Review of 'Planet Terror'

planet_terror.jpg The first part of the “Grindhouse” double feature (the second being “Death Proof”, see my review) – an homage to the “Grindhouse” films from late last century that were known for low production values, poor acting, sex, blood and guts, and swearing. As with “Death Proof”, other than the production values this film succeeds on all five counts. The missing reel (right when things are beginning to get interesting – the “Sorry” note from the management displayed on the screen is also a good touch), fake trailers and screen “noise” (damage to the film) all add to the experience.

Differing from “Death Proof”, “Planet Terror” actually has more of a plot: A release of a toxic gas turns all who breath it into flesh-eating zombies. It is up to Cherry Darling, a woman who has lost a leg in an accident (to have it replaced, of course, with an automatic weapon), and her rag-tag group of friends from her home town to shoot down the zombies and get the heck out of Dodge. Believe me, more plot than “Death Proof” but then, plot is not entirely the point here with the style really taking centre stage.

Rodriguez does succeed in capturing the feeling of the Grindhouse films with this one – It would be apt to chuckle at the film in nostalgia if the viewer were not so involved with what is going on and trying to shake off the often extremely violent imagery.

I was lucky enough to see this film as it was originally intended to be shown: As part of a double feature in a cinema. It was split into two only to make it more acceptable to a cinema audience (evidently) but I do think that the two should be taken together when assessing their “merits”.

Another interesting movie…Stay clear if you are easily offended by violence and/or swearing. I must admit, it is not entirely something I am interested in.

Rating: “It is OK but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2008-05-14


Directed by: Robert Rodriguez

Studio: Dimension Films

Year: 2007

Length: 105 minutes

Genre: Action/Adventure

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1077258/


Other reviewed films by Robert Rodriguez:

Other reviewed films by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller: