“Grindhouse”: The name says it all. I’m referring, of course, to the 191-minute exploitation tour-de-force from Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino that serves as a stunning reminder of why going to the movies is just so darn fun. It’s a blissfully energetic throwback to the tasteless schlock of the 1970’s where the audience was guaranteed a little over-the-top bang for their buck. You know, the kind of film that’s so infatuated with filth and graphic bloodshed that it makes you want to rush home and take a shower afterwards.
No, this film isn’t for everyone, but those who decide to give it a chance will be treated to a powerhouse double feature in which one film is just slightly more satisfying than the other. First up is “Planet Terror”, a straight-up zombie gorefest starring Freddy Rodriguez and Rose McGowan that pretty much sets the tone for the entire experience. McGowan plays Cherry Darling, a sensuous former go-go dancer who ends up in an explosive mêlée to save the world from the “infected” zombie-like creatures trying to destroy it.
With the help of her ex-boyfriend El Wray, she leads a group of pseudo-assassins through a series of fast-paced, shoot’em up action sequences that are as thrilling as anything Rodriguez has ever done. Think of it as “28 Days Later” meets “Desperado” in that for every jolt, there’s an adrenaline-laced explosion sure to follow.
Robert Rodriguez is one of the most technically savvy action directors currently working and his camera work here is nothing short of dazzling. Every frame is full of enough raw energy and excitement that you’re never left looking at your watch. He knows what his audience wants and delivers it in an exhilarating manner that only he can. Beneath all of the sex and decapitations, a tacky plot involving the government and Osama Bin Laden (seriously) actually exists, but does it really matter at this point? Rodriguez has more than held up his end of the bargain by creating a joyfully entertaining picture that thrives off its own absurdity. And for that, we applaud him.
But wait, there’s more! The second and slightly superior half of this three-hour hack fest is Quentin Tarantino’s riveting revenge film “Death Proof.” Here, Tarantino treats us to some of the best slam-bang car chases ever filmed as Kurt Russell gleefully stalks women in hopes of introducing them to his own sick brand of road rage. Russell’s performance is the driving force behind this one as he creates such a charismatic villain that we almost feel bad for him at the end. He drives around in his “100% Death Proof” 1969 Dodge Charger looking for potential victims, but comes across a group of women who turn out to be better at the game than he is.
After the breakneck speed of “Planet Terror”, the audience might feel a bit discouraged by the somewhat slow start of “Death Proof”, but I assure you, it’s well worth the wait. Tarantino is a proven master of dialogue and his characters often go on tirades about totally random concepts, but the digression is only a catalyst for what lies ahead. When the climax finally hits, we feel stimulated by the conclusion, but also disappointed it’s over.
As a whole, “Grindhouse” is a perfect tribute to the cult films of the 70’s and packs more pop culture punch than most films in recent memory. I understand that not everyone enjoys these types of films, but this is grindhouse cinema at its absolute finest. Remember: What makes it cheesy, makes it great.
“Planet Terror” - *** ½ out of 4
"Death Proof” - **** out of 4
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