Grindhouse: Planet Terror / Death Proof

A bit of an explanation for those not yet in the know. Grindhouse is a double- feature style film experience, with 2 parts: Planet Terror and Death Proof both running about 90 minutes. Fake trailers, missing reels, splotch marks and other technical oopsies-did-it-on-purpose are all part of the the complete package. When released in Toronto it was shown with both films.

I'll admit that I never actually thought I would sit through Grindhouse. But, when it appeared as the selection over at Final Girl's Film Club I was thrilled as it was a film I could actually find! After asking a trusted colleague about the film, she talked about it so enthusiastically that I knew it was time to take the plunge!

Planet Terror
Writer/Dir: Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Desperado)
Cast: Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodríguez, Marley Shelton, Josh Brolin, Michael Biehn, Naveen Andrews, Bruce Willis
USA, 2007

Seen: January 9, 2009

Reason to see: It was the pick for January for the Final Girl Film Club

Planet Terror is totally insane. Ranging from straight up action to survivalist to aliens and beyond, it goes the extra mile and then some. Both Rose McGowan and Freddy Rodríguez deliver great performances with camp-turned-serious lines to building and breaking stereotypes. The film can turn on a dime from bringing gross-out moments visually or with ideas, to a line or an idea that is hysterical. Although it is quite violent and definitly bloody, I'm more than welcome revisiting it multiple times over.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it way more than I was expecting
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as crazy scifi action disaster fun

Death Proof
Writer/Dir: Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2)
Cast: Kurt Russell, Zoë Bell, Tracie Thoms, Rosario Dawson, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Rose McGowan, Jordan Ladd
USA, 2007

Seen: January 9, 2009

Reason to see: It was the pick for January for the Final Girl Film Club

I wish I could be an enthusiastic for Death Proof as I was for Planet Terror, but it just isn't going to happen. The majority of it was a lot calmer, and the focus is on groups of women and cars. It really has that Taratino feel of people talking the big talk round and round the table, so if that is your thing you are set! Plus, lots of car stuff. Car talk, car chases, car worship, just about car everything. Cars aren't my thing so it was hard to keep my attention at those moments. The joy of the film for me was seeing Zoë Bell, an actual stunt woman doing freaking amazing work. She's truly amazing, which made it well worth the time.

Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it, but appreciated the stunts
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it to fans of cars & chicks movies

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009