Movie Review: Grindhouse

When directors venture out to deliberately make bad movies what happens. This is the question 'Grindhouse' answers. However, I must admit that I have not seen any exploitation movies and first heard of grindhouses through this film.

1. PLANET TERROR

Now this is a bad movie. As bad as it can get. Now I like action movies and was expecting this to be my favorite among the two films. Sadly it is not as good as Tarantino's 'Death Proof'

a. I like both babes. That's one of the reasons they were picked for this film. Exploitation cinema is about babes.

b. The action was not my type at all. There was more of gore and bloating humans than I like. It's not scary and it is not funny. So on this front it is was not worth anything.

c. The story is absolutely pointless. It's exactly how it was supposed to be, I guess. The small stuff about the recipe, the engagement ring, the missing leg replaced with a gun and Tarantino's appearance were funny. Meaningless people popping in and out. Stupid! And that's exactly how it is to be, right?

d. I watched this on DVD (and 'Death Proof' too) and lost interest many a time. It was too long, 105 minutes.

e. If there were any references I probably missed them.

Full marks to the idea but that doesn't make-up for the bad story. I feel something better (or worse, if that's what people want to call it) was easily achievable.

RATING: 2/5

2. Death Proof

It was probably the best idea in this movie to have Tarantino's film as the second one.

1. Tarantino is an expert at writing dialogues, especially conversations over a meal. I can't forget the conversation in 'Reservoir Dogs' when the gang is having breakfast (or was it lunch?). 'Death Proof' is filled with great conversations between the women. It's crazy for sure but it is engaging. I don't remember this happening in any of the other movies I have seen. Long conversationg keeping me occupied and those same conversations not adding to the story.

2. The story is good. In fact, it is great! It is so engaging! I could not believe someone could write such a story. It is stupid, I know many will say this. One can say the story in one sentence but the way the film treats it is brilliant. I can't put it in words but I will try. The conversations, the performances, the reference to 'Vanishing Point' and the action are all our of this world. When I say that one should understand that though it is 'Planet Terror' that pretends to take us into the surreal it is 'Death Proof' that actually accomplishes that by staying true to our world. 'Death Proof' is written in such a way that one does not realize, at least I didn't, as to who the good people are. It does not give a clue as to who is going to win, who is going to lose. That is one of the winning points in this film.

3. Kurt Russel has probably given the perforance of his life. I'd written him off as a non-actor until 'Death Proof'. This is a masterly performance. Why did he not get an Oscar nomination at least? I almost felt like giving it to him last night when I was watching it.

4. The action here is stupendous? Technically superb? I can't say. Why? It is because the suspense in the final car chase is unbelievable. Most of the time I am watching action I am in awe of the technical brilliance but here I was taken on a ride and didn't know what would happen. Will Stuntman Mike win once again like he always does? I will not forget this as long as I live.

5. All the girls have acted superbly. I am not going to talk about looks here because when performances are first-rate appearances don't count. Each and everyone of them is brilliant in the roles assigned.

6. I didn't understand more than ten sentences in the conversation between the two cops when Stuntman Mike is in the hospital. Does it matter? I didn't bother to rewind and try to understand what they said. I just went with the flow. Just like Tarantino would have wanted me to.

7. For me this is a stand alone film. I am reviewing it like that even though it is under 'Grindhouse'. Moreover, if this film were inspired from some other film I have no clue. Some say it is similar to 'Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!' but I have not seen or heard of it.

Great movie!

RATING: 5/5

GRINDHOUSE RATING: (2+5)/(5+5) = 3.5/5