If you’re not familiar with the term “grindhouse,” a brief explanation is warranted. A grindhouse is an American term for a theater that mainly showed exploitation films. It is also a term used to describe the genre of films that played in such theatres. Grindhouse films are also referred to as "exploitation films." Grindhouses were known for non-stop programs of B movies, usually consisting of a double feature where two films were shown back to back. Many of these inner-city theatres formerly featured burlesque shows which included "bump and grind" dancing, leading to the term "grindhouse." Beginning in the late 1960s and especially during the 1970s, the subject matter of grindhouse films was dominated by explicit sex, violence, bizarre or perverse plot points, and other taboo content. (wikipedia.org)

The intent of the Rodriguez/Tarantino project was to capture the “grindhouse” era in all its exploitation glory. Along with back-to-back features, Planet Terror and Death Proof, Grindhouse even threw in a few fake “throwback” movie trailers, directed by Rob Zombie (Werewolf Women of the SS), Eli Roth (Thanksgiving), and Edgar Wright (Don’t).

Planet Terror, written and directed by Robert Rodriguez (Desperado, Sin City) is about a small town that gets exposed to a governmentally created bio-chemical agent that turns people into vicious ghouls. Rodriguez does a brilliant job of capturing the essence of the “grindhouse” B-movie era with a hokey plot-line, cheesy (but clever) dialogue, tongue-in-cheek humor, and more blood, guts, and explosions than you could ever hope for in a movie. The film was also edited to give it a worn and grainy look, to emulate the feel of a “grindhouse” movie. Everything in Planet Terror was executed perfectly, from the brilliant special makeup effects by Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger, to the captivating musical score, composed in part, by Rodriguez himself.

Death Proof, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill), is about a homicidal stuntman who stalks women and kills them with his souped up hot-rod. Inspired by cult classic muscle-car action flicks of the ‘70s such as Vanishing Point and Gone In 60 Seconds ("the real one, not that Angelina Jolie bullshit"), Death Proof is part action flick, part thriller, with a little bit of “slasher film” thrown in. It maintains a somewhat slower pace than Planet Terror, and might be criticized as being a tad bit heavy on the mundane dialoge in parts. But nonetheless, Death Proof delivers the goods in the end.

While I can’t say enough great things about Grindhouse, I recognize that this film won’t have mainstream appeal. Exploitation films of the ‘70s were not for everyone, and they certainly aren’t for everyone today. If you’re not into graphic violence, disturbing images, and strong language, than Grindhouse isn’t for you. For everyone else, you’re in for a wonderful treat. Sit back and enjoy the ride!