Planet Terror

I reviewed this before as it was put together next to "Death Proof" (plus a number of inspired trailers for films that don't exist) for the grand experiment "Grindhouse",and I felt that while I still quite enjoyed the whole package, this probably should've been broken into halves to make this a little more viewer friendly (that is,assuming directors Quentin Tarrantino and Robert Rodriguez were EVER interested in trying to make a commercial hit out of their opus).

The pulpy,weighted on action tale of a bio-chemical leakage at a rural Texas military outpost that turns people in zombies brings together a variety of disparate locals,among them a hardened and bitingly sardonic stripper (Rose McGowan,who has to work hard to NOT drip sexuality) and her sometime boyfriend and bad-ass fighter (Freddy Rodriguez). Subplots involving a loveless and abusive marriage between wed doctors (MArley Shelton and Josh Brolin) and rival brothers--one a sheriff (Michael Biehn),the other a BBQ rib joint proprietor (Jeff Fahey,who was unrecognizable to me at first)--seem to be padding to build conflict toward a big,bloody,messy,fiery climax,and if there's anyone who understands those kinds of film finishes,it's director Robert Rodriguez,working the usual flourish and flair.

On it's own or added to Tarantino's road menace pic,this is still quite a bit of non-brain-taxing fun!

I've seen a fairly large segment of this film and don't understand either of the two negative reviews at all. I classed it as a zombie flick and as such found it a good addition to the genre. To say it is the sickest (notice the correct spelling) film ever made shows a complete lack of cinema knowledge to the extent of idiocy. Anyone who has seen any of Rodriquez's previous work will not be in the least bit surprised by anything in this film and will probably enjoy as such. If you like the Horror genre, especially Zombies, which are thankfully making a return to cinema, you will find a special place in your dark and twisted hearts for this. I have and can't wait to see it on the big screen. Makes a refreshing change from the horror pap that's come out of Hollywood in the last decade.

While Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof seems to be a much more authentic representation of 1970s grindhouse pictures, Robert Rodriguez' Planet Terror is more of a loving caricature of 1980s zombie splatter films. Nothing in the film is played straight, and virtually every scene is accompanied by a wink and a grin at the audience.

If Tarantino's effort is accused of being slow (or deliberately paced, depending on your opinion), Planet Terror never even thinks about slowing down. From the exploitative opening credits through to the final frames of the film, this is a roller coaster ride of a film that doesn't let up.

With Planet Terror, Robert Rodriguez continues his "everything and the kitchen sink" mentality when it comes to his film-making by throwing everything at the wall just to see what sticks. While it sometimes feels like this technique gets in the way of Rodriguez finding a true film-making voice, it works quite well for a film like Planet Terror where there's no room for subtlety.

The cast that Rodriguez assembled is a glorious ensemble of bygone action heroes, horror icons, and Rodriguez stock actors. They all bring their parts to life in a cartoonish sort of way that fits the tone of the movie beautifully.

While the uncut DVD edition of Planet Terror doesn't change the film drastically in any way, it definitely improves the film. It gives the film smoother transitions and fills in some gaps in the plot (though that missing reel is still there and will always remain there as one of the many comical winks at the audience). The large cast of characters are also given more beats here and there that help fill out their personas a little more. All in all, this uncut version simply allows the film to breathe a little more, rather than having to jump frantically from scene to scene in an effort to make the 84 minute running time.

At the end of the day, Planet Terror isn't going to win any awards, and it's certainly not meant to. It's simply an extremely enjoyable guilty pleasure of a film that virtually anyone with the stomach for it can probably have a good time with, especially if you're a horror fan. Take a couple of classic John Carpenter films like The Fog and Escape From New York and throw them into a blender with a couple of classic zombie splatter films like Evil Dead 2 and Dawn of the Dead and you've got a pretty good idea of what Planet Terror is like. And at the end of the day, you could definitely have a worse combination of films to pay loving homage to.

Everyone I know loves this movie, including my Girlfriend. Yes, it has it's gross-out moments, but they are all so over the top that they aren't all that disturbing. The whole movie is supposed to be grimy and cheesy so if you expect a slick Hollywood blockbuster you might be disappointed. If you are a fan of MST3K movies then check this one out. It's an amazing recreation of a movie they'd watch! I mean that as a compliment. I found Death Proof to be slightly Borning until the last 20 minutes. But, in this movie, it's almost all non-stop action! There are also some really funny cuts, dialog and special effects. This movie is not to be taken seriously. Turn down the lights, get some popcorn and enjoy the ride!

Everyone who thinks Grindhouse was a mindless piece of cinema and completely useless needs to shut up.

And as for telling people who like this movie to get a real brain, get off your high horse.

These movies were supposed to trashy and gory and cheesy, that's what makes them so great. Being immature and ridiculous everyone once and a while just for the hell of it is fun, and that's the spirit these movies were made in.

get the sticks out of your you know where people. It's not like I'm putting them on a pedestal with movies like Schindler's List, I enjoy them for the pure enjoyment of it.

these movies are brilliant for what they were made for. It's not like