Planet Terror

A proper homage to trash. For the uninitiated viewer, whose horizon in the horror genre ends at most somewhere around Count Dracula, this will be a "sick perversion" (in the words of my work colleague), while others will enjoy the tons of references and the irresistible depravity of Rodriguez's brainchild. I'm with Ish, I want more Grindhouse, Trey's machete-wielding avenger, werewolf SS-men, and a Thanksgiving slasher spree (including a trampoline)!! But I still like Tarantino's contribution to the project a bit better, because it's more personal and therefore more interesting. And definitely a big thanks to the Weinstein brothers who weren't afraid to put their money into this bold non-mainstream project. That they then unfortunately wept at the earnings is another matter. (23/10/2007)

Maybe crazier and more disgusting than the first part, and that's saying something. It is clear what this piece wants to say, so it is basically impossible to describe its qualities, as it is a patchwork of bad movies. But the resulting product is even weirder, bolder, and more interesting, there are no limits or barriers here. Are you a fan? Great, you will have a good time. You aren’t? You will turn it off after five minutes. More likely after ten, because Fergie in white is worth seeing. (18/07/2008)

Robert Rodriguez is back just how I like him best. And about time, after the childish Spy Kids and the heavily narrative Sin City. Planet Terror has balls. Bloated zombies, guys with snappy lines and action that I have thirsted for ever since I saw Desperado for the first time. The cast is also excellent. A bad-guy Bruce Willis, the ravishing Rose McGowan and tough guy Freddy Rodriguez who came across in an even better light than he did in Harsh Times and I predict a promising future for him. Thorough-bred entertainment which will please Grindhouse fans much more than Tarantino’s piece. (05/10/2007)

Unbelievable as it may seem, Rodriguez's cinematic knowledge trumps even Tarantino's, and his Planet Terror is an absolutely perfect concentration of genre deviations, quirks, and flaws. The only person who can search for a more meaningful plot is someone who abhors the trash aesthetic or has never tried it on his own spectator senses. This is the most daring film of the year, which piles one idea after another, culminating in Rose McGowan, whom I hereby dub the hottest tigress of this film season, and Rodriguez the bravest freak who is bothered by absolutely nothing (the deaths of animals or children). I want Machete immediately, or Grindhouse II! (21/10/2007)

An honourable ruler of trash cinema with a lot of ideas, beautiful girls and a likeable cast, but it’s such bullshit that there’s no way we can fear for the characters and no mentally sane viewer will find anything to relate to in that crazy, impersonal world. Some of the characters are great (in particular the brother duo of the Sheriff and the butcher) and as a homage to trash cinema, the premise was fully exploited, but at the same time, it’s mostly lacking the true cinephile satisfaction and the elegance that was present in its sibling film Death Proof. Rather than to the classics, Rodriguez refers to Tarantino or even himself, creating a thematic world that is entertaining, but hardly acceptable. 70% (04/04/2019)