It restores back the magic of cinema

Rating: 9/10 (8 April 2007)

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, in particular the latter can create some extraordinary cinematic material. In fact, this double feature is as close to perfection, as it can be, indirectly paying tribute to all the elements that made going to the movies a lot of fun: silly and enjoyable previews, cheesy music scores, over the top acting, and interesting and enjoyable camera-work. There is on minor negative elements, and it is having the unnecessary and rather distracting "cameo" by one of the filmmakers, whose acting skills are practically non existing. Had Rodriguez stayed with his otherwise capable cast, he would have ended up with a flawless film.
Everything in the features work, from the quick, smart dialog, to some of the most eye-popping special effects in a major production in quite a while. This film treats us to a shower of amusing, disgusting, and gross make up work that would Romero, Craven, and Roth blush. As jaded as audiences have become, we couldn't help but cringe at some of the bloody mess flying perversely on the screen.
Rodriguez once again shows how multi talented he is, as he in charge of the very interesting, scratchy camera-work, the dialog that never stops entertaining, and his relaxed but precise direction to make his cast rise to the occasion. I kept wondering how much was spent on this film, and I can probably guess that it's just a fraction of what other "event" movies cost. One can only dream that this diverts the attention back to what makes the art of cinema special and steers away from relying so much on overpaid and overrated talent who hardly strives to produce good work anymore.
Hollywood continues moving to achieving another golden crown in 2007.