Grindhouse (2007)

GRINDHOUSE

-Notation: For 17+ Only

It is extremely complicated to review this film with my original format. Instead, the review shall be for each piece, and then end consisting of an overall rating. Before we get started, let's get a few things down for the record…

As this is the brainchild of Rodriguez and Tarantino, let me emphasize that this film should be not viewed by minors. There are things (some of which I shall describe) which could screw the inner workings of a young one's mind—a definite no-no, despite the fact that I'm a raving liberal looney. In fact, this review is designated for 17+, and should be taken into account before reading further. With that being said, let's go!

If you're a student of film or a fan of the craft in general, the Grindhouse package is a breath of fresh air. The package is something different, and will not only garner the obligatory bad fan videos from YouTube, but will also probably reinstitute exploitation in the genre. The film is filthy, and I mean that with every good sense of the word. Note: I did not expect to enjoy this film, but was quite pleased with the result. To the review? Of course!

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PLANET TERROR

Direction: Am I alone for thinking that Sin City wasn't Rodriguez's best work? Though Planet Terror is certainly not as good as Desperado or Once Upon a Time In Mexico, it is better than From Dusk Till Dawn, Sin City, and all the Spy Kids nonsense. Rodriguez, ever the master planner, sets a well thought-out frame. He has total control on the set and it translates into great performances and a surprising story. Total: 9

Production: A little blown out of proportion at points (even though it's a Grindhouse film), Planet Terror feels like an eerie train wreck. You can't stop watching, even though you're going to see something you do not want to see. Atmospheric to the highest order, though perhaps a bit overdone towards the ending. Score: 7.

Editing: Brilliant. The editing matches the feel of the film. Planet Terror (like its successor, Death Proof), is scratchy, discolored, out of sync, and missing reels (another stroke of genius). Anyone who spent time in a film classroom will absolutely drool. Score: 10.

Script: The dialogue was rather good, and was very appropriate for the genre. The story was excellent (until about 20-25 remaining in the film). I did not like the ending (despite the point of the Grindhouse experience), nor did I like the machine gun leg. It just didn't work. All else is well done. Score: 7.

Cinematography: The shots match the edits. See above. Score: 10.Costumes/Set Design: If you've seen From Dusk Till Dawn, you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. There's not a lot further to comment. Score: 6.

Special Effects: Disgusting. The shock value is high, and the special effects are primarily used to make the audience sick. Every male, from now on, will check their crotches regularly. Note ¼ past the beginning. You'll see. Score: 7.

Score/Soundtrack: It thumps. Great pacing and expertly woven. Again, the ending didn't work, and it translated into the score. Score: 7.

Primary Cast: Ready for the big surprise? Rose McGowan. She actually emotes! She is utterly splendid. Not only is she inside the head of the character, but she also makes the filmgoer believe she is that character. No longer will she be Marilyn Manson's ex-girlfriend, but folks will know her name. I have never seen her act before. Do you know what that tells me? That tells me that Charmed sucked even more than I thought it did. While Charmed gave Rose no chance to show off her real skill, Planet Terror gave her every opportunity. Her other skills? Well… let's just say the opening sequence will make every man (and woman) with a pulse aching with desire. I almost passed out… SERIOUSLY. I've never seen her that attractive and sexy, or that skillful. She doesn't even show her teats, and it doesn't matter. Freddy Rodriguez? Add in one part El Mariachi and one part Bruce Wayne, and you've got a great character. Again, the ending dampened his character. Score: 8.

Supporting Cast: Not only can Rose act, but so can Stacy Ferguson! What, exactly, is Robert Rodriguez doing? The cameos are wonderful. Not only is Earl (the character) in Planet Teror, but Carlos Gallardo is, too. If you don't know who Carlos Gallardo is, punch yourself in the testicles. Add in Marley Shelton, and you have a hell of a supporting cast. Score: 8.

Rating/BOF Grade: An excellent beginning feature to the two Grindhouse films. Unfortunately, Grindhouse subscribed to Rosemary's Baby (196 and The Ninth Gate (1999) in that the ending clammed the rest of the story, but not as much as the previous two mentioned films. Even so, I couldn't look away, and I doubt you could, either.

Total Points: 79. Rating: 8.

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DEATH PROOF

Direction: Quentin Tarantino gets on my nerves. I think Pulp Fiction (1994) is highly overrated, Jackie Brown (1997) was disappointing, and the Kill Bill saga doesn't interest me enough to see them. Guess what? Death Proof rocks! While Rodriguez had a very specific, tight set, Tarantino had a loose, relaxed set. It doesn't feel that way, but while Planet Terror is good, Death Proof is even better. Score: 9.

Production: Planet Terror, but cleaner. Score: 7.

Editing: Again, kudos to the editing room. In case you didn't know, the actual movie is created with the editing room. The footage strung together for Death Proof is out of this world. The homages to Grindhouse appropriate, and the action sequence will give you a heart attack. Score: 10.

Script: It's Planet Terror in reverse. While the beginning may be disappointing, the ending is unbelievably satisfying. Original? You bet your nuts! The dialogue is also better. Score: 8.

Cinematography: Again, see the editing comments. Wally Pfister had some influence here. Score: 10. Costumes/Set Design: Again, an improvement on Planet Terror. Do any of you wonder about the recurring foot-fetish in Tarantino's films? Is it just a running gag, or should we all be equally creeped out? Score: 6.

Special Effects: Most of the special effects were authentic, which was very good. The car chase sequence will do to you what Rose's opening number in Planet Terror did to me… make you pass out. Score: 7.

Score/Soundtrack: A little disappointed here, but the movie tends to drown out the music more than Planet Terror. In any case, you won't see the Grindhouse package for the score. Leave that for lunatics like me to care about such nonsense. Score: 7.

Primary Cast: Kurt Russell only gets more badass with age. Like Rose McGowan, I think this is his best role. He goes from ominous to likeable to disturbing to absolutely hysterical. Russell's range is amazing. The girls (Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Tracie Thomas, Rose McGowan, and others) are amazing. Zoe Bell? What a bad ass! Score: 9.

Supporting Cast: Earl is back. That's all you need to know or care about. Score: 8.

Planet Terror was merely a warm-up. Death Proof proves to me that I can like Tarantino's work. I enjoyed every minute of it, and was hard-pressed to find details to pick at. The beginning was a bit slow, but the payoff was nut-busting.

Total Points: 81. Rating: 8.5/9.

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MACHETE:The fake trailers are part of the Grindhouse package. The best one? MACHETE. I will not spoil this for you. However…. Screw Sin City 2. Rodriguez should make Machete. As Planet Terror will make Rose McGowan a household name, Machete will make Danny Trejo in that same household. The best quote in the entire Grindhouse package lies here… "But they soon realized… they just f*cked with the wrong Mexican."

Total Points: Who cares? Rating: Make this movie today. Grade: The best part of Grindhouse.

THE GRINDHOUSE PACKAGE: It's a long ride, but a good ride. Grindhouse works on so many levels, that it covers up the low points. Rose McGowan and Kurt Russell are at their best. Again, screw Sin City 2. Make Machete.

Total Score: 8.5