Review: Grindhouse (2007)
Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino
Rated R for strong graphic bloody violence and gore, terror, pervasive language, some sexuality.

I've made it a habit to see movies at odd times of the day. Not only does this mean fewer crowds--which is always a plus--but more importantly, late afternoon, weekday showings usually mean cheaper ticket prices. Frankly, the little more than 90 minutes of entertainment offered by most movies these days is rarely worth the $8+ for evening admission. Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse, on the other hand...well, I would've felt satisfied paying twice that.

In this double-feature throwback to the sleazy action and horror flicks of the 70's, Grindhouse is an excellent showcase of mindless entertainment complete with film grain and clever faux trailers by some of horror's best directing talent.

The first main attraction is Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror. In this over over-the-top zombie thriller, a group of small town Texans--including, among others, a one-legged go-go dancer with an assault rifle prosthetic--are forced into a fight for their lives. Get ready for gore, guns, girls, and laughs galore.

Planet Terror is everything good about monster and action movies rolled into one brilliant concoction of pure balls to the wall entertainment. A glamorized, CGI smorgasbord, it is complimented excellently by the traditional and disgusting makeup effects of Gregory Nicotero's KNB effects group. Seriously, if Planet Terror doesn't keep you in a constant state of awe and enjoyment, you need to stop going to see movies.

The spot on cast also features such cult favorites as Tom Savini and Michael Biehn. It's definitely a zombie movie for fans by a fan...And not to be missed by those interested in the genre.

Next up comes Quentin Tarantino's road thriller Death Proof. Starring Kurt Russell as the sly Suntman Mike, two groups of women face off against him in what turns into one of the greatest real-life car chases ever filmed.

About as different from the grandeur of Planet Terror as possible, Death Proof is all about suspense, tight direction, and plenty of Tarantino-esque dialog. With more than a few similarities to Reservoir Dogs in this regard, its markedly slower pace (that is until the climax) may be a buzz-kill for some. But keep with it, because before long, it gets good in a big way.

The main draw of Death Proof is its spectacular car chase near the end. Quite unlike Planet Terror, it reportedly contains no CGI enhancements. If so, then it is certainly a noteworthy piece of cinematic history. The stuntwork involved is simply mind-blowing.

Put short, Grindhouse is a true spectacle of cult filmmaking. This stuff certainly isn't for everyone--the heavy gore, strong language, sexual undertones, and over 3 hour length will be a turn off for some--but if this is your bag, then you'll have more fun during this movie experience than anything yet this year.

One thing's for sure...Grindhouse makes 300 look like a friggen flip book. Go see it.

Rating: 5 / 5