PLANET TERROR (2007)

Film of the Day #166 - 31 Days of Halloween #2

PLANET TERROR
2007 • Robert Rodriguez

Screenplay: Robert Rodriguez
Producer: Elizabeth Avellán, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino
Cast: Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Michael Biehn, Jeff Fahey, Josh Brolin, Marley Shelton, Bruce Willis, Naveen Andrews, Fergie, Tom Savini, Quentin Tarantino, Michael Parks
Cinematography: Robert Rodriguez
Music: Robert Rodriguez

Dimension Films

I'm gonna eat your brains and gain your knowledge.

Warning: This movie is gross. Really gross. If you skip this one, honestly I don’t blame you. Planet Terror is a blood-soaked rollercoaster ride that brings the best (or worst?) of grindhouse cinema to the modern era. With its unapologetic devotion to sex, violence, gore, and humor, it's not for the faint-hearted.

In 2007, two visionary filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, joined forces to create Grindhouse, a throwback to the grindhouse cinema of the 70s and 80s. This double-feature project aimed to capture the sleazy, gritty, and exhilarating experience of watching low-budget exploitation films in old-school theaters. Planet Terror is Rodriguez's contribution to this venture, paying homage to the over-the-top zombie splatter films of the 70s & 80s.

The film takes us to a small Texas town where an experimental biochemical weapon is accidentally unleashed, turning the local populace into bloodthirsty, flesh-eating zombies. As chaos ensues, a group of survivors emerges, led by Cherry Darling (Rose McGowan), a go-go dancer with a mysterious past and a machine gun leg. Teaming up with her is the ruggedly charming ex-boyfriend, El Wray (Freddy Rodriguez), who happens to be a mysterious drifter with exceptional combat skills.

Their motley crew includes a slew of eccentric characters, from a tough-as-nails barbecue cook named J.T. (Jeff Fahey) to a deranged doctor, William Block (Josh Brolin), and his unfaithful wife, Dakota (Marley Shelton). As the night unfolds, these misfits must battle hordes of ravenous zombies, uncover the sinister government conspiracy behind the outbreak, and fight for their lives with grit and dark humor.

Planet Terror revels in its deliberate errors and rough edges, designed to mimic the authenticity of its predecessors. From jump cuts to scratches on the film, every element contributes to that classic Grindhouse feel. The film never takes itself too seriously, embracing the flaws with a grin while winking at the audience throughout.

And oh man, is this movie gross! Expect a non-stop flow of blood, guts, and zombie gore that might leave you both disgusted and delighted. It's a bloodbath of epic proportions, presented with a macabre sense of humor that makes you question your own twisted laughter.

The cinematography is wild, capturing the chaos with stylized shots that enhance the thrill of the ride. Accompanied by a testosterone-fueled soundtrack, the film plunges you into a mesmerizing whirlwind of action and horror.

Yet, amidst all the insanity, the film manages to deliver some memorable lines. Rodriguez may not be as skilled a writer as his partner Tarantino, but he injects enough punchlines and wit to keep the audience entertained and laughing amidst the carnage.

Comparing Planet Terror to Tarantino's Death Proof, it's evident that Terror takes a more caricatured approach to the genre. While Death Proof harks back to the 1970s with a genuine portrayal of exploitation cinema, Rodriguez gleefully crafts a love letter to zombie films. It's a delightful contrast that makes Planet Terror its own beast, unapologetically dancing on the edge of absurdity.

These... are my friends. My yellow friend is to take the sting off. My blue friend, you'll barely feel. That means my yellow friend is already taking effect. See how fast my friends work? And after my red-headed friend, you'll never see me again.

Streaming: Tubi
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD