Grindhouse

My gentle readers,

"Grindhouse" is a picaresque ramble through a more innocent time in American history. Women were being liberated, we were slogging through a thoroughly unpopular ground war in Asia (never, never get involved with a former French colony) and fashion was smashin'. Your money will be well spent, with well over three hours of two feature films and several previews. One film preview in particular, rejoicing in the rather original soubriquet, "Machete", piqued my interest. It appeared to be about a Mexican immigrant's search for identity and acceptance in America. Thoughtful, engrossing fare. The other previews were similarly thought-provoking, "Werewolf Women of the SS" documenting a little-known horror perpetrated by the Nazis in WWII and "Thanksgiving", a cautionary tale involving the dangers of tryptophan.

The first "Grindhouse" feature is directed by Robert Rodriguez and is entitled "Planet Terror". It tells the touching tale of Cherry (played by the beautiful Rose McGowan), a go-go dancer who longs to be a stand-up comedian. The film details a turning point in her life; the night she decides to follow her dreams. On her way to her bright new future, Cherry runs into Wray(an excellent Freddy Rodriguez), the lost love of her life, who encourages her to live up to her potential and become the fearless leader of men (and women) that she was always meant to be.

Unfortunately, her odyssey of self-discovery is rudely interrupted by flesh-eating, pustule-popping, pulsating zombies. Amid the resulting mayhem, carnage and cannibalism, Cherry discovers her true talents. The film boasts strong performances by all, particularly Marley Shelton as a needle-wielding anethesiologist and Bruce Willis in moving cameo as a military hero who has been gravely wronged by his country.

A three-hankie movie. Two thumbs up. Bring a cushion.

"Deathproof", the second "Grindhouse" feature (directed by Quentin Tarantino), is a moving story of feminine bonding and friendship. An attractive cast of young actresses (Sydney Poitier, Vanessa Ferlito, Jordan Ladd, Rose McGowan, Zoe Bell, Tracie Thoms, Rosario Dawson, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Marley Shelton) display their acting prowess, as they convincingly demonstrate the deep intimacy of female frienships. Their gleeful road-trip is rudely interrupted by a mannerless road-hog (Kurt Russell). Three of the sassy senoritas decide to teach him a lesson in civility. Zoe Bell is particularly delightful here, and worth the price of admission alone.

A joyful affirmation of life, friendship, and the female spirit!

Two thumbs up. Way up. Bring your best girlfriend and some popcorn.

Mrs. Roth