Story in a few words
In the world of cult cinema, Planet Terror stands as a bold testament to the collaborative genius of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. This 2007 feature film, part of the Grindhouse double-feature project, unleashes a relentless mix of over-the-top action, gore, and dark humor. As mentioned in the fourth episode of my blog, this is a film that fully embraces the spirit of exploitation cinema from the 1970s, with Rodriguez channeling the raw, unpolished aesthetic of the era.
In the world of cult cinema, Planet Terror stands as a bold testament to the collaborative genius of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. This 2007 feature film, part of the Grindhouse double-feature project, unleashes a relentless mix of over-the-top action, gore, and dark humor. As mentioned in the fourth episode of my blog, this is a film that fully embraces the spirit of exploitation cinema from the 1970s, with Rodriguez channeling the raw, unpolished aesthetic of the era.
The story follows a ragtag group of survivors—including a go-go dancer with a machine-gun leg (Rose McGowan) and a mysterious gunslinger (Freddy Rodríguez)—as they battle against a deadly biochemical outbreak that turns people into grotesque, flesh-eating mutants. The film revels in its grindhouse roots, featuring intentionally degraded film stock, missing reels, and excessive violence that blur the line between homage and parody.
Rodriguez and Tarantino’s collaboration thrives on their shared love of genre filmmaking, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and wildly inventive. Planet Terror is a love letter to the chaos and excess of old-school exploitation cinema, proving once again that when these two directors join forces, the result is nothing short of unforgettable.
In my own words
Watching Planet Terror was an absolute ride—full of action, chaos, and that unmistakable grindhouse charm. If you’ve seen Death Proof from Tarantino, you’ll instantly recognize the same raw, amateury (but in a good way) style, with scratched film reels and jumpy cuts that make it feel like a lost exploitation classic from the ’70s.
The film is packed with really interesting scenes—some are just outright bizarre, while others are so over-the-top you can’t help but laugh. It’s full of violence, but the funny kind, where the gore is so exaggerated it becomes entertaining rather than disturbing. There are also some genuinely hilarious moments, whether it’s the absurd one-liners or just the sheer ridiculousness of some of the action sequences (a machine-gun leg? Come on, that’s iconic).
The film is packed with really interesting scenes—some are just outright bizarre, while others are so over-the-top you can’t help but laugh. It’s full of violence, but the funny kind, where the gore is so exaggerated it becomes entertaining rather than disturbing. There are also some genuinely hilarious moments, whether it’s the absurd one-liners or just the sheer ridiculousness of some of the action sequences (a machine-gun leg? Come on, that’s iconic).
And the music? Perfect. It nails that eerie yet cool vibe, making every scene even better. If you’re a fan of stylish, blood-soaked mayhem but also want something that doesn’t take itself too seriously, I’d definitely recommend Planet Terror. It’s a wild, fun, and gloriously violent experience.
Thank's for reading todays episode of Yuri's Film Collection
09.03.2025
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Screenplay: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodríguez, Josh Brolin
Screenplay: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodríguez, Josh Brolin
All pictures are from Rico Torres - © 2006 Dimension Films. All Rights Reserved.