by Peter Sullivan

Created on: April 09, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

A true time-warp back to an era of drive-in movies and B-slasher films, "Grindhouse" provides a cheesy, pseudo-authentic trip into the paranormal and the obscene. If you are not a lover of vintage cinematography, this film will probably appear boring and exaggerated. However, if you enjoy a score of late 60's/early 70's-style theme music combined with "missing reels," intense gore, and Tarantinoesque dialog (i.e. philosophical rambling with too much use of the f-word), then this may very well be the movie for you.

The first feature, "Planet Terror," is a zombie movie that utilizes old school special effects. The blood is just a bit brighter red on screen, which is reminiscent of the paint or ketchup used in the days of yore. Rodriguez managed to ignore authenticity so often, that the film was actually comical at best. There was no clear plot-line, and the bubbling, boil-ridden zombies were ambiguously linked to Osama bin Laden and the war in Afghanistan by Bruce Willis's character. It was more bizarre than captivating.

Aside from Rose McGowan's sexy performance as a stripper, there was not much else to see. The gun leg with which she is furnished by Freddy Rodriguez is nothing more than fluff, which the advertisers overused in an apparently failed attempt to plug the film. (The film grossed only $13.5 million, much less than the projected $25 million in its opening weekend.)

Tarantino's film, "Death Proof," however, was a huge improvement, if you are able to endure Rodriguez's film and remain for the second feature. Kurt Russell plays a homicidal stuntman who preys on women, using his "death proof" car as his murder weapon. His performance is captivating, as Stuntman Mike lures Rose McGowan's character into the passenger seat and attempts to charm his other victims.

The great thing about this feature is its huge twist. Without disclosing the end of the movie - a raucous slasher film turns into a story of feminine strength and power. The ending is unpredictable, and the entire film keeps its audience in non-stop suspense only to give them what they want, rather than what they expect.

Additionally, "Grindhouse" features several movie trailers: "Machete," opens the film, featuring Cheech Marin as a priest with two rifles under his cloak. In between the two features are also trailers for "Werewolf Women of the SS," "Don't," and "Thanksgiving." These trailers are possibly the most amusing part of the film. Overall, they add a spice never seen in film.

"Grindhouse" is a film staged as an experience. Between the two features and the trailers, the movie puts on the facade of being a full night out at the movies. In spite of its lack of a plot, the cheesyness works in its favor. It is an experience that should not be missed while it is still in theaters.

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