Review of Death Proof (2007) by Chris W — 05 Jan 2013

In 2007 Quentin Tarantino took part in a Grindhouse double-feature with Robert Rodriguez. Death Proof is probably my least likable Tarantino film. The admirable dialogue that has made his movies stand out is missing from the entire movie. There was no memorable dialogue that just made me outburst in laughter. The characters are some of the least likable in any Quentin Tarantino movie and in any movie in general. Even Stuntman Mike wasn't that great of a villain for the most part. There is no real motive as to why he kills these girls and I guess its to keep that killer-instinct-mystery but killing those obnoxious first three characters was a plus for me.

This film was missing a strong female lead. All the females were just annoying to me in some way or another. For example, the first three had this sassy, sour attitude that made me not care about any of them. They had the cliche, egotistical mood that comes out in all the terrible cheesy horror movies. The next group of women we are introduced to are the same way. I could not find one good aspect of any of their roles. Not one. It wasn't until they are chased down by Stuntman Mike and than decide to turn the tables that's when they redeemed the movie for me.

It was the last act were I finally started laughing and enjoying this movie where the predator was now the prey. It was a great turn around for the story. The story and the practical action sequences are what had me drawn into the movie. It had dragged on for so long I was glad we finally got to the point. Quentin Tarantino's movies do drag on a bit and this is the second time where I felt that a lot. I did not care for the first or half of the second act of this movie. This is still entertaining and I still liked it.