The disposable ‘Grindhouse’ movies
Opening night I went to see the Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino flick “Grindhouse,” with a lot of anticipation and expectations for delicious violence and B-grade homages.
Apparently, not too many others shared such anticipation at the box office. Maybe it’s what people didn’t want to see on Easter weekend with the kids. And, honestly, I don’t blame people for not wanting to see this film.
Don’t get me wrong. For the price of one ticket I got to see two films by two of my favorite directors and both movies met my minimum expectations. But I can see how this double feature isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
“Grindhouse” is very disposable and the movies aren’t memorable in any way other than to say “Yeah, I saw that” and to reference them later in comparison to other movies. Much like the exploitation films Rodriguez and Tarantino are recreating, the pair of films don’t do anything beyond giving you a way to waste 3 hours at the theater on a weekend. You don’t regret it, but it’s nothing you should be planning your life around either.
Although I’m a huge fan of films both directors have done, especially each of their first films, I can’t say I have the same appreciation for their “Grindhouse” work. Mainly, I’m not a fan of zombie or horror flicks. And even with star talent directing and writing these movies, it doesn’t make either of them a great movie.
Rodriguez’s strength in film comes from high action and gunslinging plotlines that emulate the Western. Tarantino’s shining moments happen when he creates films that references the catalogue of movies he’s seen over the years that he’s compressed together in a hodge-podge manner turned gold.
But when a director sets out with the purpose of making B-grade (“B” standing for “Bad”) movies, you get just that — bad movies. And it’s too bad, really.
Yes, there’s some great action in “Planet Terror,” but it’s not Rodriguez’s best work by any means. And there’s that trademark dialogue in “Death Proof,” but it drags at points and the movie’s horror tension is lowered by it.
I will say that their intention of recreating the “Grindhouse” experience, however, was done pretty well and I got a lot of laughs from whole theatrics of the film. The missing reels (at wonderfully strategic places), fake trailers and “groan moments” provided for a unique experience I haven’t had at the theatre for a long time.
I think only certain people will enjoy “Grindhouse.” You have to know what you’re in for before you watch it. It’s not a general audience film. It’s a concept, not these director’s best work. If you can deal with that and accept it, perhaps it’s worth spending an evening watching this film.
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