GRINDHOUSE

A tribute to the now defunct grindhouse exploitation films. Supposedly it's 2 movies shown back-to-back (for the US theatrical release), but for international release, the two movies are released separately. Maybe it's not fair to rate it separately, seeing that both films are supposed to be seen as one, but what-the-hell lahh..

PLANET TERROR (Robert Rodriguez)


Zombies blowing up. A flood of blood. Severed limbs everywhere. Like that Peter Jackson movie Dead Alive. A direct reincarnation of the old-fashioned B-grade zombie movie. Rodriguez took a direct route, more faithful to the Grindhouse essence. For better or worse. It's fun while it lasts. But personally, the Machete faux trailer is better than the whole of Planet Terror.

Verdict: 3/5

DEATH PROOF (Quentin Tarantino)


I liked Tarantino's part better than Rodriguez's. Although it's flawed, there's enough entertainment value found here that could warrant multiple viewings. Unlike Planet Terror, Death Proof feels more like it could be a 'stand alone' film. And the Grindhouse 'references' are more subtle. Having said that, this IS a Tarantino film through and through. A lot, lot of Tarantino self-indulgent jibber-jabber. Entertaining, nonetheless. The first half of the film with the first batch of girls are excellent and very well constructed. However, it started to steadily go downhill when it got into the second batch of girls, with several lame dialogue lines that I couldnt believe were written by Tarantino. It's a highly uneven film, but also highly memorable thanks to Kurt Russel as Stuntman Mike. And I screamed like a little girl during the car crash sequence.

Verdict: 4/5