"Grindhouse"

In trying to get off of the dark and serious post topics as of late i have decided to discuss the movie "Grindhouse". Come to think of it, however, this is also a dark topic and loaded with guns, although it is not serious in any way.

First off i must reiterate that this movie is a true double feature. It is two FULL LENGTH films so make sure you are prepared to put in that kind of sitting time. i knew this going into it but still was unprepared for the long movie theater chair sitting. This being said, i did enjoy these movies.

They set this up right with Rodriguiz's 'Planet Terror' first and Tarantino's 'Death Proof' second. 'Planet Terror' is a throwback to those cheap/cheesy zombie movies with disgustingly pathetic make-up and groan inducing dialog. Ah, so reminiscent of my childhood/teenage years. More humor than scary, which is what it's all about. So unbelievable you are not as disgusted as you might think. Throw in some cute, scantily clad females and you get the distraction you need. This was the weaker of the two stories and i wouldn't have minded if it was a bit shorter.

The highlight of the movie was the fake trailers and movie rating warnings. These were hysterical. i would have sat through an hour and a half of these and probably have enjoyed it more than 'Planet Terror' although it was OK.

'Death Proof' was the winner of the flick. Just when you found yourself unsure about sitting through another B movie you were re-energized by Tarantino's signature dialog and a classic stunt car movie on par with the likes of 'Death Race 2000'. No CGI to speak of, just good old fashion car stunts and some female eye candy... what else can you ask for in a cheesy film.

Having, in my less careful youth, been holding onto the hood of a car that worked it's way up to 50 mph i was excited then demoralized as these women go 'masting' at ridiculous speeds (with the help of a hidden wire attached to the hood). This flick made me forget that i had been sitting through another movie before it.

i enjoyed this movie but have two warnings for those interested in seeing it:
1) prepare yourself for the levels of grossness and cheese you are about to experience
and
2) be careful driving home, it is quite easy to build up significant speed after seeing 'Death Proof'