Two Films, One Glorious Guilty Pleasure Experience

Rating: 8/10 (7 April 2007)

There was one image, above all, that made me want to see this film, Rose McGowan and her assault weapon leg. Now Grindhouse films have been back already (Wolf Creek, Tourista, High Tension, etc). So Tarantino and Rodriquez set up to honor the fabulous Z films of the 60's and 70's and they honor those films well. It starts out with Planet Terror which is about a town turning into zombies by the release of a mysterious gas from a nearby army base. The film is fast pace, action pack and so over the top gleeful that you sit smiling the entire time and trust me, there are some just shocking moments that you can't help but react. Freddy Rodriquez (from Six Feet Under) is fantastic in this film and Robert R does not pull any punches. His half of Grindhouse is outstanding from beginning to end. Next we have Death Proof, Tarantino's half. Its a bit slow at the beginning because you just want to get to the action. I think the purpose of all this setup is so you can care for the characters. Kurt Russell plays Stuntman Mike, a drifter/outsider with one heck of a car. Now this isn't giving anything away. He seems nice but he turns, oh how he turns. This is in tribute to those films where you meet a very helpful nice stranger and take there offer and you end of regretting it through the rest of the film. Overall I give this film an 8 out of 10. Tarantino film is a bit of a letdown after planet terror (until the end of Tarantino's film). The movie also feature at least two fake trailers done by other directors, friends of Rodriquez and Tarantino and I can tellyou, if they WERE actual films, I would see them. Grindhouse films were those made by second-tier directors who were outside of Hollywood and just had a camera some friends and a little money. Is this film art, no way, but it sure is enjoyable and I can tell you, IT IS NOT, I repeat, NOT for everyone. DO NOT TAKE ANY CHILDREN TO THIS FILM. I cannot stressed this enough. Now if you are under 17... and you can't get in... you may have to do some parental negotiation. I say that, at the very least, you have to be in highschool to see this film. Anyone under 15 have to wait. I mean, it's not even appropriate for adults with certain sensibilities. And for you men out there, know your wives and girlfriends before taking them. Otherwise you will have to profusely apologize and may have to take them to the next 10 chick flicks. But if you must take them, the price to pay is soooo worth it. Zombies, weapon legs, nudity, disgusting images.. all worth it.