The first film, Rodriguez's “Planet Terror” has all the ingredients needed to create fan boy heaven. A biochemical leak turns a majority of Texas into flesh craving undead. Cherry (Rose McGowan) a go go dancer must do what she can to survive. Luckily her ex-boyfriend, Wray (Freddy Rodriguez) turns out to be a sharp shooting natural at the zombie killing game. The film is wall to wall gore, with ridiculous dialogue, giggle inducing one liners, and violence of biblical proportions… Not to mention Bruce Willis as Lt. Muldoon, the man who secretly killed Osama Bin Laden.

In other words it’s pure exploitation. From the get go your hooked in, laughing when Rodriguez wants you to, (usually at the most inappropriate of times) and on many occasions turning away from the screen in disgust at the abundance of human insides being tossed in your direction. The films frantic pace slows near the end, but still manages to keep its maniacal little heart beating.

The second film, Tarantino’s “Death Proof” pays homage to car crash exploitation films such as “Vanishing Point” and “Dirty Mary Crazy Larry” which are both referenced in the film. It then turns into a revenge flick, with instant changes in character by the actors involved. Kurt Russell plays Stunt man Mike, a psychotic stunt man with a Chevy Nova that is death proof. He uses his car as a murder weapon in the deaths of four innocent women during a head to head collision; the crash is replayed four separate times so we can see how every girl is actually killed. It’s brutal to say the least.

Whereas Rodriguez took us on a constant, ‘shock the senses’ thrill ride, Tarantino slows it down with many dialogue driven moments. This would be a welcome reprieve if the dialogue was of the usual Tarantino variety, but unfortunately it’s not. The conversations drag and we begin to feel the 3 hour running time. That is until Stunt man Mike picks the wrong chicks to mess with. Suddenly he’s the one being chased by blood thirsty bad girls out for revenge. The crazed car chase and hilarious ending are enough to win us back, but will leave some of us expecting more, especially from the guy who killed Bill.

The other great treat of Grind house is the mock trailers. All of them done for shock and laughter, one stands out, “Thanksgiving” directed by Eli Roth. It’s horrifyingly funny, and will definitely have people talking long after they’ve left the theatre. Overall the films more than succeed in their attempt at exploitation greatness, and are going to be enjoyed by those with the stomach for this sort of nonsense.

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