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Death Proof
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Kurt Russell
Genre:
Action-Adventure/ Thriller
Run Time: 90
min.
Release Date:
September 2007
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
Quentin Tarantino and
bloodshed. The two seem to go hand-in-hand. From RESERVOIR DOGS,
FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, the
KILL BILL duet (One and Two), and
now the GRINDHOUSE couplet (DEATH PROOF and
PLANET TERROR), Mr.
Tarantino likes to play with crimson. And he sometimes does it very
well.
What makes Death Proof watchable is its homage to the drive-in days of
early Technicolor when scratchy editing and concession stand
intermissions were commonplace. The story itself is fairly unremarkable
(with the exception of Kurt Russell’s performance as Stuntman Mike, a
psychotic, out-of-work, stuntman who has girl issues for no apparent
reason). His mood swings from depression to exhilaration are done well
and mark him as the crux that holds Death Proof together.
The “Tarantino Girls” are sure to be eye-candy for most male watchers,
their languorously long legs and tight Daisy-Duke shorts being a bit
overly focused upon. Although this is what makes Tarantino films
appealing, especially when harkening back to the 70's when big hair and
revealing clothing were making their way into the mainstream.
And what Tarantino flick would be complete without some cool cars.
Souped-up Nova’s and Dodge Challengers are indicative of the times (the
70s), a time we’re supposed to find ourselves reminiscing about. But
Tarantino fails to continue on the right path and veers out of control.
Cell phones pop up in the second act of Death Proof and pull us away
from the first (the second act takes place less than two years after the
first). I had to ask myself exactly “when” we were. Confusing us
further, the Dodge Challenger that the girls go check out is designated
“a classic,” yet, again, the second act (which is where this happens)
takes place only 14 months after the first.
Kurt Russell’s Stuntman Mike is creepy and funny, and it is his
hysterically frightening performance that pulls Death Proof up a notch.
His stalking of the pretty girls is spooky, while his later encounters
with them are laughable ...and sometimes sexy.
The car crash scenes involving the classic Dodges is sure to make MOPAR
owners cringe, each crunch of metal on metal eliciting a screeching
quality from the cars themselves and those who love these rare vehicles.
The girls in both episodes are great looking gals: Zoe Bell, Rosario
Dawson (A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS), Vanessa Ferlito (24),
Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Tracie Toms (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA), Rose
McGowan, Jordan Ladd, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (BOBBY) round out the
leggy women whom Kurt Russell’s character harasses ...but not the way he
intended in the end.
This is a modestly entertaining film, if only for its sentimental value
for those who spent time at the drive-in a few decades ago, or for Kurt
Russell fans. If you’re a diehard Tarantino-ite, you might find it
enjoyable as well. But for mainstream audiences, this one might crash
and burn.
(NOTE: This is only a review of half of the GRINDHOUSE film, which, for
some reason, was divided into two separate DVDs when released. A review
of PLANET TERROR will be forthcoming soon)
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Image from Death Proof
DVD cost: $24.99
Purchase:
BestPrices.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
When Kim, Zoe and Abby are
in the Challenger, ready to go on their "test drive", they pull up by
Mary and Abby says, "Hey good looking, we'll be back later for YOU!"
This was a line in a commercial for a cheesy Ronco product, Mr.
Microphone, in the '70s.
Movie Quote: "Hey!
Ladies! Now that was fun!"
Other Actors/Actresses
from Death Proof
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