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Movie Review of the Day:

Death Proof

Death Proof is a 2007 film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, about a psychopathic stunt man who targets young women, murdering them with his "death proof" stunt car. The film, a tribute to the muscle car movie genre of the 1970s, stars Kurt Russell, Zoë Bell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Jordan Ladd, Sydney Poitier, Tracie Thoms, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rose McGowan. Death Proof was released theatrically in the United States as part of a double feature with Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror under the title Grindhouse in order to replicate the experience of viewing exploitation films in a "grindhouse" theater.

While this film aims to emulate the B-movies of the late 70's, I hold this movie far and above anything produced in that period. Don't get me wrong, this flick is pure schlock, but it is engrossing, fun, and the dialogue makes it almost like slam-poetry. The way the characters talk and the vocabulary (not to mention the plethora of pop-culture refrences) is pure music to my ears.

The girls are well-cast and each is used to their maximum potential. In particular, Zoe Bell is my favorite because she is so real. Tracy Thoms is one of my fantasy-girls and so is the too-hot-to-hold Rosario Dawson. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the weakest of the second set of girls, but somebody had to be.

The first set of girls is great. I think the only lag in the film happens when the girls act out the "Butterfly moment". It is a necessary part of the film but I felt bored while I watched that part. And how could I forget... Sydney Poitier is just plain freakin' hot. Her character is a skeezeball, but I have seen her in other films and she can be very alluring.

I really dig the opening credits since they bring up such a nostalgic feeling for 70's schlock. The music for this scene, provided by the legendary Jack Nitzsche, is pure fun. The way that Tarantino shot the film is incredible and I commend him for really getting to the heart of what 70's exploitation films are and then making a really classy version of one.

Now we head on to Stuntman Mike, played with great pleasure by Kurt Russell. He is Snake Plissken with human vulnerabilities. He is not pure instinct and he is totally human. If I saw Rosario Dawson's feet sticking out of a car window, I would probably do what he did if I could get away with it. He is THE MAN!

My only regret is a double-edged sword. I wish that Sylvester Stallone had been able to play Stuntman Mike, as was originally planned. The only problem with that scenario is that we would not have been party to Kurt Russell's take on the character. Oh well, maybe next time.

This film flopped at the theaters. It was a major disappointment for all parties involved except for the audience. From my research, this film has had an excellent second life on DVD and cable tv broadcasts. I know I own the DVD but I still tune in when it comes on Starz. The Grindhouse version is adequate, but the full DVD version is awesome. If you have not seen the DVD version, snap yourself with a wet towel and then go rent this version. You will not be disappointed.

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