Grindhouse

"Grindhouse," a 2007 film directed by the celebrated duo of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, pays homage to the sleazy and sensational exploitation films of the 1960s and 1970s. The film is cleverly divided into two standalone features, "Death Proof" and "Planet Terror," each possessing its own distinctive style and story.

In "Death Proof," Kurt Russell delivers a chilling performance as a sociopathic stuntman who uses his car as a weapon to hunt down and terrorize young women. The film boasts a formidable female cast, including Rosario Dawson, Zoe Bell, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, all of whom deliver standout performances. The film's nail-biting car chases and gripping action sequences are a testament to Tarantino's mastery of the craft.

"Planet Terror" is set in a small Texas town that becomes infested with flesh-eating zombies. With an eclectic cast featuring Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, and Josh Brolin, each delivering dynamic performances, the film revels in its over-the-top violence, cheesy special effects, and bawdy humor that captures the spirit of the exploitation genre perfectly.

Bruce Willis had a brief but memorable appearance in "Grindhouse" as the character Lieutenant Muldoon in Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror." Muldoon is a no-nonsense military man who is sent in to contain the zombie outbreak that has overrun the small Texas town. Willis delivers a solid performance, portraying Muldoon as a tough and stoic character who is not to be trifled with. While Willis's role is not a major one, his performance adds to the overall fun and campy feel of the film.

Although "Grindhouse" initially divided critics, it has since amassed a devoted following and is now recognized as a cult classic. It is an essential watch for aficionados of Tarantino and Rodriguez's works and for those who cherish the exploitation genre and its continuing influence on contemporary cinema.

Release: 2007

Cast: Kurt Russell, Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%