Grindhouse
User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 327 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 256 out of 327
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 327
  3. Negative: 49 out of 327

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ZackS.
    Oct 20, 2007
    0
    Awful. Tarantino, already the most self indulgent, ego stroking filmmaker, takes it up a notch. It consists of girls talking for the entire movie with two action scenes. If only he were clever, or talented, or produce anything worth watching. Easily the most overrated talent of his generation proves again that critics don't know what they are talking about.
  2. grandpajoe6191
    Sep 29, 2011
    5
    So far I have seen only "Planet Terror" for this movie, but its just bloody and gruesome. What is the point of remaking a 80's exploitation film? I definitely gave up watching "Death Proof" after the end of the film. I just can't.
  3. GaborA.
    Apr 8, 2007
    4
    Both the movies are tediously long. If you just shave 30 minutes off each you get a nice 2 hour and 20 or so minute sitting which is fine. The difference between the two features specifically is that if you cut 30 minutes of pretentious dialogue and set up out of Death Proof you get an enjoyable hour film. If you cut 30 minutes out of Planet Terror you merely carry it over to bearable from unbearable territory.… Expand
  4. f308gt
    Aug 26, 2008
    5
    The best bits = Rose McGowan and especially the soundtrack of Planet Terror. The worst bits = Tracie Thoms and the fact she lived (unforgivable) Planet Terror. Rose McGowan and especially the soundtrack were the best bits of a sexy, witty and enjoyable film. The timing of the dodgy movie craft missing reels etc. was spot on
  5. BIGREESE
    Sep 4, 2010
    10
    oh my god... it is so crazy and funny and gory and all at the same time, keeping cool and witty. Tarentino and Rodrigez... bravo jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
  6. RickA.
    Apr 10, 2007
    3
    I find it hard to give a rating to Grindhouse because of the two very different movies that make up the double bill. First the fake trailers, they were all funny. The standout to me was Thanksgiving, a laugh out loud riot. Next comes Planet Terror. A gore filled campy zombie flick that is as fun and light hearted as can be. Enjoy the ride because this one is fun. Finally Tarantino comes along and kills the whole expierence. I can't really explain how bad I thought Deathproof was. I absolutely hated the movie. The long drawn out dialogue about nothing. The complete bad ass Kurt Russell turned into a comical whiny loser. The camp of the whole thing ruined by the seriousness of Deathproof. Complete and utterly bad movie. Tarantino's way overrated by critics.… Expand
  7. JohnN.
    Apr 8, 2007
    5
    I give it a 5 for the fun I had in Planet Terror, but Death Proof was like watching paint dry. The dialogue was painfully boring, and I LOVE QT films. I see many reviews here saying how "groundbreaking" this film was. Come on, guys. Seriously? Really, really pointless. And I love how some people say: "You low IQ people just don't get the sheer brilliance of Death Proof." Brilliance? Wow. I guess I saw a different movie. Because Death Proof was better than a sleeping pill. The girls dialogue seens were like 20 minutes at a time of NOTHING. If Planet Terror was not attached to my rating, Death Proof would get a 2.… Expand
  8. KenG.
    May 17, 2007
    4
    There seems to be a lot of disagreement among the critics and others as to who made the better movie, Rodriguez or Tarantino, but the fact is, neither one did a good job. Rodriguez got so carried away with the idea of making a "bad" movie, that he actually wound up with a bad movie, rather than a clever, funny imitation of that type of "bad" movie. His movie is a mess, and the fact that it was an intentional mess, is not enough to make it work. On the other hand Tarantino really didn't seem that interested in this project. He seemed much more interested in doing his version of a chick flick, with all the non-stop gab (much of it uninteresting, no matter how much the critics drool over it) that seems to go on forever. The action just seems to be tacked on to fullfill his obligation to the project. Between the 2, I'd say Rodriguez did the better job, simply because he was more into the spirit of the project. But the only thing in the movie that was done well, well the previews. I also wasn't impressed with the intentionally shabby feel of the films, for 2 reasons. One is that I gotta think it's not hard to capture that feel. The other reason is that much of the charm of the old shabbily done films they are copying is that those films weren't done shabbily on purpose. By being shabby on purpose they are cutting the charm out of it. They are trying to capture an effect that you really can't, at least not intentionally.… Expand
  9. NilsK.
    Sep 23, 2007
    5
    Well in order to enjoy this movie you'll have to belong to a very limited group of people. I read the reviews about this movie, witch described it as a superb movie. Well let's just say I was VERY disappointed after watching this movie. The movie has no story line whatsoever, basicly you see a group of people talking about random things and experiencing random ( uninteresting ) things, and then they get killed. Then you see another group of people again talking about random things and again experiencing random things, the psycho tries to kill them too but fails, and then gets chased by these girls in an over the top ridiculously stupid catchphrase. Thats it. The whole story in 3 seconds. There's nothing more to it, the whole movie is made out of 1:15 hours of random chitchat and 15 minutes of ridiculously over the top action. I advise you to not even give this a rent. The masterly director that Quentin is ( or at least was ) shows nowhere and I mean nowhere in this movie. I expect the only reason why this movie gets such good reviews is because it was directed by Tarantino and we wouldn't dare to diss him would we now, nah this movie sucks donkey dick.… Expand
  10. LR.
    Sep 24, 2007
    1
    I was going to tell you how i feel about this movie but joey summed it up the only thing i can add is you can skip chapters till you see cars driving. if you do this you will enjoy this movie all 15 minutes of it.
  11. JamesO
    Sep 16, 2008
    4
    I saw both of these movies through Netflix on separate occasions. I thought Planet Terror was awesome, but Death Proof was completely awful. Seriously, what's so great about a movie where 75 minutes of the film is dialogue between a bunch of women who talk about absolutely nothing (e.g. their daily lives, their occupations, their boyfriends, etc.)?! I don't get it. Planet Terror, on the other hand, was radical in every respect and didn't try and pretend to be something it wasn't: that is, a balls to the wall zombie/action movie. Tarantino is a highly regarded director by both critics and the public, but with this one he just fails miserably. I'd give Planet Terror an 8 and Death Proof a 0. So, using the power of averages, the overall score for Grindhouse comes out to a 4.… Expand
  12. DouglasB.
    Nov 5, 2007
    1
    Death Proof is simply terrible, to top it of, you folks in America got it as part of a double feature called "Grindhouse" here in Australia we got it as a separate film entirely, which is probably why it seems even worse. I can't believe it, so much useless dialog, no back story, no story in general, just 2 action sequences that are separated by 14 months and a long prelude of dialog before each one, between 2 separate groups of women. When the ending suddenly came, i felt robbed of my time and money. I'm even more pissed with the trailer for the movie, the way it was edited, it made the film look like a full throttle action movie. I can't believe this is the work of the same guy who made Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill Vol. 1 & Vol. 2. movie structure: Part 1: Group of girls - lots of useless talking Random action moment Part 2 14 months later New group of girls - lots of talking (even more than the first time round) Random action sequence no back story, no story in general. terrible, you've been warned, screw what the critics are saying.… Expand
  13. RippedOff
    Oct 1, 2007
    1
    I am growing tired of Tarantino's self indulgent attempts to recapture the magic of Pulp Fiction...with clever dialogue between edgy buddies! I have time to watch one movie a week...and just wasted it on this crap!!!!
  14. Eldon
    Oct 2, 2007
    2
    I give it a 2 for the first 10 minutes alone. And, as as been finely noted, what the hell happened to the rest of the movie?! Sheesh! And I have to say that in the end, it IS NOT worth it. I don't want to feel that way, but I did and do. And how can you, when choosing to cast Zoe Bell, give her all that dialogue?? My god she sucked the life right out of all the dialogue. I guess that may have been the "intention" of Tarantino, to have it be bad acting. But next to say, Dawson, she truly stinks up the place and I could just see the veil dropping over and over again until I was out of it all together. That is not doing your job as a director... it doesn't work man, it just doesn't. Lame.… Expand
  15. KyleM.
    Apr 12, 2007
    0
    It's easy to see why this movie flopped. Aside from Critics who were desperate to seem "hip" and "with it", there was hardly anyone in American that wanted to be submerged in this cesspool of a movie for 3+ hours.
  16. TerryR.
    Apr 6, 2007
    3
    Really tedious. The first one: Ok, we get it..old movies had scratches in the film and drop-outs. Not sure what he was trying to accomplish..folks dressed like people in 70's movies, driving old cars, sending messages on their PDA's (?). Some shots borrowed directly from old films, other stuff shot very contemporary...should have picked a style and stuck with it.Tarantino needs to quit sticking that mutant mug of his in front of the camera..the guy is not an actor. First one went on WAY too long. Second movie...did anyone really buy Kurt Russell as a menacing old stuntman? A few moments, but about 1.5 hours in I started checking my watch and saw quite a few folks give up and walk out. Meatheads will give it a good review because they think that this shows they have an appreciation of what the two hack directors were trying to do. Don't believe the hype...spend your time watching actual old grindhouse movies.… Expand
  17. DenizY.
    Apr 7, 2007
    5
    The first one was pretty good, but the second one had about an hours worth of Tarantino that was SOOOO BORING. I love Pulp Fiction, but the second movie, Death Proof, had horrible dialogue to the point where I was just spacing out in the drive-in and me and my friends were just talking on and on. It reminded me of Sex in the City, and then later on in the second movie they had a pretty sweet car scene that was cool for about 2 minutes but then they just kept recycling the same idea over and over again Do yourself a favor and wait till it's out on DVD or sneak into a drive-in and only pay for 1/3 of the people in your car Tarantino, this is my biggest disappointment with your work since Kill Bill 2.… Expand
  18. SpiroDolemite
    Apr 7, 2007
    2
    Absolutely terrible and a waste of time! My girlfriend and I walked out about 30 minutes in. Some of the most disgusting things I have ever seen in my life. I certainly don't understand why people were laughing and clapping at what looked to me like graphic images of boils and genital lesions. We asked for refunds and both saw Firehouse Dog which a much better movie and was much more entertaining… Expand
  19. DaveA.
    Apr 7, 2007
    2
    Just because something is supposed to be a parody, and is aware of its intentional kitchiness, that doesn't make it any better than what it's attempting to lampoon. Rodriquez proves himself a hack once again. His piece of this was totally boring and stupid but, then again, so was From Dusk 'till Dawn. Tarantino is a much better film maker but "Death Proof" suffered from a totally implausible, ridiculous and stupid ending (again, I'm aware that it's parody but still . . . ) and too much self conscious dialogue which is becoming a bad trait of Tatantino's films. It could have been much, much, better than what it was with a little more effort and skill.… Expand
  20. DravenatorLives
    Aug 30, 2011
    10
    Brilliant. That's all I can say about this beautiful collage of gore, guns, and girls. Grindhouse is a brutally violent double feature that plays like one of the old school double feature exploitation films. The first half, Planet Terror is an old school zombie movie. Directed, written, edited, and (surprise) composed by Robert Rodriguez, it's a definite recommendation. In between the first and second half are fake trailers (two of which, Machete and Hobo with a Shotgun, have been turned into real movies which I saw and loved.). After that segment and a few other things (I think one of them is Let's All Go To The Lobby), we dive into Tarantino's segment, Death Proof. Death Proof is a joyride, in true Tarantino style, and it's basically a slasher movie...with cars. Yes, it's as awesome as it sounds. Anyway, I'm running out of room so, WATCH THIS **** MOVIE!… Expand
  21. THATMOVIEGUY
    Apr 10, 2007
    9
    I liked Rodriguez' film more than Tarintino's at first. But a few hours later I feel like I under appreciated Death Proof, just becuz it didn't continue the "campyness" of Planet Terror, but it is a really cool and different kind of Tarintino film. The most innovative film to come to major theatres in probably over a year. 9/10
  22. AmericaF.
    Apr 1, 2007
    10
    One of the most unique, groundbreaking, disturbing, and ultimately unforgettable films of the year. It is offensive, unpredictable and unbelievably entertaining. I loved it.
  23. Dirk
    Apr 7, 2007
    9
    The whole exercise is so filled with fun and schlocky homage, which in my opinion never wears out its welcome. Personally I found "Planet Terror" more satisfactorily fun and depraved. Meanwhile, Tarantino's dialogue in "Death Proof" is mostly tedious, but once the car chase truly commences, the juxtaposition with what came before (including "Planet Terror") is a wonder to behold. Don't go in with too many expectations--just EXPERIENCE it, preferably with the most raucous, boozy crowd you can, and you'll have a great time.… Expand
  24. KennethP.
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    By the end of Death Proof, the copacity audience I witnessed this with raised a rather large applaud, and rightfully so at 2:30am on the Friday opening night. See this like many midnight movies were meant to be seen... drunk, stoned, and with all your best guy friends. [ed m.d.: I think I will!]
  25. RossB.
    Apr 8, 2007
    8
    Honestly, lots of talk about how the Planet Terror section is much more buoyant or lively, but when we consider both this fact (both a positive and a negative at points in my opinion) and the context of the movie itself, it's much easier to see why people have taken to planet terror more quickly than death proof. In my personal opinion, both movies could have been cut by a solid 10 minutes, but in all of it's excess (and my excess of wanting more excess) it was easier to see the slow parts of Planet Terror as slow parts as opposed to what i saw as slow tension builders in Death Proof. Yes, Rose McGowan and Freddy Rodriguez fill their tropes wonderfully, but there are many strident and complex pathos that Kurt Russell just aches onto the screen in the form of a madman that is more entertaining than every character in Planet Terror combined (save of course Cherry's Leg's). If you're lookin at this like schlock, by all means exhalt Planet Terror, but if you saw this as purely gimmick (though nonetheless one that takes a perceptive look at our modern simoultaneous infatuation and denegration of popular culture) and were actually watching for a movie (which doesn't necessarilly prescribe itself to the paradigm of movies, but still has a cohesive narrative and structure) then Death Proof is your best bet. I'm guessing that the second viewing will enlighten people to Death Proof a little bit more, as the dialogue does drag at certain points on first viewing, but in all honesty everything for this movie is pure maniacal, sexual, fierce, and violent fun that is for the sake of fun. Hence, any complaints that one may have with either segment can really be ignored in the face of such giddy (and giddilly inspired) filmmaking by one master and one wannabee that can really make a zombie head explode well on camera.… Expand
  26. AlanS.
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    Loved the double feature!!!
  27. MorganG.
    Oct 9, 2007
    10
    Overall, it's a fantastically brilliant film. I'd say Death Proof was rubbish, but it really wasn't. It was okay. It just seems rubbish right after watching the brilliance of Planet Terror. If they'd have put Deaht Proof first, then Planet Terror, it would have been loads better. It's still the best film ever made though.
  28. BobC.
    Apr 6, 2007
    10
    The most fun I've had at the movies in years.
  29. HeyWould'Ja
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    I love exploitation films, so I was expecting this one to be right up my alley, and boy did it deliver. The fake trailers were worth the price of admission alone, and both of the features were filled with cheesy goodness. "Planet Terror" is a classic B-movie zombie flick, with blood splattered over almost every frame. Sometimes movies try to be campy and fail, but Rodriguez managed to make the most (intentionally) funny horror film since Shaun of the Dead. The cheesy soundtrack and dramatic pauses were especially great. After "Planet Terror" and the trailers, the slow windup for Tarantino's "Death Proof" had me worried that he was taking himself too seriously. By the time the final chase sequence started, though, it all came together. Without giving too much away, Kurt Russell's performance near the end of the film was hilarious. In the theater I watched it in, the crowd broke out into applause after the freeze frame ending. I'm sure Grindhouse won't be showing up on many "10 Best" lists at the end of the year, but it's by far the most entertaining film I've seen so far this year.… Expand
  30. LelandM.
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    Best movie experience I have ever had in a theater... pure entertainment...
prev
Page:

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    70
    If you were keeping score, it would be Quentin Tarantino 1, Robert Rodriguez 0.
    Read full review
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    80
    Planet Terror delivers only momentary kicks...while Tarantino's Death Proof is a juicy, delicious treat, its pleasures stem much less from the play with genre conventions than from great dialogue and electric performances.
    Read full review
  3. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Nathan Lee
    100
    This monumentally pointless movie is best summarized by a line from Planet Terror: "At some point in your life, you find a use for every useless talent you have." Rodriguez, Tarantino, and Co. aim for nothing more noble than to freak the funk, and it's about godd--- time. Go wasted, go stoned, go without your parents' permission. In paying homage to an obsolete form of movie culture, Grindhouse delivers a dropkick to ours.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »