Death Proof (US - DVD R1)
Scott McKenzie checks out the extended cut of Tarantino's Grindhouse movie...
To Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez it must have seemed like a great idea at the time. Both huge fans of going to see a double bill of exploitation movies in the 70s, they decided to recreate the experience for today’s movie-going public. The only problem was that just as times change so do the people, and while QT and RR would happily sit through movies from dusk till dawn and beyond, the idea of a two-movie three-hour-plus extravaganza doesn’t appeal to Joe Public any more. Too bad nobody told them.
It turned out that the Grindhouse experience suffered much the same fate as last year’s Snakes On A Plane—bloggers loved the idea, but bloggers don’t always get off their asses and go to the cinema. As a result, the Weinstein company has struggled to market Death Proof and Planet Terror and now they’re showing up on DVD separately but in their entirety. With Death Proof the first to appear, how does it stack up on its own?
Kurt Russell is Stuntman Mike, a badass Hollywood old-timer with a thing for young girls. But he doesn’t like to seduce them. He gets his kicks stalking them then killing them with his car, which has been souped-up to protect him from death in any crash, hence the title Death Proof. However, he runs foul of the wrong gang of babes who turn the tables on him and force the hunter to become the prey.
In his interviews before the release of Kill Bill, Quentin Tarantino offered a glimpse into how his mind works when he’s writing a movie. First of all, he has his ‘movie universe’, which is inhabited by the characters of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction (and probably True Romance and Natural Born Killers based on character names and relationships in those movies). Then he has his ‘movie-movie universe’, which is essentially a name for the movies that the characters in his movie universe would go to the cinema to see. Kill Bill is the first of those movies and Death Proof undoubtedly belongs in the movie-movie section of his catalogue.
In more way than one, Death Proof is a movie of two halves. Two groups of girls are targeted by Stuntman Mike and the first group’s storyline finishes just before the halfway point, after which we fast forward in time and meet the second gang of babes. The audio and video presentation is different in each part. The picture of the first story is purposely dirty, scratched and there are intentional mistakes in the editing. The second half begins with a section in black and white then cuts to brilliant colour through to the end. It is almost as if the movie were intended to be watched in two parts, with an interval in the middle to allow the viewer to get more drinks and popcorn.
Reservoir Dogs aside, this is Tarantino’s shortest movie yet (counting Kill Bill Vol. 1+2 as one movie) and strictly speaking, it should be a hell of a lot shorter. In simple terms, it is just a slasher movie. It should introduce the characters, the killer should kill some of them, and then the killer should be killed, all within an hour and a half. But that wouldn’t make it a Tarantino movie, would it? One of the reasons we watch Tarantino movies is to enjoy the verbal to-ing and fro-ing of characters written by a man who loves to talk, even though we all know no one in the real world talks like that apart from the director and the characters in his movies. If you were to remove all the long and seemingly pointless but still highly enjoyable conversations, you would probably be left with a standard ninety-minute slasher movie, but efficiency in the running time isn’t what we’ve come to expect from this director.
The indulgences in his screenplay are mostly welcome, although the need to establish the relationships between the second group of girls does mean that the middle section of the movie takes a little too long to get going. What is interesting is that some lines from Tarantino’s earlier movies make an appearance. This reinforced my theory that this is a movie the characters from his movie universe would watch. Plenty of people quote lines form their favourite movies, so why wouldn’t Jules from Pulp Fiction quote a line from Death Proof if it was one of his favourites?
The indulgences don’t stop at the screenplay. If you like cars and feet, this is the movie for you. It’s well-known that Tarantino has a thing for female feet, especially those belonging to Uma Thurman. The opening shot (accompanied by the fake alternative title Thunder Bolt) is of a pair of feet sitting on a dashboard, which goes some way to explaining the director’s motivation for making the movie. He wants to make a movie with fast cars and sexy girls, and we all know which part of girls QT finds sexiest.
Even though the intellectual standards he sets for his movie-movies are lower than his 'regular' movies, Tarantino maintains the same standards for his direction. Every shot is meticulously composed, from the brand names on the beer bottles to the shadow in the wrinkles on Kurt Russell’s face. The choice of music is excellent as well, reflecting the era of the movies he is paying homage to, even if the contemporary setting (including the use of mobile phones) feels very occasionally out of place for a movie inspired by the style of the 70s.
One thing that separates Death Proof from every other car-chase movie is the fact that the main star did her own stunts. After all, the character of Zoe Bell in the second part of the movie is played by none other than… Zoe Bell, a professional stuntwoman who was Uma Thurman’s stunt double in Kill Bill. The role gives her the opportunity to show off her acting abilities but most of all the fact that she’s one of the best stunt people in the world. The final confrontation between Stuntman Mike and Zoe and her friends begins with Zoe hanging onto the bonnet of their car and the fact that she did all her own stunts means that Tarantino could film shots of her face, which is usually only achieved by CGI, something that he wanted to avoid at all costs.
The rest of the cast all bring their roles to life, some of them Tarantino alumni, others newcomers to his brand of filmmaking. As was the case with Zoe Bell, some of the characters were written specifically for certain actors and actresses, for example Vanessa Ferlito is the Brooklyn babe Butterfly. Michael Parks shows up in the same role he played in Kill Bill and would threaten to steal the show if he had been given any more screen time than his one scene that only serves to tell us about Stuntman Mike. Kurt Russell is clearly having a great time playing the bad guy, especially when he turns from a homicidal maniac into a whiny little girl when the tables are turned on him.
Now, I haven’t seen Planet Terror yet, and living in the UK I haven’t been lucky enough to be able to take in the whole Grindhouse experience so I can’t tell you how this version compares with the original vision. What I can tell you is that Death Proof is great fun. It has the concept of an average horror movie but the final product has been created by a director whose talent is anything but average. Yes, it is indulgent, more so than any of his previous movies and probably less rewarding overall. That doesn’t mean it’s his worst movie, it’s just his second-best movie-movie.
Dirt, scratches, wobbly picture—it’s all here but just in the right places. Of course, Death Proof is supposed to look bad and it does, gloriously bad. There’s something nicely nostalgic about watching a movie that is meant to look like it has been fed through a projector a thousand times. However, the complaints the projectionists received when Grindhouse hit US cinemas was a tell-tale sign that QT and RR were every so slightly out of touch with their potential audiences. I love it though, and it’s almost disappointing when the movie switches to black and white, and then to super-high quality during the second half. What this does mean is that the picture really shows its quality and we get a clear, colourful anamorphic picture that doesn’t lose any detail with the fast movement of the final chase.
As with the picture quality, the audio sounds great when it’s supposed to and appropriately bad only when the director says it should. There are nice touches when there are ‘faults’ in the negative to remind you that you’re watching a dodgy print. The balance of music, dialogue and effects is never a problem and it’s clear that a lot of work has gone into putting the soundtrack together. The engines of the cars sound especially powerful, in particular after the picture switches from black and white to colour.
Disc one of this two-disc set contains trailers for Death Proof, Planet Terror, 1408, Feast and Black Sheep, along with a gallery of posters for Death Proof from around the world. Disc two contains a selection of featurettes that focus on the different aspects of the making of the movie. Interviews with the cast and crew and behind the scenes footage feature in all of them, but it is the interviews with Quentin Tarantino that make these featurettes so watchable. He has so much passion and excitement for his work and movies in general that it’s difficult not to be drawn in by his enthusiasm.
‘Stunts on Wheels: The Legendary Drivers of Death Proof’ goes into the details of how the car chases and stunts were filmed, including interviews with the expert stunt drivers who have been risking their lives for many years. It’s clear that if a stunt wasn’t physically possible, they wouldn’t use CGI or any other tricks to get the shots they wanted.
‘Introducing Zoe Bell’ is a spotlight on the stuntwoman who Tarantino gave two big chances to—in Kill Bill and a lead role in Death Proof. We get to see her preparing for her scenes and interviews reveal that she was more worried about the ‘talky stuff’ than the death-defying stunts.
In ‘Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike’ Quentin Tarantino discusses his reasons for favouring Kurt Russell for the lead role, which go back to his love of John Carpenter movies. Interviews with Kurt Russell himself reveal that of all the directors he’s worked with in his long career, he’s never had such a ‘truly great experience’ as he did while working on Death Proof.
‘Finding Quentin’s Gals’ shows the work that went into casting the member of the two groups of girls. ‘The Guys of Death Proof’ does the same for the male members of the cast, with interviews with Michael Parks and Eli Roth.
‘Quentin’s Greatest Collaborator: Editor Sally Menke’ is a tribute to the editor Tarantino has worked with since Reservoir Dogs and includes a gag reel of sorts. Also included in the second disc are the full length version of Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s rendition of ‘Baby It’s You’ and a trailer for Double Dare, a documentary about stuntwomen featuring Zoe Bell.
On its own, Death Proof is still a great movie and there is plenty to reward repeat viewings. Most of all, it’s an after-the-pub movie by Quentin Tarantino that, at under two hours, won’t keep you up all night. This transfer looks and sounds just as it should, with the right mix of good and bad quality where appropriate. Tarantino has an odd habit of only recording commentaries for other people’s movies but the range of extras here complements the movie and enhances the viewing experience. Sure, the full Grindhouse experience is guaranteed to appear on DVD one day but this release is still worth picking up, especially since the full version of Kill Bill took over three years to arrive.
It turned out that the Grindhouse experience suffered much the same fate as last year’s Snakes On A Plane—bloggers loved the idea, but bloggers don’t always get off their asses and go to the cinema. As a result, the Weinstein company has struggled to market Death Proof and Planet Terror and now they’re showing up on DVD separately but in their entirety. With Death Proof the first to appear, how does it stack up on its own?
Feature
Kurt Russell is Stuntman Mike, a badass Hollywood old-timer with a thing for young girls. But he doesn’t like to seduce them. He gets his kicks stalking them then killing them with his car, which has been souped-up to protect him from death in any crash, hence the title Death Proof. However, he runs foul of the wrong gang of babes who turn the tables on him and force the hunter to become the prey.
In his interviews before the release of Kill Bill, Quentin Tarantino offered a glimpse into how his mind works when he’s writing a movie. First of all, he has his ‘movie universe’, which is inhabited by the characters of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction (and probably True Romance and Natural Born Killers based on character names and relationships in those movies). Then he has his ‘movie-movie universe’, which is essentially a name for the movies that the characters in his movie universe would go to the cinema to see. Kill Bill is the first of those movies and Death Proof undoubtedly belongs in the movie-movie section of his catalogue.
In more way than one, Death Proof is a movie of two halves. Two groups of girls are targeted by Stuntman Mike and the first group’s storyline finishes just before the halfway point, after which we fast forward in time and meet the second gang of babes. The audio and video presentation is different in each part. The picture of the first story is purposely dirty, scratched and there are intentional mistakes in the editing. The second half begins with a section in black and white then cuts to brilliant colour through to the end. It is almost as if the movie were intended to be watched in two parts, with an interval in the middle to allow the viewer to get more drinks and popcorn.
Reservoir Dogs aside, this is Tarantino’s shortest movie yet (counting Kill Bill Vol. 1+2 as one movie) and strictly speaking, it should be a hell of a lot shorter. In simple terms, it is just a slasher movie. It should introduce the characters, the killer should kill some of them, and then the killer should be killed, all within an hour and a half. But that wouldn’t make it a Tarantino movie, would it? One of the reasons we watch Tarantino movies is to enjoy the verbal to-ing and fro-ing of characters written by a man who loves to talk, even though we all know no one in the real world talks like that apart from the director and the characters in his movies. If you were to remove all the long and seemingly pointless but still highly enjoyable conversations, you would probably be left with a standard ninety-minute slasher movie, but efficiency in the running time isn’t what we’ve come to expect from this director.
The indulgences in his screenplay are mostly welcome, although the need to establish the relationships between the second group of girls does mean that the middle section of the movie takes a little too long to get going. What is interesting is that some lines from Tarantino’s earlier movies make an appearance. This reinforced my theory that this is a movie the characters from his movie universe would watch. Plenty of people quote lines form their favourite movies, so why wouldn’t Jules from Pulp Fiction quote a line from Death Proof if it was one of his favourites?
The indulgences don’t stop at the screenplay. If you like cars and feet, this is the movie for you. It’s well-known that Tarantino has a thing for female feet, especially those belonging to Uma Thurman. The opening shot (accompanied by the fake alternative title Thunder Bolt) is of a pair of feet sitting on a dashboard, which goes some way to explaining the director’s motivation for making the movie. He wants to make a movie with fast cars and sexy girls, and we all know which part of girls QT finds sexiest.
Even though the intellectual standards he sets for his movie-movies are lower than his 'regular' movies, Tarantino maintains the same standards for his direction. Every shot is meticulously composed, from the brand names on the beer bottles to the shadow in the wrinkles on Kurt Russell’s face. The choice of music is excellent as well, reflecting the era of the movies he is paying homage to, even if the contemporary setting (including the use of mobile phones) feels very occasionally out of place for a movie inspired by the style of the 70s.
One thing that separates Death Proof from every other car-chase movie is the fact that the main star did her own stunts. After all, the character of Zoe Bell in the second part of the movie is played by none other than… Zoe Bell, a professional stuntwoman who was Uma Thurman’s stunt double in Kill Bill. The role gives her the opportunity to show off her acting abilities but most of all the fact that she’s one of the best stunt people in the world. The final confrontation between Stuntman Mike and Zoe and her friends begins with Zoe hanging onto the bonnet of their car and the fact that she did all her own stunts means that Tarantino could film shots of her face, which is usually only achieved by CGI, something that he wanted to avoid at all costs.
The rest of the cast all bring their roles to life, some of them Tarantino alumni, others newcomers to his brand of filmmaking. As was the case with Zoe Bell, some of the characters were written specifically for certain actors and actresses, for example Vanessa Ferlito is the Brooklyn babe Butterfly. Michael Parks shows up in the same role he played in Kill Bill and would threaten to steal the show if he had been given any more screen time than his one scene that only serves to tell us about Stuntman Mike. Kurt Russell is clearly having a great time playing the bad guy, especially when he turns from a homicidal maniac into a whiny little girl when the tables are turned on him.
Now, I haven’t seen Planet Terror yet, and living in the UK I haven’t been lucky enough to be able to take in the whole Grindhouse experience so I can’t tell you how this version compares with the original vision. What I can tell you is that Death Proof is great fun. It has the concept of an average horror movie but the final product has been created by a director whose talent is anything but average. Yes, it is indulgent, more so than any of his previous movies and probably less rewarding overall. That doesn’t mean it’s his worst movie, it’s just his second-best movie-movie.
Video
Dirt, scratches, wobbly picture—it’s all here but just in the right places. Of course, Death Proof is supposed to look bad and it does, gloriously bad. There’s something nicely nostalgic about watching a movie that is meant to look like it has been fed through a projector a thousand times. However, the complaints the projectionists received when Grindhouse hit US cinemas was a tell-tale sign that QT and RR were every so slightly out of touch with their potential audiences. I love it though, and it’s almost disappointing when the movie switches to black and white, and then to super-high quality during the second half. What this does mean is that the picture really shows its quality and we get a clear, colourful anamorphic picture that doesn’t lose any detail with the fast movement of the final chase.
Audio
As with the picture quality, the audio sounds great when it’s supposed to and appropriately bad only when the director says it should. There are nice touches when there are ‘faults’ in the negative to remind you that you’re watching a dodgy print. The balance of music, dialogue and effects is never a problem and it’s clear that a lot of work has gone into putting the soundtrack together. The engines of the cars sound especially powerful, in particular after the picture switches from black and white to colour.
Extras
Disc one of this two-disc set contains trailers for Death Proof, Planet Terror, 1408, Feast and Black Sheep, along with a gallery of posters for Death Proof from around the world. Disc two contains a selection of featurettes that focus on the different aspects of the making of the movie. Interviews with the cast and crew and behind the scenes footage feature in all of them, but it is the interviews with Quentin Tarantino that make these featurettes so watchable. He has so much passion and excitement for his work and movies in general that it’s difficult not to be drawn in by his enthusiasm.
‘Stunts on Wheels: The Legendary Drivers of Death Proof’ goes into the details of how the car chases and stunts were filmed, including interviews with the expert stunt drivers who have been risking their lives for many years. It’s clear that if a stunt wasn’t physically possible, they wouldn’t use CGI or any other tricks to get the shots they wanted.
‘Introducing Zoe Bell’ is a spotlight on the stuntwoman who Tarantino gave two big chances to—in Kill Bill and a lead role in Death Proof. We get to see her preparing for her scenes and interviews reveal that she was more worried about the ‘talky stuff’ than the death-defying stunts.
In ‘Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike’ Quentin Tarantino discusses his reasons for favouring Kurt Russell for the lead role, which go back to his love of John Carpenter movies. Interviews with Kurt Russell himself reveal that of all the directors he’s worked with in his long career, he’s never had such a ‘truly great experience’ as he did while working on Death Proof.
‘Finding Quentin’s Gals’ shows the work that went into casting the member of the two groups of girls. ‘The Guys of Death Proof’ does the same for the male members of the cast, with interviews with Michael Parks and Eli Roth.
‘Quentin’s Greatest Collaborator: Editor Sally Menke’ is a tribute to the editor Tarantino has worked with since Reservoir Dogs and includes a gag reel of sorts. Also included in the second disc are the full length version of Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s rendition of ‘Baby It’s You’ and a trailer for Double Dare, a documentary about stuntwomen featuring Zoe Bell.
Overall
On its own, Death Proof is still a great movie and there is plenty to reward repeat viewings. Most of all, it’s an after-the-pub movie by Quentin Tarantino that, at under two hours, won’t keep you up all night. This transfer looks and sounds just as it should, with the right mix of good and bad quality where appropriate. Tarantino has an odd habit of only recording commentaries for other people’s movies but the range of extras here complements the movie and enhances the viewing experience. Sure, the full Grindhouse experience is guaranteed to appear on DVD one day but this release is still worth picking up, especially since the full version of Kill Bill took over three years to arrive.
Review by Scott McKenzie
Advertisements
Existing Posts
THANK GOD SOMEONE AGREES WITH ME THAT THIS WAS BETER THAN PLANET TERROR! i mean they were both great, but this one was way better!
I found this movie a little too talky...sure the action scenes were incredible, but in between is just a little too much padding with babble dancing and a woman on the hood of a car..
The scene that really inspired me, was Kurt Russell eating greasy cheesy Nachos in a vivid close up to make you URGH..
Wound up ordering Nachos at Chevys yesterday, lived the Nacho moment ala Kurt..
Anyway I still like QT's directing style, but this was too too long and lacked action save for the 2 scenes toward the end of both hours.
The scene that really inspired me, was Kurt Russell eating greasy cheesy Nachos in a vivid close up to make you URGH..
Wound up ordering Nachos at Chevys yesterday, lived the Nacho moment ala Kurt..
Anyway I still like QT's directing style, but this was too too long and lacked action save for the 2 scenes toward the end of both hours.
George Wright wrote: "Death Proof" does indeed take place before the events of "Planet Terror". When you watch "Terror" pay close attention to the scene with Fergie & her broken down car. The radio station she's listening to has tribute show on Jungle Julia, one of the first victims from "Death Proof". Since "Terror" is an apocolyptic style film how can the events in "Death Proof" take place after the events of "Terror"?! I don't think anyone is arguing that fact, but rather the idea that the second half--with the stuntwomen--of Death Proof takes place before the first half--with Jungle Julia--which it doesn't.
Interesting... Care to elaborate?
Actually I think this movie ahead of its TIME!!
This was such a great film. I got the Best Buy exclusive with not only the steelbook case, the $5 off coupon, but it also comes with a bonus disc thats a half hour worht of additional extra features, including an interview Tarantino & Rodriguez. Well worth the price.
"Death Proof" does indeed take place before the events of "Planet Terror". When you watch "Terror" pay close attention to the scene with Fergie & her broken down car. The radio station she's listening to has tribute show on Jungle Julia, one of the first victims from "Death Proof". Since "Terror" is an apocolyptic style film how can the events in "Death Proof" take place after the events of "Terror"?!
"Death Proof" does indeed take place before the events of "Planet Terror". When you watch "Terror" pay close attention to the scene with Fergie & her broken down car. The radio station she's listening to has tribute show on Jungle Julia, one of the first victims from "Death Proof". Since "Terror" is an apocolyptic style film how can the events in "Death Proof" take place after the events of "Terror"?!
Death Proof should've been 20 minutes shorter and Grindhouse would've been a perfect movie-going experience.
Dammit all!
Cheddar J. Cheese wrote: Did you guys (who got the Steelbooks) get the $5 coupon with it?
yup
yup
Did you guys (who got the Steelbooks) get the $5 coupon with it?
I got the steelbook aswell. i was very surprised that there were barely any left by noon on tuesday.
Mr. Hanxinto wrote: I would like to ask to the webmaster if he knows anything about the tin edition (metal case). I heard that this edition is only being sold at bestbuy.com
I bought it at Best Buy... if you didn't get it by now, too late.
I went to the Best Buy I bought it in tonight and they were gone already... good thing I went first thing Tuesday.
I bought it at Best Buy... if you didn't get it by now, too late.
I went to the Best Buy I bought it in tonight and they were gone already... good thing I went first thing Tuesday.
I would like to ask to the webmaster if he knows anything about the tin edition (metal case). I heard that this edition is only being sold at bestbuy.com
so I watched the extended cut last night, and what a c**p decision it was too put the insert card there, it feels like a studio decision. Now the movie feels very unfocused and some choises the characters make make no sense. Oh well, it's a great theatrical flick, but this edition displays a truly lesser film. and it's waaayy too long now.
Greg Watterworth Jr. wrote: [quote=teamneedle wrote]This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
Ok, well, I watched "Death Proof" last night and I'm sorry... this movie is so f**king awesome.
This is one of those "true" extended cuts of a film... and I believe it is vastly superior to the cut shown in Grindhouse.
I love this movie.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
Ok, well, I watched "Death Proof" last night and I'm sorry... this movie is so f**king awesome.
This is one of those "true" extended cuts of a film... and I believe it is vastly superior to the cut shown in Grindhouse.
I love this movie.
Nice list there Squeek. I do agree Jackie Brown was awesome...although ironically not a QT original (I recommend reading the original novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard, very good). As I stated before, Vanishing Point is in my top 15, so Death Proof got a boost from me. I do like all his other movies too.
Blind bought the steelbook yesterday from Best buy.
Reservoir dogs-8/10
Pulp fiction-9/10
Jackie Brown-9.5/10
Kill Bill-7.5/10
Death Proof-7/10
Has Tarantino peaked? It will be hard to top Jackie Brown. It seems his newer movies are just basically remakes that are updated with more dialogue. Still i did enjoy death proof maybe the score will go up on repeat viewings.
Reservoir dogs-8/10
Pulp fiction-9/10
Jackie Brown-9.5/10
Kill Bill-7.5/10
Death Proof-7/10
Has Tarantino peaked? It will be hard to top Jackie Brown. It seems his newer movies are just basically remakes that are updated with more dialogue. Still i did enjoy death proof maybe the score will go up on repeat viewings.
Utter rubbish - when you put this next to Jackie Brown it doesnt even look average. QT..... you're in danger of disappearing up your own anus.....
"I did snag the Steelbook from Best Buy today, and it looks awesome."
Can anyone tell me what's on the bonus disc that comes with the steelbook at Best Buy?
Can anyone tell me what's on the bonus disc that comes with the steelbook at Best Buy?
ahh. haven't seen the extended version yet, but if theres an insert card, then I guess that's that. to me though, there are still too many things that make it feel non-linear. The generally fouler attitude of Mike, the drinking and the sherrif's comment about "what would make a guy do that" (paraphrase of course). Either way, just picked up the extended, so I'll be watching it pretty quick.
I didn't see Grindhouse in the theater, since it was only around my area (Soprano Country) for about 2 weeks. I have seen Death Proof and I got to say, I think it is QT's best. Maybe it is because Vanishing Point is in my top 15, but I totally dug this movie. Additionally I am sure Planet Terror is equally as good, but RR has disappointed me in the past.
I did snag the Steelbook from Best Buy today, and it looks awesome.
I did snag the Steelbook from Best Buy today, and it looks awesome.
I JUST BOUGHT THIS AND IT CAME WITH A $5.00 OFF COUPON FOR PLANET TERROR. Which means you'll be scoring that for about ten bucks. If you get DVDs on sale when they first come out.
butcher wrote: the second half takes place before the first half.
a very Tarantino thing to do and it should completely change your interpretation of the characters actions. or maybe not. cheers anyway
Nope, between the first half and the second half there's a "14 months later" card. I did a quick search round the interweb and it looks like there was speculation on this when Grindhouse came out. The addition of "14 months later" in this version confirms the linear storyline. A very Tarantino thing to do but not in this case. I'm glad the story is the right way round, otherwise it would have been a bit too "clever" for an exploitation movie.
a very Tarantino thing to do and it should completely change your interpretation of the characters actions. or maybe not. cheers anyway
Nope, between the first half and the second half there's a "14 months later" card. I did a quick search round the interweb and it looks like there was speculation on this when Grindhouse came out. The addition of "14 months later" in this version confirms the linear storyline. A very Tarantino thing to do but not in this case. I'm glad the story is the right way round, otherwise it would have been a bit too "clever" for an exploitation movie.
FWNW wrote: £ukasz D wrote: teamneedle wrote: This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
i hate people like you. and i can say that faithfully by observing your way of judgement: if someone likes Death Proof, they automatically have their head up tarantino's ass. I guess we suck and you rule, right? uhu. OK, i'll pull my head out of tarantino's ass just as soon as you pull YOUR head out of YOUR ass.
if you dont like a film, you can talk about it, but dont go bashing everyone else who might have enjoyed it.
exactly what i was goin to say...thanx
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
i hate people like you. and i can say that faithfully by observing your way of judgement: if someone likes Death Proof, they automatically have their head up tarantino's ass. I guess we suck and you rule, right? uhu. OK, i'll pull my head out of tarantino's ass just as soon as you pull YOUR head out of YOUR ass.
if you dont like a film, you can talk about it, but dont go bashing everyone else who might have enjoyed it.
exactly what i was goin to say...thanx
£ukasz D wrote: teamneedle wrote: This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
i hate people like you. and i can say that faithfully by observing your way of judgement: if someone likes Death Proof, they automatically have their head up tarantino's ass. I guess we suck and you rule, right? uhu. OK, i'll pull my head out of tarantino's ass just as soon as you pull YOUR head out of YOUR ass.
if you dont like a film, you can talk about it, but dont go bashing everyone else who might have enjoyed it.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
i hate people like you. and i can say that faithfully by observing your way of judgement: if someone likes Death Proof, they automatically have their head up tarantino's ass. I guess we suck and you rule, right? uhu. OK, i'll pull my head out of tarantino's ass just as soon as you pull YOUR head out of YOUR ass.
if you dont like a film, you can talk about it, but dont go bashing everyone else who might have enjoyed it.
*MASSIVE SPOILERS*
"the second half takes place before the first half."
I've read a lot of people talking about the theory that the second half happens before the first. First, off, I don't get how it could...I think it's pretty safe to say that Stuntman Mike is dead at the end of the second half. Can't see many people surviving that boot-heel to the head. And even if he did survive, he'd have far more scarring than that.
Logistics aside, when you see the extended cut, there is one small thing added that proves that it doesn't take place before the first half.
I have my own theory about first half VS second half, but I'm not going to get into it right now.
"the second half takes place before the first half."
I've read a lot of people talking about the theory that the second half happens before the first. First, off, I don't get how it could...I think it's pretty safe to say that Stuntman Mike is dead at the end of the second half. Can't see many people surviving that boot-heel to the head. And even if he did survive, he'd have far more scarring than that.
Logistics aside, when you see the extended cut, there is one small thing added that proves that it doesn't take place before the first half.
I have my own theory about first half VS second half, but I'm not going to get into it right now.
The Vendetta wrote: Tony DeFrancisco wrote: If "Children of Men" and "Cashback" didn't come out this year, "Death Proof" would be my favorite film of 2007.Well, now it's one step closer since CoM was an '06 feature. 
Didn't see Grindhouse, but I gotta say, DP looked like the s**t. PT just looked like s**t.In all fairness, because I don't see every film in the theater (I just happened to have the experience to see CoM in theaters), I count them when they come out on DVD. Sorry if I didnt make notice of it.
Didn't see Grindhouse, but I gotta say, DP looked like the s**t. PT just looked like s**t.In all fairness, because I don't see every film in the theater (I just happened to have the experience to see CoM in theaters), I count them when they come out on DVD. Sorry if I didnt make notice of it.
Scott,
Good review, but I find it interesting that you missed out on a key part of the film that may have shifted it from being (in your eyes) a "slasher flick" to a real QT film (you're also not the only person have missed it as some comments on this thread about Russel being a "pussy" at the end seem to indicate):
the second half takes place before the first half.
a very Tarantino thing to do and it should completely change your interpretation of the characters actions. or maybe not. cheers anyway
Good review, but I find it interesting that you missed out on a key part of the film that may have shifted it from being (in your eyes) a "slasher flick" to a real QT film (you're also not the only person have missed it as some comments on this thread about Russel being a "pussy" at the end seem to indicate):
the second half takes place before the first half.
a very Tarantino thing to do and it should completely change your interpretation of the characters actions. or maybe not. cheers anyway
Tony DeFrancisco wrote: If "Children of Men" and "Cashback" didn't come out this year, "Death Proof" would be my favorite film of 2007.Well, now it's one step closer since CoM was an '06 feature.
Didn't see Grindhouse, but I gotta say, DP looked like the s**t. PT just looked like s**t.
Didn't see Grindhouse, but I gotta say, DP looked like the s**t. PT just looked like s**t.
Please remember this is an international website before posting spoilers to these films ;-)
Think about how much money Planet Terror would have cost to make back during the grindhouse heyday. Then think about how much Death Proof would have cost. The entire point of the exercise was to pay homage to grindhouse cinema and if there's one thing grindhouse cinema didn't have, it's expensive-looking CGI shots of helicopters decapitating a large number of zombies. Rodriguez failed. Tarantino succeeded.
Maybe it was a planned failure though, in that had Rodriguez made his segment with constraints, the people who were bored by Death Proof would have gone out of their Adderall-laced minds. (On the flip side, SimonB makes a very interesting observation in that each film is essentially a reflection of each filmmaker's career that I am inclined to agree with; I would like to give Rodriguez the benefit of the doubt but how else can you explain Once Upon a Time in Mexico other than it's in Rodriguez's blood to make cheesily excessive films?)
Either way, Grindhouse was the best theater experience I've had in a long time. The fact that it came right on the heels (or right before, I can't remember) of 300 made it all the more awesome. I couldn't remember a time when I saw two slam-dunks in a row. I am saddened that we probably won't be enjoying a Grindhouse 2.
(P.S. I take a certain amount of satisfaction in knowing that I enjoyed both parts of Grindhouse, and therefore left the theater more happy than most people who posted here, lol.)
Maybe it was a planned failure though, in that had Rodriguez made his segment with constraints, the people who were bored by Death Proof would have gone out of their Adderall-laced minds. (On the flip side, SimonB makes a very interesting observation in that each film is essentially a reflection of each filmmaker's career that I am inclined to agree with; I would like to give Rodriguez the benefit of the doubt but how else can you explain Once Upon a Time in Mexico other than it's in Rodriguez's blood to make cheesily excessive films?)
Either way, Grindhouse was the best theater experience I've had in a long time. The fact that it came right on the heels (or right before, I can't remember) of 300 made it all the more awesome. I couldn't remember a time when I saw two slam-dunks in a row. I am saddened that we probably won't be enjoying a Grindhouse 2.
(P.S. I take a certain amount of satisfaction in knowing that I enjoyed both parts of Grindhouse, and therefore left the theater more happy than most people who posted here, lol.)
Death Proof was the best of the GH movies. Planet Terror was just OK
I will rent this first...hopefully it is as good as reviews say...I liked Pulp Fiction and Jackie brown and Reservoir Dogs..still always good to rent if youre unsure 
This was a fantastic film. It was thrilling and down right hysterical. I am itching to get my copy tomorrow.
Oh yes I heard about those Fake trailers. It's a shame anyone outside North America will have to watch them on the web.
Why aren't they on this DVD?
Why aren't they on this DVD?
I have to say, had I sat through Death Proof then I would have been in no mood to sit through another movie straight after.
Quote: I like the idea of Grindhouse but I'm kind of pleased it bombed as I sure as hell don't want to see two films in one sitting.
Jeesus!!
We always used to have 2 movies in the UK!
And even as a kid I could sit through two movies without crying!
If you did not like the idea you wouldn't have to go would you.
But now everyone else who would have been able to concentrate on a cinema screen for just three hours can't see this as it was meant to be seen either.
Jeesus!!
We always used to have 2 movies in the UK!
And even as a kid I could sit through two movies without crying!
If you did not like the idea you wouldn't have to go would you.
But now everyone else who would have been able to concentrate on a cinema screen for just three hours can't see this as it was meant to be seen either.
Gabe Powers wrote: And way to mess up my monopoly on R1 ya jerk.
That's what happens when you post a R2 review, Gabe
Cheddar, the line from Pulp Fiction is just a throwaway thing about a "tasty beverage". In my notes I wrote down that there was a line from From Dusk Till Dawn as well, but I cant remember what that is.
That's what happens when you post a R2 review, Gabe
Cheddar, the line from Pulp Fiction is just a throwaway thing about a "tasty beverage". In my notes I wrote down that there was a line from From Dusk Till Dawn as well, but I cant remember what that is.
What? Damn, ok, that's not supposed to be Casablanca there, I must've had it on copy before what I meant to paste in there (Sideways, I was told that it was a great movie, it was alright, nothing special) and it didn't copy.
I agree with you on every point that you made. Come on, it's Casablanca! Although I do think it is a little too high up on the AFI list. But still, it's one of the greatest. One of the best scenes ever filmed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHXQvNqSnYQ
I agree with you on every point that you made. Come on, it's Casablanca! Although I do think it is a little too high up on the AFI list. But still, it's one of the greatest. One of the best scenes ever filmed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHXQvNqSnYQ
I went into Grindhouse expecting Death Proof to be rather weak, but as the film came to a close, I couldn't help but think it was the superior half of the film. I half the pick up this(and Planet Terror)to tide me over till the TRUE GRINDHOUSE EXPERIENCE is released.
Cheddar J. Cheese wrote: £ukasz D wrote: teamneedle wrote: This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
Did you even see the movie?
I think Pulp Fiction is overrated beyond anything else, aside from Casablanca.
Kill Bill was alright, no big fuss. Volume 1 is just violence, but Volume 2 makes up for it with plot, however it's like seperating water from Kool-Aid, and having them seperately. But not an especially horrible film, just not that amazing.
Reservoir Dogs, I dunno, I saw it and just loved it. One of my top ten movies.
Then I saw Grindhouse. I had heard Death Proof was bad, and with Tarantino's track record for me, I was anticipating a truly abysmal film, because if people who praise Pulp Fiction and all that say that it's bad, well then it must be really awful.
Planet Terror went by, I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it was more of a spoof of the whole genre than anything else.
Then Death Proof played. I have to say, it was amazing. Not only was it more to the genre than its predecessor, but it was just really good. I haven't seen it since April, so I can't recall many detailed details, but it was overall much more enjoyable and better than Planet Terror.
So no, you don't need to have your head up Tarantino's ass to like this movie. And to say that is pretty ignorant.
Anyways. Excellent review, you got everything down it seems. The only thing I wish you could've said was what was extended (I know the lap dance scene is present) and all, but I understand why and it doesn't detract from the overall review at all. I don't recall any black and white, so maybe it's those segments you mentioned.
I'm disappointed that the video quality isn't good. I know it was supposed to look bad in theatres, but isn't the whole marketing thing of it all supposed to be that the theatre part is the experience and the DVD is like any other? I was expecting a "restored and remastered", not a straight transfer like that.
Also, you brought up something I never knew before, about this being a movie in the "Tarantino-verse". Which line is repeated from Pulp Fiction, or I suppose vice-versa?
Anyways, I guess that's all. Sorry for the rant.
Casablanca overrated!!You are on the list!How dare you! Casablanca is the most watchable movie of all time.I have seen it at least ten times and it never gets old.Heck, I have watched it falling asleep and I couldn't fall asleep because it is just too good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
Did you even see the movie?
I think Pulp Fiction is overrated beyond anything else, aside from Casablanca.
Kill Bill was alright, no big fuss. Volume 1 is just violence, but Volume 2 makes up for it with plot, however it's like seperating water from Kool-Aid, and having them seperately. But not an especially horrible film, just not that amazing.
Reservoir Dogs, I dunno, I saw it and just loved it. One of my top ten movies.
Then I saw Grindhouse. I had heard Death Proof was bad, and with Tarantino's track record for me, I was anticipating a truly abysmal film, because if people who praise Pulp Fiction and all that say that it's bad, well then it must be really awful.
Planet Terror went by, I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it was more of a spoof of the whole genre than anything else.
Then Death Proof played. I have to say, it was amazing. Not only was it more to the genre than its predecessor, but it was just really good. I haven't seen it since April, so I can't recall many detailed details, but it was overall much more enjoyable and better than Planet Terror.
So no, you don't need to have your head up Tarantino's ass to like this movie. And to say that is pretty ignorant.
Anyways. Excellent review, you got everything down it seems. The only thing I wish you could've said was what was extended (I know the lap dance scene is present) and all, but I understand why and it doesn't detract from the overall review at all. I don't recall any black and white, so maybe it's those segments you mentioned.
I'm disappointed that the video quality isn't good. I know it was supposed to look bad in theatres, but isn't the whole marketing thing of it all supposed to be that the theatre part is the experience and the DVD is like any other? I was expecting a "restored and remastered", not a straight transfer like that.
Also, you brought up something I never knew before, about this being a movie in the "Tarantino-verse". Which line is repeated from Pulp Fiction, or I suppose vice-versa?
Anyways, I guess that's all. Sorry for the rant.
Casablanca overrated!!You are on the list!How dare you! Casablanca is the most watchable movie of all time.I have seen it at least ten times and it never gets old.Heck, I have watched it falling asleep and I couldn't fall asleep because it is just too good.
Cheddar J. Cheese wrote: Hobo with a Shotgun!
That was one of the best trailers in the film (and I had to see it online as we didn't have it). "Hobo" and "Machete" both need to be be movies badly!
That was one of the best trailers in the film (and I had to see it online as we didn't have it). "Hobo" and "Machete" both need to be be movies badly!
It's like an airport in here. So many points wizzing over so many heads.
And way to mess up my monopoly on R1 ya jerk.
And way to mess up my monopoly on R1 ya jerk.
Easily the most satisfying half of Grindhouse, for me anyways. That head-on car collision halfway was far more shocking and stomach-turning than anything in Planet Terror.
We got the entire Grindhouse sha-bang exactly like the US. Even moreso, Hobo with a Shotgun!
It's interesting to hear that Planet Terror aired before Death Proof but the Death Proof DVD has come first and it's Death Proof which is the one getting an international release.
I don't believe anyone outside The States (maybe Canada?) has been given the chance to see Planet Terror.
I don't believe anyone outside The States (maybe Canada?) has been given the chance to see Planet Terror.
This was one amazing movie! I cannot wait to buy it!
teamneedle wrote: Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.Actually, that's where I like my head, thank you very much.
Now, to get to the point of my comment, yes, I liked "Death Proof" better than "Planet Terror." If "Children of Men" and "Cashback" didn't come out this year, "Death Proof" would be my favorite film of 2007. But, they did, so I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up and say that "Death Proof" is number 3 on my top 2007 so far. And by the way it looks for the rest of the year, it will probably stay.
What didn't you guys who said that you didn't like this film did not like about it? Did it have too much dialogue? Were the girls stupid in one case, but tough in the other? Or did it just flat out suck?
First off, let me say right now that I consider Tarantino to be my God. If Tarantino ever had to leave, then I would have Bobby Lee, but that's a totally different story that I won't even get into. I love it when directors have big brass balls to have so much damn dialogue in their films that they actually make Kevin Smith look like c**p, and I love Kevin Smith. That scene in the second half when the girls are blabbling about their love lives, just a little bit closer.
Closer.
Closer.
Even more closer.
There you will see that in this ten minute segment that Tarantino didn't cut ONCE. Not only is he showing off the actresses to us, but he is showing off that they actually had to learn their lines.
And I won't even go into about the "HEY MA! LOOK! NO COMPUTERS!" car chase scene, because I'm sure that we all have the same opinion about it. But looking at the comments underneath, I see that someone is already complaining on why Kurt Russell acted like a pussy at the end of the movie. Here I will explain it, but first, I will declare that whoever wants to see this movie on Tuesday best not read, for it will have a spoilers.
Spoiler I see that a lot of people are b***hing of how all that "Death Proof" discriminates women and how they look, but I'm only here to support the theory that it Quentin Tarantino threw that in there for only the smartest (not me, though) to see. There are tons of instances in "Death Proof" where Tarantino focuses in on the feet, the asses, the legs, the breasts, and the faces during the first half. But think about it like this. It's not Tarantino who is watching these women. It's Stuntman Mike. Where Mallory Knox has an obsession with violence during making love, he has an obsession with the girls, making it only more terrorizing. I don't know what it is like during the extended cut, but during the theatrical, when he is just about to get that lapdance, we miss out and the thing says "Missing Reel." That even fits in with his character. He doesn't care about their physical touch. No, he cares about killing them. You notice that he doesn't do it in the second half for the sole reason of this - the girls know that they are tough as nails and that they can kick some serious ass.
Of course, this is just the way that I see everything. There can be different opinions to all of it, but that is the reason why basically I think Tarantino should be called God. He doesn't make it noticeable right in front of your eyes. No, he makes you think! Something that directors dont do very often, huh?
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.Actually, that's where I like my head, thank you very much.
Now, to get to the point of my comment, yes, I liked "Death Proof" better than "Planet Terror." If "Children of Men" and "Cashback" didn't come out this year, "Death Proof" would be my favorite film of 2007. But, they did, so I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up and say that "Death Proof" is number 3 on my top 2007 so far. And by the way it looks for the rest of the year, it will probably stay.
What didn't you guys who said that you didn't like this film did not like about it? Did it have too much dialogue? Were the girls stupid in one case, but tough in the other? Or did it just flat out suck?
First off, let me say right now that I consider Tarantino to be my God. If Tarantino ever had to leave, then I would have Bobby Lee, but that's a totally different story that I won't even get into. I love it when directors have big brass balls to have so much damn dialogue in their films that they actually make Kevin Smith look like c**p, and I love Kevin Smith. That scene in the second half when the girls are blabbling about their love lives, just a little bit closer.
Closer.
Closer.
Even more closer.
There you will see that in this ten minute segment that Tarantino didn't cut ONCE. Not only is he showing off the actresses to us, but he is showing off that they actually had to learn their lines.
And I won't even go into about the "HEY MA! LOOK! NO COMPUTERS!" car chase scene, because I'm sure that we all have the same opinion about it. But looking at the comments underneath, I see that someone is already complaining on why Kurt Russell acted like a pussy at the end of the movie. Here I will explain it, but first, I will declare that whoever wants to see this movie on Tuesday best not read, for it will have a spoilers.
Spoiler I see that a lot of people are b***hing of how all that "Death Proof" discriminates women and how they look, but I'm only here to support the theory that it Quentin Tarantino threw that in there for only the smartest (not me, though) to see. There are tons of instances in "Death Proof" where Tarantino focuses in on the feet, the asses, the legs, the breasts, and the faces during the first half. But think about it like this. It's not Tarantino who is watching these women. It's Stuntman Mike. Where Mallory Knox has an obsession with violence during making love, he has an obsession with the girls, making it only more terrorizing. I don't know what it is like during the extended cut, but during the theatrical, when he is just about to get that lapdance, we miss out and the thing says "Missing Reel." That even fits in with his character. He doesn't care about their physical touch. No, he cares about killing them. You notice that he doesn't do it in the second half for the sole reason of this - the girls know that they are tough as nails and that they can kick some serious ass.
Of course, this is just the way that I see everything. There can be different opinions to all of it, but that is the reason why basically I think Tarantino should be called God. He doesn't make it noticeable right in front of your eyes. No, he makes you think! Something that directors dont do very often, huh?
Planet Terror was probably the best out of the two movies combined, but now that they're separated, comparison needn't be done any further. To compare Death Proof, one needs to compare it to the whole career of QT. The same can be said for Planet Terror from RR.
DP received more bad reviews over time that PT, but let's not forget about one little fact: they aren't in the same category. Where PT is drenched in gore, excessive violence and twisted characters, DP relies on dialogue, introspection and interaction, which was QT's trademark since Reservoir Dogs. RR's filmography, while containing more bumps than QT's, still holds the same material that he used in such films like From Dusk Till Dawn.
I believe Death Proof should not be so harshly judged. It is a great movie that is worth watching over and over, for the interactions, dialogues and the few (but exciting) action scenes as well as seeing Kurt Russell back in a bad guy position he once held. This being the first movie with an entire female cast (save for the cameos of Eli Roth and QT and Stuntman Mike), it is all the more remarkable to see how well Tarantino wrote the characters.
A definite addition to my collection.
DP received more bad reviews over time that PT, but let's not forget about one little fact: they aren't in the same category. Where PT is drenched in gore, excessive violence and twisted characters, DP relies on dialogue, introspection and interaction, which was QT's trademark since Reservoir Dogs. RR's filmography, while containing more bumps than QT's, still holds the same material that he used in such films like From Dusk Till Dawn.
I believe Death Proof should not be so harshly judged. It is a great movie that is worth watching over and over, for the interactions, dialogues and the few (but exciting) action scenes as well as seeing Kurt Russell back in a bad guy position he once held. This being the first movie with an entire female cast (save for the cameos of Eli Roth and QT and Stuntman Mike), it is all the more remarkable to see how well Tarantino wrote the characters.
A definite addition to my collection.
£ukasz D wrote: teamneedle wrote: This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
Did you even see the movie?
I think Pulp Fiction is overrated beyond anything else, aside from Casablanca.
Kill Bill was alright, no big fuss. Volume 1 is just violence, but Volume 2 makes up for it with plot, however it's like seperating water from Kool-Aid, and having them seperately. But not an especially horrible film, just not that amazing.
Reservoir Dogs, I dunno, I saw it and just loved it. One of my top ten movies.
Then I saw Grindhouse. I had heard Death Proof was bad, and with Tarantino's track record for me, I was anticipating a truly abysmal film, because if people who praise Pulp Fiction and all that say that it's bad, well then it must be really awful.
Planet Terror went by, I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it was more of a spoof of the whole genre than anything else.
Then Death Proof played. I have to say, it was amazing. Not only was it more to the genre than its predecessor, but it was just really good. I haven't seen it since April, so I can't recall many detailed details, but it was overall much more enjoyable and better than Planet Terror.
So no, you don't need to have your head up Tarantino's ass to like this movie. And to say that is pretty ignorant.
Anyways. Excellent review, you got everything down it seems. The only thing I wish you could've said was what was extended (I know the lap dance scene is present) and all, but I understand why and it doesn't detract from the overall review at all. I don't recall any black and white, so maybe it's those segments you mentioned.
I'm disappointed that the video quality isn't good. I know it was supposed to look bad in theatres, but isn't the whole marketing thing of it all supposed to be that the theatre part is the experience and the DVD is like any other? I was expecting a "restored and remastered", not a straight transfer like that.
Also, you brought up something I never knew before, about this being a movie in the "Tarantino-verse". Which line is repeated from Pulp Fiction, or I suppose vice-versa?
Anyways, I guess that's all. Sorry for the rant.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
Did you even see the movie?
I think Pulp Fiction is overrated beyond anything else, aside from Casablanca.
Kill Bill was alright, no big fuss. Volume 1 is just violence, but Volume 2 makes up for it with plot, however it's like seperating water from Kool-Aid, and having them seperately. But not an especially horrible film, just not that amazing.
Reservoir Dogs, I dunno, I saw it and just loved it. One of my top ten movies.
Then I saw Grindhouse. I had heard Death Proof was bad, and with Tarantino's track record for me, I was anticipating a truly abysmal film, because if people who praise Pulp Fiction and all that say that it's bad, well then it must be really awful.
Planet Terror went by, I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it was more of a spoof of the whole genre than anything else.
Then Death Proof played. I have to say, it was amazing. Not only was it more to the genre than its predecessor, but it was just really good. I haven't seen it since April, so I can't recall many detailed details, but it was overall much more enjoyable and better than Planet Terror.
So no, you don't need to have your head up Tarantino's ass to like this movie. And to say that is pretty ignorant.
Anyways. Excellent review, you got everything down it seems. The only thing I wish you could've said was what was extended (I know the lap dance scene is present) and all, but I understand why and it doesn't detract from the overall review at all. I don't recall any black and white, so maybe it's those segments you mentioned.
I'm disappointed that the video quality isn't good. I know it was supposed to look bad in theatres, but isn't the whole marketing thing of it all supposed to be that the theatre part is the experience and the DVD is like any other? I was expecting a "restored and remastered", not a straight transfer like that.
Also, you brought up something I never knew before, about this being a movie in the "Tarantino-verse". Which line is repeated from Pulp Fiction, or I suppose vice-versa?
Anyways, I guess that's all. Sorry for the rant.
Did somebody watch Jonathan Ross last Friday Scott? ;-D
This opens in the UK next w/e. I'm waiting to see it on the big screen. It's a shame Planet Terror has no release date period.
I like the idea of Grindhouse but I'm kind of pleased it bombed as I sure as hell don't want to see two films in one sitting. I know some people can do it but I find the process to long. Kill Bill over 3 hours would've been dreadful. As it happens Volume 2 was equally horrible so thankfully I can just own Volume 1 which is great fun.
I do wish Tarintino would get back to making serious films though. I hope he's got all this exploitation stuff out of himself now.
This opens in the UK next w/e. I'm waiting to see it on the big screen. It's a shame Planet Terror has no release date period.
I like the idea of Grindhouse but I'm kind of pleased it bombed as I sure as hell don't want to see two films in one sitting. I know some people can do it but I find the process to long. Kill Bill over 3 hours would've been dreadful. As it happens Volume 2 was equally horrible so thankfully I can just own Volume 1 which is great fun.
I do wish Tarintino would get back to making serious films though. I hope he's got all this exploitation stuff out of himself now.
teamneedle wrote: This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
exactly what i was goin to say..thanx
teamneedle wrote: This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
I liked it in the frame of the whole "experience" I got out of seeing both films, the fake trailers, drinking out of a flash in the theater.. etc.
I had an awesome time at Grindhouse.
Now, I'll buy the Best Buy Steelbook copy, watch it sometime soon, and really decide if I like the movie or not.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
I liked it in the frame of the whole "experience" I got out of seeing both films, the fake trailers, drinking out of a flash in the theater.. etc.
I had an awesome time at Grindhouse.
Now, I'll buy the Best Buy Steelbook copy, watch it sometime soon, and really decide if I like the movie or not.
No need to be obnoxious. Keep the comments civil.
This movie just wasn't good.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
Pretty much people who liked it...
Need to get their head out of Tarintino's ass.
This was just boring. The first movie was at least fun, this was not. Strictly dullsville all the way. Even sadder that Kurt Russell was the only good actor in it. And he didn't even have to try. Everyone else was just so flat and stiff that he shined easily. "Planet Terror" gets a thumbs up, "Death Proof" gets a thumbs down!
MINOR SPOILER:
I hated seeing Kurt Russell become such a pussy at the end. He's Snake EFFING Plisken!
I do, however, like that they are always drinking Shiner. My favorite.
I hated seeing Kurt Russell become such a pussy at the end. He's Snake EFFING Plisken!
I do, however, like that they are always drinking Shiner. My favorite.
looking foward to see this movie since everyone is saying Kurt Russell was good.
The first half of this movie was ok.
The second half was really dull, Kurt Russell practically dissapears and you're left watching women ramble on about nothing particularly interesting.
I'd say it was a dissapointment but after Kill Bill I never had my expectations that high.
The second half was really dull, Kurt Russell practically dissapears and you're left watching women ramble on about nothing particularly interesting.
I'd say it was a dissapointment but after Kill Bill I never had my expectations that high.
IMO the weaker half of Grindhouse. I'll be waiting for Planet Terror.
I was thinking this review might be an eejit magnet but I didn't realise it would work within 60 seconds!
Means even less now
underdawg87 wrote: first!
And if this were AICN it still wouldnt mean anything.
Looking forward to seeing the extended cut of this one--this is the best Kurt Russell has been in quit a long time.
And if this were AICN it still wouldnt mean anything.
Looking forward to seeing the extended cut of this one--this is the best Kurt Russell has been in quit a long time.
This product has not been rated
Disc Details
Release Date:
18th September 2007
Discs:
2
Disc Type:
Single side, dual layer
RCE:
No
Video:
NTSC
Aspect:
2.35:1
Anamorphic:
Yes
Colour:
Yes
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Subtitles:
English, Spanish
Extras:
Trailers, Poster Gallery, Stunts On Wheels: The Legendary Drivers Of Death Proof, Kurt Russell As Stuntman Mike, Finding Quentin's Gals, The Guys Of Death Proof, Introducing Zoe Bell, Quentin's Greatest Collaborator: Editor Sally Menke, Double Dare Trailer
Easter Egg:
No
Feature Details
Director:
Quentin Tarantino
Cast:
Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Rose McGowan, Vanessa Ferlito, Jordan Lad
Genre:
Action, Horror and Thriller
Length:
113 minutes
Ratings
Awards
Amazon.com
FOLLOW DVDACTIVE
Follow our updates
OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Reviewer Agony
Ray Harryhausen: The Early Years
HK - DVD
Dragon Wars
UK - BD RB
xXx 2: The Next Level
UK - DVD R2
Hollywood Homicide
UK - DVD R2
Dylan Dog
US - DVD R1
Unseen Reviews
Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (Doctor Who)
UK - BD RB
Doctor Who and the Daleks
UK - BD RB
Motel Hell
UK - BD RB
Black Sabbath
UK - BD RB
Broken City
US - BD RA
Hot News
Disney Animation Blu-rays
US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Prince of Darkness
US - BD RA
ABC TV
US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Universal Steelbooks
US - BD RA
The Lovely Bones
US - DVD R1 | BD
Most Talked About
More Scream Factory News
US - BD RA
Texas Chainsaw (2013, 2D)
US - BD RA
Spring Breakers
US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Host, The
US - DVD R1 | BD RA
Universal Steelbooks
US - BD RA
