspirational is his willingness, no make that determination, to share his own story in hopes that he can help others.

Director Brett Harvey surprises us in a couple of ways with this documentary. First, he spends the first two-thirds on Trejo's background, with barely a mention of movies. Second, he recognizes the gold to mine here is derived from Trejo himself, and he allows the man to talk and show us what he's all about. Sure, we get bits of insight from Trejo's neighborhood friends, his acting peers, and his own kids and sister, but no one can tell Trejo's story better than Trejo. In fact, director Harvey bookends the film with Trejo talking to convicts, and beginning with "my number was B-948."

While cruising around town in his 1956 Chevy Bel Air, Trejo points out "Richie Valens Junior High", which is actually Pacoima Middle School. It's fascinating that he still lives in the same area in which he was raised, especially after we hear him recall his childhood. As a kid, his hero was Uncle Gilbert - the cool guy who had money, cars, and girls. Trejo stuck like glue to Gilbert, who turned the boy onto weed at age 8 and heroin at age 12, and then transitioned him to armed robbery (including a live grenade!). It was four bags of sugar sold to an undercover cop that sent Trejo to San Quentin.

Trejo is very direct as he discusses his time in prison and what occurred to push him towards getting his life in order. He mentions it's not about reform, but about keeping a promise. He talks about the 'predator or prey' aspect of prison and recalls some of the best advice he received: remaining on the path of drugs-alcohol-crime can only lead to death-insanity-jail. He absolutely believes these words and works this in to his motivational speeches to this day.

He stumbled backwards into an acting career, simply by visiting a friend on the set of RUNAWAY TRAIN (1985). His look and that tattoo were instrumental to his acting gigs, and that's where the title of the documentary comes from - he was cast as "Inmate #1" in the early days. Of course, things really exploded for him after his second cousin, director Robert Rodriguez, cast him as the silent assassin in DESPERADO (1995), and then again when Trejo got the lead in the tongue-in-cheek MACHETE (2010) which spawned from a fake trailer in the Rodriguez-Tarantino blend GRINDHOUSE (2007).

One of those interviewed states, "They make movies about guys like him", and by the time the documentary ends, we simply with there were more people like Danny Trejo in society. It's rare that we find such respect for an actor after getting to know what they are like "in real life." He may joke about learning acting at the San Quentin School of Dramatics, but he spends most of his time doing good for others. His infectious laugh and upbeat demeanor are traits of a man who appreciates his second chance in life. Just keep in mind, "Machete don't text."

A beautiful masterpiece

[pacman-81 · 8/10 · 25 June 2020]

What a story! The life of well known film star and hard man Danny Trejo is documented in this beautifully put together documentary. The story of his extraordinary life is told by the main man himself along with a really interesting group of family and friends. The story will have you in shock at some of the things he went through and done but in the end will leave truly uplifted and inspired. I can only conclude this by saying I absolutely loved it and didn't want it to end. I will watch this again and again.

Awesome movie!

[jewel-59463 · 10/10 · 22 September 2019]

Watched the world premiere last night at the Calgary film festival. It was so good. I left the theatre so I inspired. I would recommend this film to everyone.

Fantastic film!

[shaunh-62892 · 10/10 · 22 September 2019]

Director Brett Harvey takes a thoughtful and very inspiring look at a fascinating individuals life journey. The highs, the lows and the triumphant message of hope keep the viewer entranced. Highly recommended!

Nothing new as a Documentary. But as a fan of DJ, I enjoyed it.

[rochfordsimon · 6/10 · 10 July 2020]

A bit too long. Skips over his traumas as a child, which were interesting. Too much time spent on his prison life. The movie career section was good, but not great. Absolutely delighted for the man that DJ became, very inspirational. But that could have been portrayed better in the movie. He was a scumbag when younger, then become a working class hero. That aspect could have been detailed more.

None the less, very enjoyable. Too much positivity and not enough reasoning behind the 360 in his life. Documentary of an admirable man, with an ok director.

Hugely Inspirational

[Jimmy_JimJim · 9/10 · 27 July 2020]

They should have this film included in the Required High School Curriculum. Excellent!!

Treyos vs Kardashians

[cikazuba · 6/10 · 20 July 2020]

Ok, Danny Trejo is a legend. There is no doubt. His whole life is a movie and this is a good story but too long and half of it was actually boring. Directing is just bad. The worst thing about this documentary is the promotion of his family! I mean, his son and daughter, sister were talking all the time! They talked about situations like they were there! Like he is dead or something so we have to listen what happened . Jesus !

What a story. Fantastic movie.

[barrowdustin · 10/10 · 30 October 2019]

Just got out of a viewing of this movie and I really don't know how you could create a better biographical documentary. Dany Trejo is clearly an amazing human, he has an amazing story and the movie was really well made. Positive message, heart warming and good laughs. Truly an unbelievable life story.

Not just another pretty face

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 12 July 2020]

This is a documentary on the life of Danny Trejo as told by Danny Trejo. The first thing I discovered was that Danny was a better actor than a storyteller who laughs at his own jokes. I found his early life, downfall, and prison time boring. It was like listening to my own grandfather, "I remember when none of this was here" while we are still in the driveway. His turn around and film career was interesting. Note Trejo has nearly as many cameo appearances as Eric Roberts who was in his first film. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can look up. Trejo offers hope for addicts and non-lifers, but not inspirational enough for Lindey Lohan

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

A rather spectacular story of a great man

[latinfineart · 9/10 · 10 August 2020]

This was a really outstanding film about hope and redemption, a man who's life could have gone sideways found a way out, a way up and is now using his Mojo to bring inspiration into people's lives. What can you say about that in this day in age of over-bloated Hollywood actors who don't have the time of day for people.

A guy like Trejo is very refreshing, this guy really seems to be putting his heart and soul into helping people, inspiring people, changing lives, and giving people hope.

Especially when you consider the lack of role models in the Latin Street Community this guy's a bit of a real life superhero, and truly a beautiful soul.

This film was very well directed, the director just let Trejo shine through, and it is a very rewarding film.

Don't Miss This Film

[meagherthomas · 9/10 · 2 November 2019]

So many good films, but this is a great California Story. There are parts that don't work. The frequent comment by an attractive non-introspective actresses is a detraction. And the first of the film, Danny comes across as eccentric and not genuine, but as the film develops the man comes through and one can not come away impressed. There is one former prison guard out there that did Danny a solid by keeping his mouth shut. We are the beneficiary of Danny and some grace.

Interesting and inspiring.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 5 February 2023]

This is the second biography of Danny Trejo I have seen. However, this one is very different because instead of others talking about Trejo, most of "Inmate #1" consists of Trejo himself talking about his experiences and telling his life story. Because of this, I think you get to know more about him and appreciate his huge transformation from a street punk to a role model.

While I watched, I was surprised that my wife watched along with me and the story captivated her as well. And, after it was over, she talked and talked about what a nice role model he's become...and how interesting he was in the film. Overall, a truly well made film about one of the most interesting figures in Hollywood.

From hell to a superstar

[DLochner · 8/10 · 27 November 2021]

A great documentary about a dark chapter but also a positive chapter, a man who made it from the bottom up. It is really amazing how the director of the documentary shows a man who has gone through hell in the strong images. Murder, robbery, but also a wonderful childhood, but also the rise to a film star. All of this is possible. And this film shows that. Well done, wonderful interview partners and a well-rounded film. Everyone has their say. Absolutely worth seeing. Once through hell and to a superstar.

If your a fan of the Legend DANNY TREJO then you will LOVE this!!!

[lukem-52760 · 8/10 · 30 July 2021]

I first became a fan of the now legendary bit-part actor when i rented From Dusk Till Dawn on video way back in 1990's & was blown away by this scary hulking Mexican that stood out from the whole cast as a big presence on screen.

After the Cult Classic "From Dusk Till Dawn" i was a fan of Director Robert Rodriguez & Danny Trejo so i checked out their first team-up Desperado & loved that film too & once again that scary looking Mexican stole the show!!! Danny Trejo with his throwing knives was the best part of the movie in my opinion.

After those flicks i loved seeing Trejo pop up in films such as Anaconda, From Dusk Till Dawn 2, Heat, The Replacement Killers, Deception aka: Reindeer Games, Once Upon A Time In Mexico, Spy Kids, Con Air & many more!!!

As we know it was Robert Rodriguez's Machete from 2010 that cemented Trejo as a Cult Hero & New Kind of Leading Man & the film was a new kind too as a "Mexploitation" movie. Danny Trejo is now a Legend of Cinema & not only one of the hardest working & well liked actors of our times but also the nicest & most humble.

Inmate #1 is an incredible look at the harsh life of Danny Trejo & how he became the most unlikeliest of Leading men in movies. Trejo really is a nice guy & a man with a good heart & is a great family man.

Trejo made mistakes & learned from them & has spent the rest of his life helping people & being a positive force to anyone who has the pleasure to meet him.

I found this documentary to be really well made & thoughtful & very interesting & for anyone who loves that tough but good-hearted & distinctive actor named DANNY TREJO.

Trejo is a humble man & smart man & a guy that speaks the truth & speaks from his heart & I'm so glad he made it to where he is today. I love the actor & his movies especially his Machete & Dead in Tombstone & Dead Again in Tombstone & Machete Kills & Bullet but i can watch him in anything.

Danny Trejo is a legend.

Inmate #1 is a film that brings a smile to your face and instills hope for a brighter future. I aspire to meet Danny Trejo one day

[kevin_robbins · 8/10 · 2 November 2023]

I recently watched Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo (2019) on Tubi. The film traces Danny Trejo's life journey, from his early childhood and home environment to the influence of his uncle. It also delves into his school years, his struggles on the streets of Los Angeles, his time in the prison system, and how he not only survived but thrived as an inmate. Finally, it showcases his transformation and how it catapulted him to stardom.

Directed by Brett Harvey (Ice Guardians), the documentary features insights from notable figures such as Danny Trejo (Machete), Cheech Marin (Dusk till Dawn), Donal Logue (Blade), Michelle Rodríguez (Avatar) and Robert Rodriguez (Desperado).

I was captivated by every moment of this film. Danny Trejo's life story, from his upbringing to his prison experiences and his rise to Hollywood, is truly compelling. This docuseries is heartwarming and filled with hope. There's everything to love about this movie.

In conclusion, Inmate #1 is a film that brings a smile to your face and instills hope for a brighter future. I aspire to meet Danny Trejo one day. I would rate this a solid 8/10 and highly recommend it.

Inspiring

[rossodonnell-38825 · 9/10 · 29 July 2021]

I always liked Danny Trejo. From Desperado to Heat to Machete he always seemed hand made for the role. To see how he quite literally pulled himself up by his bootstraps, from small time hood to Hollywood star is inspiring. The one line I took from this film that resonates with me is "everything good that has happened in my life is a direct result of me helping somebody else..everything". Regardless of his fame and fortune, he still lives where he grew up, he still counsels addicts, gives back to his community every chance he gets. A living legend. A documentary that is well worth the watch.