Shocktober #24 – Grindhouse Double Feature
Planet Terror Poster
Planet Terror
Release Date: 2006
Starring:
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Rated R
Don’t shoot yourself. Don’t shoot each other. And especially… don’t shoot me. -Sheriff Hague
Who didn’t see this one coming? Planet Terror is the first feature film that follows the first mock trailer for Machete (which is in post production). It stars the likes of past and present superstars of the genre that include: Freddy Rodriguez, Jeff Fahey, Michael Biehn, Josh Brolin and Rose McGowan. This is not only an original work, but an homage to the schlock 80s horror film genre.
Planet Terror is basically a zombie action-horror picture. It starts out with an underground government deal over a toxic chemical that goes awry. When inoculated, this chemical has drastic effects on the physical body and mental state. Victims of the chemical turn into monster-like zombies that seem to decompose at an alarming rate. Definitely not the chemical one would want to ingest regularly. When the deal goes south the chemical gets released as an airborne pathogen and infects the local townspeople. It takes a small band of misfits to thwart this evil and escape from certain death and disfigurement.
One of the best things about this picture is the time and detail Robert Rodriguez put into the actual look and feel. It has dust scratches, terrible audio in some scenes, cigarette burns, and missing footage. It absolutely has the authenticity of a movie that made it’s rounds through the national circuit of theaters. Talk about a fun 90 minutes. Planet Terror has you rooting for the good guys. From the ex-federale El-Wray to the one-legged go-go dancer. This movie hits on all cylinders as a heart racing, action packed zombie thrill ride fun for the whole family.
Death Proof European Poster
Death Proof
Starring: Sidney Poitier, Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Rated R
Because it was a fifty fifty shot on wheter you’d be going left or right. You see we’re both going left. You could have just as easily been going left, too. And if that was the case… It would have been a while before you started getting scared. But since you’re going the other way, I’m afraid you’re gonna have to start getting scared… immediately! -Stuntman Mike
Unlike the prior film, Death Proof is more of a suspenseful action-thriller than horror but it is necessary for shocktober because those movies are generally equally shocking. Quentin Tarantino uses real special effects to make his production more authentic for the viewer. The car crashes are real and the chase scenes involve true danger just as the movies that inspired it did.
The main focus in the story is about the former stunt man…Stuntman Mike as he eerily stalks a group of women while they are out on prowl. This sick man follows the women into a local tavern and finally interacts with them all. When they all leave the tavern in a drunk stupor Stuntman Mike follows them to a secluded road where he then hits in high gear and hits them in a head on collision. Stuntman Mike’s automobile is made to be Death Proof leaving him in the hospital and the girls in their graves. After he is healed up he heads halfway across the country to Tennessee to stalk again.
Quentin Tarantino follows suit with Planet Terror by keeping along with the style that you are viewing an ancient film. Terrible audio, obvious recycled backgrounds, and more missing reels continue with the authenticity of used, dried up film. Fantastically done and wonderfully acted by an all-star cast, Death Proof should not be missed.
First things fucking last.(10 points to whomever understands that opener) If you want the modern experience go ahead and buy them separately. Do not rent these just buy them. They are two perfectly executed films. Secondly, to get the full experience that these movies convey try to catch Grindhouse on Starz! or Netflix instant. As the DVDs are a fine choice the full experience of a double feature is lost. When you watch the double feature it begins with a trailer of Machete, the Planet Terror. After Planet Terror, the viewer is greeted with three more mock trailers that are directed and starring some Hollywood superstars of yesterday and today. I was able to catch this in the theater twice and it is an experience I will never forget.I have seen these movies so many times I can recite them. It’s 150 minutes of just good old plain fun. Don’t take my word just keep your eyes open for when Grindhouse becomes available on the television or Netflix.
