Just got back from the Grindhouse, and I was BLOWN AWAY! (review included)
Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 2:45 amDudes and chicks, I have been to see the best movie of '07 so far. It was absolutely fantastic. Okay, so when I heard it was gonna be 2 movies and a little over 3 hours long, I was like, oh snap, there's absolutely no freakin' way this thing is gonna keep ANYONE'S interest for that long. Boy, oh, boy was I 100% incorrect. The movie starts out with a generic "Prevues of Coming Attractions" thingy aired in front of movies in the '70s (yes 'prevues' is apparantely spelled right, cuz that's how it was in the movie). Tarantino and Rodriguez went through all the trouble of actually filming like 4 fake 'prevues' for this movie to make it as authentic as possible, and I have to say, it was a fantastic touch.
The first movie was the brainchild of none other than the creator of the El Mariachi trilogy, Robert Rodriguez, also known for his role as co-director with Frank Miller on Sin City. 'Planet Terror' involves an outbreak of a virus developed for chemical warfare in Iraq and it's effect on a small Texas town. Also, the only reason I went to see this movie was to see that babe Rose McGowen with a freakin' gun for a false leg... and man, does she put that sucker to good use! Overall, this movie is very energetic, full of exagerated gore in the tradition of '70's style exploitation flicks, and a joy for those who are fans of the genre. Warning: it has several total GROSSOUT scenes that could possibly be enough to burn the nosehairs off a dead nun.
At the end of 'Planet Terror,' the audience is treated to 3 more fake movie 'prevues' and an intermission. I won't reveal the nature of any of the 'prevues' (I'll leave that to the movie-goer because the 'prevues' are almost worth the $7 admission by theirselves) however, I will reveal the name of one of them: 'Werewolf Women of the S.S.' If that's not enough to make you laugh, then check your pulse. The fake prevue is even funnier and, joined by it's comrades, add a great deal of charm and comic releif to this homage-filled and, at times, intentionally tongue-in-cheek theatrical experience.
The second film, 'Death Proof,' created by none other than Mr. Pulp Fiction himself, Quentin Tarantino, involves a stuntman, played by the always awsome, Kurt Russel, who has a really bad habit of killing women with his stuntcar. Okay, I'm just gonna get this out of the way: although this movie gets off to a good start, it is almost unbearably boring for about 30 minutes. It's literally nothing but 4 ladies talking about just about anything. If you are excited about Grindhouse just because you think 'Death Proof' looks like the superior film (which is how I was walking into the movie theatre) you are in for a disappointment. It's not a bad film and does have a fantastic beginning, but for about 30 minutes, you'll be wishing you were watching 'Meet the Robinsons' instead, which just so happens to be playing on the screen next door. However, just when you'll be thinking that this movie just plain sucks, it pulls itself right out the hole of mediocracy it had burrowed itself into. 'Death Proof' has one of the best endings I've ever seen in a movie, period. I promise, the ending is definately worth the wait.
Overall, this movie is exactly what the theatre-going populace needs: a no-holds-bared, non-stop, suspense-filled, action/thriller. It has everything any action junky could possibly want or hope for in a movie. So, if you're a fan of either director, enjoy lots (and I mean LOTS) of gore and action, or just need to boost your adrenaline to a new level you never thougt attainable, go see this movie. I guarantee you won't leave the theatre unsatisfied!
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The first movie was the brainchild of none other than the creator of the El Mariachi trilogy, Robert Rodriguez, also known for his role as co-director with Frank Miller on Sin City. 'Planet Terror' involves an outbreak of a virus developed for chemical warfare in Iraq and it's effect on a small Texas town. Also, the only reason I went to see this movie was to see that babe Rose McGowen with a freakin' gun for a false leg... and man, does she put that sucker to good use! Overall, this movie is very energetic, full of exagerated gore in the tradition of '70's style exploitation flicks, and a joy for those who are fans of the genre. Warning: it has several total GROSSOUT scenes that could possibly be enough to burn the nosehairs off a dead nun.
At the end of 'Planet Terror,' the audience is treated to 3 more fake movie 'prevues' and an intermission. I won't reveal the nature of any of the 'prevues' (I'll leave that to the movie-goer because the 'prevues' are almost worth the $7 admission by theirselves) however, I will reveal the name of one of them: 'Werewolf Women of the S.S.' If that's not enough to make you laugh, then check your pulse. The fake prevue is even funnier and, joined by it's comrades, add a great deal of charm and comic releif to this homage-filled and, at times, intentionally tongue-in-cheek theatrical experience.
The second film, 'Death Proof,' created by none other than Mr. Pulp Fiction himself, Quentin Tarantino, involves a stuntman, played by the always awsome, Kurt Russel, who has a really bad habit of killing women with his stuntcar. Okay, I'm just gonna get this out of the way: although this movie gets off to a good start, it is almost unbearably boring for about 30 minutes. It's literally nothing but 4 ladies talking about just about anything. If you are excited about Grindhouse just because you think 'Death Proof' looks like the superior film (which is how I was walking into the movie theatre) you are in for a disappointment. It's not a bad film and does have a fantastic beginning, but for about 30 minutes, you'll be wishing you were watching 'Meet the Robinsons' instead, which just so happens to be playing on the screen next door. However, just when you'll be thinking that this movie just plain sucks, it pulls itself right out the hole of mediocracy it had burrowed itself into. 'Death Proof' has one of the best endings I've ever seen in a movie, period. I promise, the ending is definately worth the wait.
Overall, this movie is exactly what the theatre-going populace needs: a no-holds-bared, non-stop, suspense-filled, action/thriller. It has everything any action junky could possibly want or hope for in a movie. So, if you're a fan of either director, enjoy lots (and I mean LOTS) of gore and action, or just need to boost your adrenaline to a new level you never thougt attainable, go see this movie. I guarantee you won't leave the theatre unsatisfied!
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I loved Planet Terror! I just reminded me the first time I saw From Dusk Till Dawn. So much fun to watch.
