prepare to go home early

Rating: 7/10 (8 April 2007)

Robert Rodriguez "Planet Terror" is one of the most outrageous and entertaining films I have ever seen in the theater! The audience was screaming and yelling and it is hard to believe that so many great things can be included in one film! The best example of a film with this level of escapism and joy is Peter Jackson's BRAINDEAD. Mr. Rodriguez clearly understands the appeal and fun of Grindhouse-type films and how to make one that succeeds and surpasses all expectations. Clearly, both director's enjoy these kinds of films but, only Rodriguez was able to reproduce one.
Tarantino's "Death Proof" is a complete failure in almost every way possible! It is pretentious and boring and, it relies on one or two very lame gimmicks. While "Terror" offers an untold amount of highlights, this borefest barely offers two! He even forgets his own technique in that he uses the "scratch, break" gags in a poorly realized way and then finally just gives up on them completely towards the end. As a short film, it might have passed as a decent diversion at best. You'll be smiling as it starts (with a clever re-title joke) but then, slowly, you realize you've been had.
Tarantino has made some truly enjoyable films that have become culturally significant and stand the test of time. This is without question his worst offering and, if not for being attached to "Planet Terror", would be almost immediately forgotten.
So, head to the theater ASAP and bask in the joy's of "Planet Terror", wait for the trailers after, and then walk out. You will have experienced the purest entertainment that a movie can possibly offer!
My rating of 7 reflects the greatness of "Planet Terror" and the boredom after that. Obviously, if "Planet Terror" was shown as a single film, it would be a 10. Clearly, there will be a great difference of opinion as to which film is best but, the crowd at my screening was mostly subdued and silent during "Death Proof" but cheered everything else.