Review - Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof

Death Proof - full of Quentin Tarantino “choppy talk”, sexy action and just a smidgen of revenge thrown in for good measure. . .

. . . it is a recipe that is sure to please fans of 70’s sexploitation films, Tarantino dialogue junkies and just fans of action packed fun in general. Not to mention the whole “Grindhouse” style it was done in which I thought might annoy me a bit. In all actuality – I found that I really dug it. I mean it was far out!

Okay, having said all that, Death Proof was more like two short stories kinda similar in nature but with two polarizingly opposite endings. Your first group of girls Julia (Sydney Poitier), Arlene (Vanessa Ferlito), Shanna (Jordan Ladd), Lanna (Monica Staggs) and Pam (Rose McGowan –as a blonde – not too impressed with that look to say the least) are all out for a good time night on the town. Unfortunately for them Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) has decided that today was the day he would be a psychopath with his Death Proof vehicle. Their night doesn’t end so well.

There is this one scene to look out for when Stuntman Mike and his Death Proof vehicle are having their way with the ladies – I will just say it involves a tire and a face and it is absolutely horrifically gory but in that good sort of absolutely horrifically gory sort of way if you catch my drift. Chills down spine just thinking about it . . .

Now the second set of girls – Zoe (Zoe Bell), Abernathy (Rosario Dawson), Kim (Tracie Thoms) and Lee (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) - are just full of piss and vinegar. They do not take so kindly to Mr. Death Proof interrupting their game of Ship’s Mast. Stuntman Mike’s day does not end so well after this rowdy group of girls decide to give him a shot of comeuppance to say the least.

I know a lot of people had trouble with this film because of all of the dialogue in it but if you are a fan of Quentin Tarantino’s writing style (aka “choppy talk”) you will really enjoy this. At least I did but I am a huge fan. Hubby and I watched this one with a couple of friends whom I don’t think liked it quite as much as we did. It’s all in what you are into I guess. So yes – a definite recommend from me.

Talk on Tarantino, talk on . . .

Directed by
Quentin Tarantino

Writing credits
Quentin Tarantino (written by)

Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification
Kurt Russell ... Stuntman Mike
Zoe Bell ... Herself (as Zoë Bell)
Rosario Dawson ... Abernathy
Vanessa Ferlito ... Arlene
Sydney Tamiia Poitier ... Jungle Julia (as Sydney Poitier)
Tracie Thoms ... Kim
Rose McGowan ... Pam
Jordan Ladd ... Shanna
Mary Elizabeth Winstead ... Lee
Quentin Tarantino ... Warren
Marcy Harriell ... Marcy
Eli Roth ... Dov
Omar Doom ... Nate
Michael Bacall ... Omar
Monica Staggs ... Lanna Frank
Jonathan Loughran ... Jasper
Marta Mendoza ... Punky Bruiser
Melissa Arcaro ... Venus Envy
Michael Parks ... Earl McGraw
James Parks ... Edgar McGraw
Marley Shelton ... Dr. Dakota Block
Nicky Katt ... Counter Guy
Electra Avellan ... Babysitter Twin #1 (as Electra Avellán)
Elise Avellan ... Babysitter Twin #2 (as Elise Avellán)
Helen Kim ... Peg
Tina Rodriguez ... Juana
Kelley Robins ... Laquanda
Eurlyne Epper ... Lanna Frank Friend #1
Jamie L. Dunno ... Lanna Frank Friend #2