Grindhouse Review

Written by: alex1176   

I love this movie!! The horror event of 2007 definitely lives up to its hype. "Grindhouse" is a ton of fun. It's like taking a trip back in time to the 1970's and watching a tacky, low-budget double feature at the local drive-in theater. "Planet Terror" and "Death Proof" couldn't be any more different, but they perfectly compliment each other. Both films pay homage to the exploitation flicks of the disco era and they each contain the signature styles of their respective directors.

Robert Rodgriuez's entry "Planet Terror" is over-the-top and visceral, while Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" is more subtle and heavier in dialogue. "Grindhouse" also features fake trailers that are brilliant, yet absolutely hilarous. MINOR SPOILERS. Horror directors Eli Roth (Hostel) and Rob Zombie (The Devil's Rejects) contributed two of them. Roth's is entitled "Thanksgiving" and perfectly captures the feel of an early 80's slasher film, while Zombie's "Werewolf Women of the SS" is a campy spoof that will have you rolling in laughter (who didn't love the Nicolas Cage cameo? or Udo Kier's appearance? ). I also loved the trailer to "Machete" (directed by Rodriguez) which stars Danny Trejo as the title character and recreates his scene from "Desperado" (he's throwing blades into a limousine's open sunroof ). Edgar Wright's creepy preview to "Don't" is also perfectly done.

As far the main films go, I would have to say that "Planet Terror" is the most entertaining of the two. Its presentation is extremely stylish (the film stock is well "aged") and cheeky. It also has the bigger budget with all of its gore effects, explosions and gunfire. Rose McGowan and Freddy Rodriguez play ex-lovers who team up with the citizens of a small Texas town to battle "zombies" which have been spawned by a ruthless military leader (Bruce Willis).  

"Death Proof" on the other hand is much smaller in scope and more grounded in "reality". It deals with a group of young women who are stalked by a murderous psycho (well played by Kurt Russell) who drives a souped-up 70's Chevy Nova. The final climactic showdown, a chase between two classic American muscle cars, recalls cult "road rage" movies like the original "Gone in Sixty Seconds" (which is mentioned in the film).

"Grindhouse" is a real hoot. It's absolute heaven for horror fans. Do yourself a favor and watch it while it's in theaters. It's a retro-movie going experience that will put a smile on your face. This is what great fun is all about.