Review of Grindhouse (2007) by Kenneth B — 23 Jul 2010

Okay so well I am still a bit vexed about the way the distributors botched the cinema release of Grindhouse but never mind, I finally got to see the full double feature. Perhaps the most inspired aspect of this project is the overbearing concept.

The two features notwithstanding, we have some delghtfully goresome trailers, a few of which would make interesting feature films and it is clear that Tarantino and Rodriguez wanted to make this as authentic an experience as possible.

Planet Terror is the superior of the two features, in my book simply because it is more entertaining. It is a near perfect slice of over-the-top, gung-ho b-movie carnage. Death Proof is slower paced even meandering in comparison and although it has its moments it did leave me wanting more.

Perhaps it would have served better as the opener. Overall then the final product was flawed and inspired, perhaps in equal measure, for whatever reason but in this market it stands as something unique however we do appear to have a film industry which doesnt want to celebrate such eccentricities (especially when the distributors can make more money by making it two films rather than one).

It's a shame because actually seeing Grindhouse at the cinema would have added to the experience and that's something I'm certain of.