Gritty Perfection

Rating: 10/10 (20 April 2007)

A once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, 'Grindhouse' is a movie going experience like none other. Delivering hours of heart pounding thrills and popcorn popping entertainment, 'Grindhouse' is what going to the movies is all about. Robert Rodriguez's 'Planet Terror' and Quentin Tarantino's 'Death Proof' both stand alone as fine filming achievements, and individually have their own strengths. But together they become an over-the-top, diabolical duo. It's some of the most fun you'll ever have at the cinema.
Half of 'Grindhouse' is the experience. Down to a 'T', Rodriguez and Tarantino capture the essence of the time period of American culture they recreate so masterfully. The film quality is grainy, and there are even 'missing reels'. The fake trailers are so outrageous, they truly make 'Grindhouse' come full circle. A machete-wielding Mexican assassin, a Thanksgiving murderer from Eli Roth, and even werewolf women created by the Nazi SS as apart of their master plan (thanks for that one go to Rob Zombie). It's as if you've stepped through a time machine that's brought you back to a time where such raw and frank violence is, today, only a memory.
Rodriguez comes to us first in this double feature with 'Planet Terror', a zombie gorefest which involves a biochemical that threatens to engulf the world. I honestly couldn't have asked for more. For those thrill-seeking, gore-hungry fans looking for a bloody good time, look no further. So ridiculously yet wonderfully gruesome, it's over-the-top in the best possible way. Bursting boils, exploding heads, dismembered body parts (testicles included), gallons of blood, etc. 'Planet Terror' is certainly not for the squeamish or faint of heart, but it is a hell of a lot of fun. The action is non-stop and crowd-pleasingly top notch. You'll be blissfully content as 'Terror' takes you on a sick and twisted ride that Rodriguez packs to the rim with action exploitation.
While it's slow getting started and a bit too talky, Tarantino's 'Death Proof' delivers some heart thumping moments as it follows Stuntman Mike, his sweet ride, and their terrorizing ways. The film's first thirty minutes or so is mostly dialogue, but it still does a fine job holding your attention. You get to know the characters, and you actually begin to like them. It's well-worth the wait, because the extended car chase certainly delivers the goods. It's a dazzling spectacle, adrenaline-pumping from start to finish. It's raw cinema with Tarantino in complete control, and I think it's suffice to say 'Death Proof' assembles one of the better chases ever put on film. Tarantino is slow out of the starting gate, but he finishes with a bang. A high-speed, pedal-to-the-metal bang. It may not have the same entertainment factor of 'Planet Terror', but it's an impressive and bold piece of film-making that slowly pulls you in.
What does 'Grindhouse' and the sky have in common? They're full of stars. Lots of 'em. Both 'Planet Terror' and 'Death Proof' have their fair share of talents, while Rose McGowan does double duty in both segments. The moment she straps on that mighty gun to make up for the leg a zombie chewed off, you know you're in for some full-throttle, ass-kicking action fun. She and Freddy Rodriguez are excellent together in 'Terror', the chemistry is there. Marley Shelton and Josh Brolin are just as good as a, how can I put it, dysfunctional married couple. Bruce Willis and Quentin Tarantino even get in on the action with cameos of their own. When it comes to 'Death Proof', Kurt Russel is fantastic as the film's antagonist. Not much is required on his part, the cars are the true stars in this feature, but his presence is a big lift to the project. The film's female stars do an impressive job in their dialogue-driven roles. Rosario Dawson, beautiful as always, is always fun to watch. Stunt double Zoe Bell stars as herself, and when you see 'Death Proof', you'll know why. Her death defying car ride is the film's best and most exciting moment.
It's guaranteed that you'll walk away from your time spent with 'Grindhouse' having seen something you've never seen before, having experienced something you've never experienced before. You may find it hard to believe when I say this is the best we've seen so far in this still youthful year, but you simply must pay a visit and experience the movie magic for yourself. I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of 'Grindhouse', and it's something I won't soon forget. Prepare yourself, and strap in for the ride. I'll see you at the grindhouse.