Death Proof

Kurt checks for warts

What’s it about?
Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), is a loner psychopath and serial killer who stalks groups of women before devising the ultimate car crash in which to kill them off. His plan is supposedly full-proof because a) he’s an aging stuntman who knows his stuff and b) his car is designed to be ‘death proof’. The first half of the film revolves around Jungle Julia and her sassy friends getting drunk and stoned in Quentin Tarantino’s bar, while the second segment sees actress Abernathy (Rosario Dawson) and her stuntwoman friends involved in the test drive of their lives.

What’s it like?
Sorry to sound like a Yank, but AWESOME! It’s sexy, sassy, sick and sensational. Once Tarantino fans get over feeling robbed of seeing Grindhouse the double-bill, they’ll realise that, as always, the director’s work stands alone as a piece of quality film making. OK, so we miss out on the fake trailers, but we know the whole loving package will be delivered on DVD – hopefully with a medley of bonus features.

The first half of Death Proof, which mainly plays out under the cover of darkness, is deliberately scratched for that 70s retro feel, with sections that jump or repeat and then suddenly skip to black and white. It’s hugely effective but sadly doesn’t remain consistent throughout. But no matter, there’s enough memorable dialogue, characters and edge-of-your seat car scenes to leave you suitably gobsmacked.

Best bits: After Jackie Brown, we knew Tarantino could write meaty female leads and here he’s positively spoilt for choice with the likes of Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Sydney Poiter, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Rose McGowan and real-life stuntwoman Zoe Bell, who was Uma Thurman’s double in Kill Bill and plays herself here, excusing her poor acting skills for her breathtaking stunt ones. In interviews, Tarantino’s boasted that he’s consider ‘one of the gals’ with his group of girlfriends and this proves he’s kept his eyes and ears wide open. Frank, funny and boisterous, their conversations will have most men flitting between squirming in their seats and feeling aroused.

They say: ‘It’s intended to be a really tacky B-grade film – like those we endured at the drive-in as youngsters- and that’s definitely part of the appeal, but more so it’s a fast, fun, funky and hugely enjoyable experience regardless of how worn the film stock looks. Quite simply, it’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on!’ - Clint Morris, Moviehole.net

We say: Yes it’s heavy on the dialogue, but when has Tarantino ever learnt to stick in more commas and let his characters take a breath? His love of exploitation B-flicks is written all over this and will make many film buffs go back to the originals to explore what influenced the director. Russell is perfectly cast as the handsome killer, taking his deranged anger out on powerful, intelligent women. The girls on the other hand are a kick-ass joy, with Rosario Dawson deserving to take over Angelina Jolie’s reigning crown.

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