Epic, Campy, and Bloody Perfect.

Rating: 10/10 (7 April 2007)

Once upon a time there was an idea. That idea was to bring back the movie-going experience that has since been turned into little more than eye candy and predictability. Many individual filmmakers have had this idea but executing it into reality took the combined talent of two.
That Idea has finally been realized, and its name is Grindhouse! The 3 hour and 11 minute horror epic brings back the movie going experience in an extravagant and entertaining blood splatter that will leave you in both comic and horrific stitches. Planet Terror, directed by Robert Rodriguez of Desperado and Sin City fame, is a showcase of new school and old school actors who's talents are accentuated by old and new school film-making methods. Franky Rodriguez plays El Wray, the man who never misses and is also one of the most memorable characters of illustrious Rodriguez's career. Starting as a lonely wrecker of cars, El Wray quickly evolves into a one man wrecking crew when faced with the challenge of saving Cherry Darling, played by the Amazing Cherry Darling. With Cameos by Bruce Willis, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, and Quentin Tarantino himself, Planet Terror delivers, disgusts and dismembers all expectations. Grindhouse is not all about the perfection of film, it is also about the bringing together of filmmakers and there art. As shown within the 5 faux movie trailers created for Grindhouse. Rob Zombie, (House of 1000 Corpses and the upcoming Halloween remake) Edgar Wright, (Shaun Of The Dead and the upcoming Hot Fuzz) and Robert Rodriguez himself are just a few of the names who voluntarily lent their talents to this masterpiece of film-making. Also look for a faux movie trailer by Hostel Helmer Eli Roth, who in turn has a not so small cameo in the following film, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Death Proof. On paper Death Proof must have looked like you're average horror flick dilled with stupid girls having stupid conversations and then being murdered, but when put onto film by this generations most creative and prolific filmmaker, the simple words become both art and a nightmare. Tarantino brings us the story of Stuntman Mike, his hunt, and his prey. One watches Death Proof with an idea of what is to come for our leading ladies, but as Tarantino often does, the proverbial rug is pulled from under the audience and surprised over and over again. With long Tarantinoesque dialogue, impressive acting from Kurt Russell who seems to only get better with age, and an abrupt ending that excites us with a Kill Bill-esquire touch, Death Proof ends and yet prepares us for what we can only hope will be a Grindhouse 2.
P.S. For the real fans, look throughout both films for references and homages to Tarantinos, Rodriguezes, Russells, and Roth's Early work. As well as countless other hidden gems placed with the genius that is Grindhouse. Enjoy.