Death Proof
By Cory Peynado, Blockbuster.co.uk

“Two tons of metal, 200 miles an hour, flesh and bone and plain old Newton”

After a much-needed break and re-fuelling, Quentin Tarantino screeches back onto our screens with his latest movie ‘Death Proof’. A film that takes us right back to the days of all night cinemas, fuzzy edits, cool characters and late night Grindhouse exuberance. It’s a story of eight women, one man, (I’m on-board already) and a deadly vehicle that will give you nightmares for the rest of your life.

Now I’m a Tarantino man myself, a quintessential fan in every sense of the word. I’m not sure I’ve seen any film yet that has matched the likable dialogue of Pulp Fiction, or the cold, torrid, icy cool monologues from Reservoir Dogs. Quentin was recognised early on as a controversial player in the game. But quickly established himself as one of the most inspirational figures in post-modern filmmaking society.

This new film still has all the flare, all the style and all the retro brilliance that you have come to expect in his movies. Only this time he’s using the theme of a "grindhouse", which refers to a movie theatre specializing in B movies, shown in a multiple-feature format.

Death Proof starts in Texas with three friends Arlene (Vanessa Ferlito), DJ Jungle Julia (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) and Shanna (Jordan Ladd) having a few drinks and enjoying each others company when they meet a stalker, Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell). Stuntman Mike is a man stuck in the past dwelling on his past conquests in Hollywood, and can be as charming as a snake. He worms his way into their good graces and offers a member of their extended group Pam (Rose McGowan), a lift home in his car, which he claims to be 'death proof'.

Soon after, a dreadful automobile accident happens and only Stuntman Mike survives. The police suspect foul play, but Stuntman Mike is a non-drinker, whilst the others were all drunk or stoned. Flash forward 14 months later and a new set of girls are being stalked. Actress Lee (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) make up artist Abernathy (Rosario Dawson) and stuntwomen Kim (Tracie Thoms) and Zoë (Zoë Bell), but what Stuntman Mike doesn't realize is… these girls fight back!

I finished this movie feeling like I’d been in a time machine that had taken me back to the 1970’s. Everything; right down to the lighting and set design has been done the same way filmmakers would have done it back then. There’s even a loss of colour during the film and fuzzy focus shots during scenes just to add that air of authenticity. Fans of the QT man should have already seen this, and to the rest of you… your vehicle awaits.