Previous Comments

[1] On Apr-15-2007, wrote:

Oh well. It's a great movie for those who missed out, but for the few loyal QT/RR fans who saw it multiple times, this just means that we'll be getting the DVD to watch at home sooner than later.

[2] On Apr-15-2007, misterpink867 wrote:

i'm going for the third time this week.

what a great flick.

[3] On Apr-15-2007, Marcos wrote:

Just... why??? Why is this happening?

I'm spanish, a die hard fan of Tarantino. Grindhouse had all the items to be a great movie to rocks at cinemas... or that was the look it took here, in Spain. Then came the news about the split in Spain and we all cried. Now the movie ain't working well in the USA... What's happen?

[4] On Apr-15-2007, ColinS wrote:

Marco, quite frankly the "natural" audiences for "Planet Terror" and "Death Proof" are incompatible. The folks who love PT hate DP. The folks who love DP tolerated PT but didn't really care for it (they had no choice; they had to wait for DP). I really thought the Rodriguez fan base would pull "Grindhouse" the experience up this weekend (top three at least) because it was a weak good movies weekend of 6 new releases. But, they've been bashing it, because they don't like Tarantino's movie. If the two movies were shown in Europe as the back to back "Grindhouse" experience it would bomb as well.

Geez, grindhouses were a uniquely American experience. Yet, my guess is 75% of the people who went to see "Grindhouse" in America didn't know that it was a cineplex approximation to how back to back movies were experienced in the mostly 70's era grindhouses, and were not just not all about wall to wall cheeziness. Now imagine the audience WTF in Europe where there was really no point of reference to the experience.

As much as some of us might have issues with Harvey Weinstein (funny how Bob stays above the fray), he is correct. The movies should be released as separate film and stand on their own to draw their "natural" audiences. I do want the Weinstein Company to make some money to continue to be an independent spirit risk taker. No one should really expect them to jump out of airplanes without a parachute. It is still very much show-business after all.

The Weinstein Company, Quentin Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez are quite laudable to have enough balls, and daring to do something different in the marketplace. I don't believe the movies themselves failed. It was just the pairing of these directors with these two very different films for a "Grindhouse" experience.

Incidentely, Tarantino's flick is in fact truer to the experience (and the trailers as well). Also, my feeling is let the trailers stay with "Planet Terror" on the bifurcation. The mature crowd would get a bit turned off and it is they who are the "natural" market for "Death Proof."

Oh, there is no worry that QT has lost the youth market, he hasn't; but we can't discount that it is the mature market that made "Pulp Fiction" such a big hit, and the recent phenom of "300." I saw older couples coming out for "300" and it was fascinating and quite shocking to me (I have a thesis, but I am not sharing ; ))

[5] On Apr-15-2007, Pete wrote:

What Ive got from this whole thing is that these days people want Drive Thru not Drive IN. Id love more Double Features but it doesnt look like we'll be getting any more. :(

[6] On Apr-15-2007, Evan wrote:

I don't know about Tarantino's part being "truer" to the experience, but thats just me. I am a Rodriguez/Tarantino fan and I loved them both just as equally. While I am not against them re-releasing them separately in the states, I think that they should at least wait 2 months or so before they do so.

[7] On Apr-15-2007, P wrote:

saw grindhouse this weekend sat night...I was the 2nd one in the theater by the time the movie started there were only about 10-12 people in the theater....and this wasn't a small local theater either. But all in all people were still hype for the film as if it was opening day the only thing was that death-proof was so slowwwwwwwww. The person who sat in front of me, got up and left during the first 20 minutes of death-proof.

My only issue with grindhouse, was deathproof, I am not saying it was bad, but the dialouge was too long, especially after seeing planet terror, and those crazy trailers, you were ready to see what they had next....and it was a letdown. There was too much of the 2nd set of girls and not enough stuntman, and I thought his car was "deathproof"...it was like quentin got lost in his ideas and just went in a different direction....I am a quentin fan, but this one just didn't do it.

Well at least we can look foward to the dvd's coming soon....

[8] On Apr-16-2007, Jim wrote:

I had no idea RR and QT fans hated each other. When the hell did this happen? Everyone I know likes them both, they just like Tarantino more. I thought most Tarantino and Rodriguez fans were on the same page, but I guess I'm not familiar with this subterranean rivalry you speak of. And for the people who'd get "turned off" by the trailers, they're not the people the movie was made for. They don't get it, fuck 'em. Hello, it's called Grindhouse. Not the most sophisticated flicks. You won't be seeing any Hitchcock or Frankenheimer joints there. "Truer" to the Grindhouse experience? No, but Death Proof was the more "mature" movie, but are Grindhouse movies known to be mature ventures? Hell no! Far from it. And cut back on the smug, pal, if there is a grudge between QT and RR fanboys you're making us Tarantino supporters look like pompous douches.

[9] On Apr-16-2007, Jim wrote:

I had no idea RR and QT fans hated each other. When the hell did this happen? Everyone I know likes them both, they just like Tarantino more. I thought most Tarantino and Rodriguez fans were on the same page, but I guess I'm not familiar with this subterranean rivalry you speak of. And for the people who'd get "turned off" by the trailers, they're not the people the movie was made for. They don't get it, whatever. Hello, it's called Grindhouse. Not the most sophisticated flicks. You won't be seeing any Hitchcock or Frankenheimer joints there. "Truer" to the Grindhouse experience? No, but Death Proof was the more "mature" movie, but are Grindhouse movies known to be mature ventures? Hell no! Far from it. And cut back on the smug, pal, if there is a grudge between QT and RR fanboys you're making us Tarantino supporters look like pompous douches.

[10] On Apr-16-2007, Ralphie wrote:

What's mature about a guy chasing broads with a Chevy Nova? They're both supposed to be stupid and entertaining. One more than the other.

[11] On Apr-16-2007, Ethan wrote:

It seems that people these days don't want to see quality flicks like Grindhouse. In my opinion it is the greatest movie experiance I've had in a long time. I hope to see more like this from Tarantino & Rodriguez.

[12] On Apr-16-2007, skip wiley wrote:

I too had no idea about this supposed rivalry between fans of RR and QT. Doesn't make sense to me. They both seem like fringe directors (relatively speaking), and due to their similar styles (again, relatively) I'd think that their respective fans would be very open to the others.

That being said, going into Grindhouse I did not look forward to sitting through Planet Terror before Deathproof. All I wanted was the Tarantino.

Yet, I loved Planet Terror like crazy. In fact, at its end, I didn't see any way that Death Proof could be nearly as enjoyable. Thankfully I was wrong (I felt they were in fact two different experiences altogether).

The biggest shame about Deathproof is that it is the tail-end of a 3 hour 20 minute film experience. That is simply a long-ass time to sit down and most Americans aren't used to it. For most, any dislike for Quentin's drawn-out style (dialogue & development) will escalate into a negative movie experience altogether, which is unfortunate.

This whole thing makes me disappointed about the average filmgoer in America. I hope they DON'T release them again individually, as I'm not sure these films are meant to be seen one by one. Now THAT would be a rip off, to pay $9 to see just one of these films.

[13] On Apr-16-2007, Marcos wrote:

Don't you think fat Weinstein should release apart only Tarantino's Death Proof? For now, people who go to see Grindhouse can see the Rodriguez fragment and get out of the cinema... :)

I think that all this split shit, at some point is related with the DVD releases... Today there are movies that make their money with the DVD release. Grindhouse will have a fucking lot of editions: Simples editions of Grindhouse (the whole experience), Planet Terror and Death Proof; special editions of Grindhouse, Planet Terror and Death Proof; collector editions of Grindhouse, Planet Terror and Death Proof...

You know, I like all of this, I would buy the good editions of every DVD. But the worst thing of all this, for me, is that the final word on the release of this movie is not on QT or RR mouth. It's on fucking producers' mouth. What about those interviews where QT said that he had the control? I think that the split thing is a good thing ONLY if previously they give the option of see the both in one, like in the USA. But here, in Spain, there is no choice.

[14] On Apr-16-2007, Garth wrote:

'and I thought his car was "deathproof"'

Well yeah, the car's deathproof but

SPOILERS

A person isn't. He was shot, you saw that, right? And then for the second half of the chase, he wasn't properly strapped into the car. So yes, of course the car is deathproof, but only when "used properly". (See: the Rose McGowan situation.)

[15] On Apr-16-2007, Garth wrote:

"the only thing was that death-proof was so slowwwwwwwww."

That's funny, because I thought the exact same thing. If someone had asked me how long each movie was when i left the theatre, i would have probably said that PT felt like it was about 2 hours while DP felt like it was about an hour. I thought DP absolutely FLEW by!

In fact, if there is ONE possible positive about GH being split up is that, if it's re-released, they might give us a much longer version of DP and I would friggin LOVE that!

[16] On Apr-16-2007, ColinS wrote:

Jim [8], a few questions, and be absolutely honest, just between you and me. Did you absolutely adore "Death Proof"? If you did, why? Do you think it a masterpiece of filmmaking? If you do, why?

Now having really distilling your thoughts about that movie, did you absolutely adore "Planet Terror"?

I am not saying which one you should like, but which one do you really, really care for more? And not the middle of the road, well I like them both bs.

I did not say the fan base hated each other. I wrote about the "natural" AUDIENCE for THESE two movies. For sure the Rodriguez fan base alone should have pulled at least one $20mil weekend. The projected for "Grindhouse" was for $29mil+ openning weekend. And you have to admit the hard core of Tarantino fan base still want him to be more nihilistic and have been disappointed each time without another "Reservoir Dogs" and they may be getting old in the tooth by now (QT's fan base is more fickled).

I read on a forum (and I believe this is illustrative of an accurate expectation), one guy was so hyped up for Stuntman Mike thinking this is going to be one badass "cool" killer, and what did he get? A limp noddle in his pants. He was pissed, he loved "Planet Terror," slammed "Death Proof" in the worst way. Look, I can tell you all about the artistic merits that make "Death Proof" a cinematic masterpiece, but that shit would be too "mature" for that guy, because that's not what he wanted to experience. He might have wanted a QT's "Wolf Creek" perhaps. Tarantino's methods and ideas about genre films have not waived since "Reservoir Dogs." It is just that his interests and ideas to accomplish them have changed with each movie.

Does my "pompous smugness" scare you? Is it my car?

[17] On Apr-17-2007, Shannon wrote:

Grindhouse was absolutely one of the (if not THE) best movie experiences I've ever had. And I don't expect it to be topped anytime soon, if ever. I've seen it twice already and will be going a third time. I loved both movies and I would not change a single thing about either of them. I think it was good that Death Proof slowed down a bit in terms of action as I think I would have had a heart attack if we hadn't been given a bit of a breather. One thing I've always loved about QT's films is the dialogue which he certainly delivered in Death Proof.

Grindhouse is an absolute must see in the theatre so that your reactions feed off of the other people's reactions. Both times I saw the movie the audience cheered at the end - I can't remember that ever happening in a theatre before.

THANK YOU QT AND RR!!!!

[18] On Apr-17-2007, a.diggs wrote:

What about, Grindhouse: the videogame?
It seems like there would be a whole series of games to offer in the future, especially if QT and RR keep the franchise going as rumored. Would it be sacriligous? A definite way to re-coup a bad openeing week $$$$. They could even create thier own Videogame production company with a franchise like this......

[19] On Apr-17-2007, KW wrote:

The thing that gets me is this film was intended to be a blockbuster. And really, it's a no-brainer -- by that I mean, a film you can go to where you leave your brains at home. It's pure adrenaline-charged entertainment, but it's also extremely enjoyable because the characters are so very likable.

I guess I just can't get over the fact that people weren't willing to see it solely for its running-time. Geez, people invest just as much time watching a football game, and don't get half as much excitement as they would at Grindhouse.

So what are people thinking when they see the running time? It's not like those three-some hours won't fly by. The slowest part of the whole experience for me wasn't even the film itself, but sitting through an endless assortment of real trailers that only extended getting through the feature film. They need to cut that shit out, not make the film itself any shorter.

[20] On Apr-18-2007, Ken wrote:

I mean, .. As sad as it may be... This is a 4 hour event. Not many people want to stay for a four hour movie,.. especially when the two movies attract different audiences. I think much more money would have been made if they were released seperately. I'm a film Student at NEIT and I think both films are mastered!! But,.. I guess you win some.. you lose some.

[21] On Apr-18-2007, Connie wrote:

I've been to see Grindhouse three times since opening day and I loved it. Granted, I liked Death Proof better than Planet Terror but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy them both. The movies are two completely different movies but I still had an awesome time. I loved that the movies didn't try to take themselves seriously.

I saw the first show of GH on opening day and had possibly the best experience I have ever had at the theatre. I went back to GH about four days later and I brought my friends with me. They tried to analyze the movie and make it make sense and that ruined it. GH is not a movie to be rationalized.

The third showing I went to the audience seemed to have the GH mentality of "This is going to be insane." They were going crazy at parts and I was so happy to see people enjoying this film. I know I'll buy the DVD when it comes out.

[22] On Apr-18-2007, A.S. wrote:

Kind of a tough week to find Grindhouse a laff riot.

[23] On Apr-19-2007, manny biezunski wrote:

first, grindhouse had Easter to wrestle with & now this whole 'massacre' situation @ VA-TECH has left the world both 'shocked' & 'horrifed' -- I wont be suprised if they pull GRINDHOUSE from theatres as early as neXt week

damn shame, IMO.

[24] On May-01-2007, dt wrote:

Tarantino is smart (ugly), but very smart. His ability to capture the twisted dreams of his dark soul leave mortals shocked with amazement. How could this man think of such carnage and dish it out in such digestable bites...Just like Hitler did.

Anyone that would follow this man is a mindless drone. Go ahead perk away with snappy comments about depth of knowledge...genius caught on film...blah blah blah! This hunk of lung butter would not rank as a Home Made Snuff Film.

You poor saps, QT has lost his edge, he is a sellout, a cut and past artist at best. He is like some bad cover band that dressed up and hammers away on the instruments. Lots of noise, lots of flash, minus the talent.

QT has to make a buck like anyone but this last donation to the Port-a-Pot was right there with Buckaroo Bonzi, Big Trouble in Little China, Snakes on a Plane. Somebody put QT in touch with Cheech and Chong I believe their talents are the same, old, predictable and common as street trash.

I spit on your alter of this pathetic whiner, he is hopeless...

Please everone just walk on by nothing to see here.

Fade to black.

[25] On May-01-2007, ButchTheBoxer16 wrote:

God, Tarantino is the best director ever! I am glad we can all agree on that!

[26] On May-05-2007, ColinS wrote:

"This hunk of lung butter would not rank as a Home Made Snuff Film."

dt, I doubt you have seen "Death Proof."

To give an opinion on something you have no knowledge of is plain ignorant, not informed, useless, and at best just a "mindless drone" to someone else's belief.

Be original, you might find a whole new interesting world.

Fade in. Dawn of a whole new world.

Recent Grind House Headlines

Or check out all the entries in the Grind House category.