Gotta Love Grindhouse: A Review of the New Rodriguez / Tarantino Film

Being a b-movieholic, I was ecstatic when I heard the first news of Grindhouse. To have directors Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) and Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction) join up to create the ultimate tribute to b-movie thrillers and horror films was a dream come true. Needless to say, I was excited. But at the same time, I was cautiously skeptical, knowing that a b-movie jump to the big screen could go wrong in many ways.

After seeing the film, I can honestly say that my optimism paid off. Grindhouse was an excellent film for anyone who knows what they're going into. If you're looking for a quality plot line or Oscar-quality acting, then Grindhouse isn't for you, but if you're looking for something to remind you of those cheap and cheesy movies that fill the walls of independent movie stores, then you're watching the right film.

From the very start, you get the b-movie experience. 70's graphics roll onto the screen and you're greeted with a trailer for the movie "Machete." Don't worry, you'll get plenty more fake trailers to come, but after Machete, the feature presentation begins.

Beginning with Planet Terror, Robert Rodriguez's side of the project, Grindhouse starts on the right foot. Planet Terror was one of the more entertaining movies I've seen in ages. It captures nearly every essence of the b-horror flick, from cheesy dialogue to extreme over-dramatics. It'll have you laughing 'til your gut hurts, but still crying for more. It's amazing when something gruesome can have the entire audience laughing instead of crying. That's what Rodriguez pulls of, and the movie is truly incredible.

Several people chose to take the intermission as an opportunity to use the restroom, but if you decide to stay and watch, the trailers in the middle are up there with the best parts of the actual movies. So with that said, my advice is to hold that bladder!