GRINDHOUSE, 2007
Movie Review

Two full length feature horror movies written by Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez put together as a two film feature. Including fake movie trailers in between both movies.

Review

Famed directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez have teamed up and developed a moviegoing experience that's reminiscent of the exploitation B-movies from the 1970's and 1980's. "Grindhouse" is actually comprised of two feature-length movies. In "Planet Terror" (Rodriguez) a deadly gas is released that turns the townsfolk into ravenous flesh-eating zombies. A Go-Go dancer named Cherry (Rose McGowan) and her ex-boyfriend Wray (Freddy Rodríguez) must lead a small group of survivors to safety, fighting through hordes of zombies in the process and uncovering the truth behind the outbreak. Then in "Death Proof" (Tarantino) a charming, but deranged killer named Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) gets his jollies by murdering women with his car. Both movies are chock full of great B-movie exploitation, LOTS of gore and some fantastic humor. The entire double-feature is just over three hours long and includes its own fake movie trailers, directed by other horror visionaries like Eli Roth and Rob Zombie.

"Grindhouse" isn't just a double-feature movie – it's an experience! Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez have created something truly incredible and watching it was like winning the movie lottery or perhaps winning an "all you can grab" shopping spree at a candy store. Seriously, this movie is THAT good. The makeup and special effects were absolutely amazingly done (especially the puss-oozing sores on the zombies in "Planet Terror") and the film quality itself was purposely designed to look very grainy and bad, which really gave it the feel of being from the 1970's. The characters were very original and interesting (including a woman with a machine gun leg) and some of the stunts that they did (like the "Ship's Mast stunt in "Death Proof") were insanely cool to watch – in fact, the Ship's Mast stunt was perhaps the single coolest stunt I have ever seen in ANY movie... ever. Last, but certainly not least, "Grindhouse" is incredibly funny – in fact, it even surpasses most actually "comedy" movies! I found myself laughing all throughout "Planet Terror" and the fake movie trailers; however, I did not find "Death Proof" to be as funny… but it certainly had its moments! Overall, "Grindhouse" is a cinematic romp that no moviegoer should miss… it's so good you'll feel like you shorted the theater by only paying for one ticket! Many kudos to the directors for creating such a brilliant and impressive cinematic experience!

All in all, I'd give this movie 5 STARS (out of 5). Re-watch value: HIGH

Brett's Review

There are not many movies that come along nowadays that scream "OMFG!!" However when it comes to director's Tarantino and Rodriguez "Grindhouse" there is only one thing left to say "OMFG-ROTFLMAO!!" Directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez present two full-length movies in a new horror double feature:

In Tarantino's "Death Proof," Austin's hottest DJ, Jungle Julia (Sydney Tamiia Poitier), sets out into the night to unwind with her two friends Shanna an Arlene. Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of his muscle car, revving just feet away.In Rodriguez's "Planet Terror," two doctors find their graveyard shift inundated with townspeople ravaged by sores. Among the wounded is Cherry (Rose McGowan), a dancer whose leg was ripped from her body. As the invalids quickly become enraged aggressors, Cherry and her ex-boyfriend Wray (Freddy Rodriguez) lead a team of accidental warriors into the night. "Grindhouse" was a masterpiece in film; I didn't stop laughing from the moment it started till it ended. The movie pays homage to exploitation B-movie thrillers that combine two feature-length segments into one double-bill designed to replicate the grindhouse theatergoing experience of the 70s and 80s. The two films are merged together with fake trailers that will have you laughing even more; movies such as "Machete", "Thanksgiving", "Don't Scream", and "Werewolf Women of the S.S." With both these movies and the trailers it was a 3 hour, fun-filled awesome night. The way Tarantino and Rodriquez put this movie together was a work of brilliance. Hats off to the entire "Grindhouse" cast! AWESOME JOB!!!

Overall Rating: 5 Stars Re-Watch Value: High (A must buy for DVD!!!)

Special Bonus! Shawn's Review

Grindhouse is presented as a double feature of two full-length segments, one being a zombie film, Planet Terror, written and directed by Robert Rodriguez, and the other being an action film, Death Proof, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, with faux trailers advertising fictional films preceding each segment.

Planet Terror: In a rural Texas town outside of Austin, go-go dancer Cherry Darling (Rose McGowan) decides to quit her low-paying job and find another use for her talents. Little does she know that due to horrific circumstances the city is slowly being infected and turning into zombies. Other characters include the unhappily married Doctor couple, Cherry's ex boyfriend, and several others who all become connected somehow. I don't feel I can say much more without giving spoilers.

Seriously- it's pure sugar. It's 100% entertainment. In it's own way, Planet Terror, is a theatrical achievement, but it's not a "film." It's all about being entertained, blowing shit up, and having a good laugh. The kind you usually groan after. I really liked this one. My only complaint is that the character El Ray was far too stiff. I assume it's due to his fall out with Cherry in the past, but I don't think it was set up well enough to feel appropriate. He loosens up a bit later and that makes it a lot better.

Death Proof: Dude…. I… dude…. Whoa. Awesome. I'm not going to tell you a thing about it accept see it, and it was fuggin' awesome. I love that Tarantino brought back a few characters from other movies for it too. Pure entertainment. That one was my absolute favorite.

The Previews: Yes! These were awesome. Quotable as hell! I hope there are more on the DVD.

Fun Fact: I hadn't been to a movie with the guys in a while. They said they'd take me and pay my way- but I had to wear the cat ears I got at con the entire time… including to StarBucks and Best Buy. I got stares, but it was worth it.

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