Grindhouse

Grindhouse: A double feature paying tribute to the “B-movie thrillers” of the past, from directors Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantino. I give big thumbs up for the ambition of the project which is comprised of 2 full length movies (each about 1:25 minutes in length), accompanied by faux “coming attractions” before and in between the features. The two films have nothing tying them together plot wise; however some of the same sets, props, and actors are used in both films. Up first is Planet Terror by Rodriguez. The film is a “gore fest” of a zombie movie. The story uses basic zombie movie understanding – everyone is infected with a virus which turns them into man eating zombies. A small group of rebels remain uninfected and need to get to a safe area to produce a cure to the virus. The humor in the movie is spot on, making fun of itself as it goes along. The second feature is Death Proof by Tarantino. I loved this movie. Kurt Russell plays Stuntman Mike, a mad man who likes to kill people in his death proof-(made for a stuntman)-car. The reason I found Death Proof to be a superior film is that not only did it pay tribute to old B-movies, but at the same time you were getting some classic Tarantino cinema!! I did not get that blend from Planet Terror. In fact I was getting bored by the mid-way mark of the first feature. Tarantino had the right mix and it worked. The final car chase was one of the most exhilarating scenes I have seen in a long time. Between the outstanding faux trailers and the extremely fun ride of Death Proof, Grindhouse gets a recommendation from me.
The Breakdown – Planet Terror : * * // Death Proof * * * *

Grindhouse (as a whole): * * * or grade: B

If this movie had parents they would be: Shaun of the Dead & Duel

With a run time of 191 minutes
This film is rated R