Death Proof is Better

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2007)

I've now seen the Rodriguez/ Tarantino double-feature Grindhouse twice- a week between each viewing. That's how I always treat important movies.
All right, I'll break it down for you. Grindhouse consists of two hour-long movies- Planet Terror and Death Proof, with trailers to four fake movies- Machete, Werewolf Women of the S.S., Don't, and Thanksgiving.
Rodriguez's film, Planet Terror, was a bit unimpressive. Though a half-naked Rose McGowan (especially with a machine gun for a leg) is visually stimulating, the movie really had more blood and sex than actual substance. Blood and sex are great, but in order to make the blood and sex worth seeing, a little bit more quality is required. The squeamish should view this movie with caution- nobody likes to lose six-dollar popcorn.
Tarantino's film, Death Proof, is the real jewel in this double-feature. It has everything one expects from a Tarantino film: drawn out conversation about sex, semantics, and obscure pop culture, lots of eyes, lots of light, and, of course, action! And the best part is, no CGI! That's right- real stunt people. This film is packed with hot chicks and car chases, but it's much more than that. Kurt Russel plays a twisted serial killer named Stuntman Mike, whose car is deathproof. However, Mike meets his match in a group of four young women who refuse to be victimized. To me, this film is about the empowerment of women, and I might almost call it a chick flick.
Grindhouse was the best movie-going experience I've ever had. Go see it!