What killed 'Grindhouse'?

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JK Sat, Apr 14, 2007 at 07:14 PM EST

Maybe the movie sucked dirt because of all the adultery non-sense going on btw rose m and robert r. It was a very foolish choice to release during the mainstream majority's holy week. Marketing decisions sucked too!

Chris R Sat, Apr 14, 2007 at 12:23 AM EST

I think the problem is that most people didn't realy get it, and those who did are too small a number to drag friends into see the movie. Because remember this, friends, the movie-going crowd is shrinking. It breaks my heart to say so, but it's true. And so; appealing to a small fraction of an ever-shrinking crowd is what did it. That being said, those who hate on Death Proof need to understand that the slowness in intentional and entertaining if they just give it a chance. If it was nonstop action, you'd get bored. I loved Planet Terror, but another 90 min of that would have been terrible. What makers the movies work is that they are so different. Like a black and white picture, you can't see the white if you don't have the black (and vice versa). It needs to be slow after the heroin rush that was Planet Terror, and Tarantino does a good job of making interesting dialouge, if you listen to it. Trust me.

April V Fri, Apr 13, 2007 at 12:28 PM EST

I remember the very first Quentin Tarintino film I ever saw. It was "Pulp Fiction". That was when I knew I was witnessing a true genius at work. "The Grindhouse" was the best two-movies I have ever seen. First "Planet Terror" shook me up with horror and laughter, I thought I was going to be kicked out of the theater for making too mush noise. And "Death Proof", wow. The car crashes and deaths were sooo shocking I wished that I could rewind it and slow it down. And the roar of the cars, wow, where did that come from? But the ending was hiliarious. I wish to see more from the two of them again. Keep up the good work.

JoshyB Thu, Apr 12, 2007 at 06:51 PM EST

Grindhouse is yet another masterpiece from Quentin and Alex! I don't really think that they care if the movie made the money it was supposed to. They were paying tribute. It'll make more than its money back not including DVD sales. Truly an awesome movie!

Todd Thu, Apr 12, 2007 at 10:18 AM EST

What killed this movie was the horrible marketing. You could hear about this movie all over the place, but I never once heard anything about the plot. Every commercial just showed things blowing up and cars crashing. The print advertisments just showed hot chicks and gore. I know the market they were trying to reach, but most people want to know what the movie they are going to watch is about.

FUG Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 07:58 PM EST

What killed Grindhouse? Easy, just check out the pic you used....... Rosario Dawson's fug face did.

Allen Lunde Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 05:17 PM EST

There was a very telling comment by Tarentino and Rodriquez about putting everything into the film they could, because they didn't think they'd get a chance to do it again. They made a brilliant film that primarily appeals to 40 year old men (like me). The college kids i work with don't get the genre they're making a tribute to. I think they'd love the film, but they aren't going because they don't know what to expect. oh well...the film is great, that's what really matters. Chopping it up would diminish it.

Mirka Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 05:14 PM EST

Too much hype. By the time it came out, I was already sick of it. A friend told me that she actually really liked it, so now I'm reconsidering, but before that I had completely lost interest in it.

August Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 04:02 PM EST

Paying tribute to bad movie by making a bad movie still makes the movie bad. Two wrongs dont make a right. QT is normal known for witty dialogue, deathproof had no witt it was just boring. If you throw in overseas and domestic boxoffice, dvd sales and rentals, revenue from cable broadcasts any movie can make its money back. Seriously Waterworld is considered one of the biggest bombs of all time. It cleared 200 million on foreign boxoffice alone. Thats not even counting DVD or at the time VCR rentals/sales. So put that way no movie is a failure.

Stephanie Travitsky Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 03:41 PM EST

David:

I do see your point, and I was warned about that part by a collegue of mine who saw a sneak preview of the film. It was very annoying,but you have to remember that Tarentino is all about the dialogue. If you ask me he has a serious h-rd on for "Dinner with Andre", but I digress. I thought that he might have been making fun of himself because he tends to go heavy on the dialogue.

Bennie Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 03:28 PM EST

Another thing that anybody forgot : Easter weekend meant Spring Break. Almost all of the college and older high school students were busy getting drunk and staren at live boobies. But I think word of mouth will spread once they hear how good the movie is. Why are people so worried about opening weekend? Titanic only made $29 million and then went on to become the highest grossing movie ever. And also was more than 3 hours. I thought the movie rocked! Planet terror was very good but I tought Death proof will be worse due to not many action. Wrong!!! Death proof was even better. People GET of your lazy butts and enjoy one of the best moviemaking experiences ever.

David Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 02:56 PM EST

Stephanie - I got the point of the movies, they were supposed to be bad, that is why I loved Planet Terror, it was so campy I wished it was longer. I also agree the trailers were hilarious, I was in tears laughing at 'Don't' and 'Thanksgiving' and if 'Machete' does get made I will definitely see it. Death Proof was just a bad, bad film. Less talky, talk...more action

EP Sato Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 02:25 PM EST

Eek! I forgot to mention Dusk Til Dawn. Even though it spawned sequels, this effort by both fellas proved less than stellar.

Tim Duffy Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 02:24 PM EST

Interestingly I went to see the movie Monday night and the theater was packed. Having said that I live in NY and apparently the movie did well on the coasts.

Jasmine Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 02:24 PM EST

I was surprised that Grindhouse didn't do as well as it SHOULD have. It was a trip! The fake trailers ALONE was totally worth the price of admission. The voice over for "Thanksgiving" still has me in chills. I heard that they're making "Machete" into an actual film. Is this true? Because 'they just f#$ked with the wrong Mexican'!!!

EP Sato Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 02:24 PM EST

Good point by Stephanie T. Tarrantino's Jackie Brown and Reservoir Dogs found their lives and money on vcrs and dvds. And past is prelude. Jackie Brown was a different kind of homage to a different 70's exploitation flick. I loved it, but most folks forgot Jackie Brown.

Rodriguez had success with the Spy Kids movies, but the Mariachi's sequels were a little bleh.

While I love both these directors and all their movies, their previous combined efforts have had a spotty record. Sin City was great but Four Rooms didn't make much money or win over a lot of hearts. Maybe these guys aren't as well loved as their fans (myself included) like to beleive?

Hopefully not. This really was a fun movie and I'm hoping more folks check it out.

Stephanie Travitsky Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 02:15 PM EST

David:

That was the point that the directors were trying to make clear- Grindhouse movies were soooo bad and sooo under budget that they were good. Messed up editing, things that could not be done in reality. Seriously, if Rose McGowan actually leaped off an edge of a building in real life I doubt that she's be alive and if she did, that slide she did would have given her a REAL nasty abrassion as well as multiple contusions. Truth be told, Kabuki Man was a class A film? Hell no!

Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 02:15 PM EST

The movies both sucked

August Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 01:37 PM EST

Scary Movie 4 and Panic Room both PG-13 not R. I was just saying they were not exactly family movies to take the kids to see.

August Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 01:31 PM EST

Yes I meant Scary Movie 4, thanks for catching that.

stephen Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

August be sure you are accurate with your postings...Scary Movie (did you mean #4) was R as well as Panic Room

stephen Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

August be sure you are accurate with your postings...Scary Movie (did you mean #4) was R as well as Panic Room

stephen Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

August be sure you are accurate with your postings...Scary Movie (did you mean #4) was R as well as Panic Room

Stephanie Travitsky Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:46 PM EST

Truth?

1. Only two of Tarentino's films have been comerical giants. A) Pulp Fiction which grossed higher once it hit the video stores, a feet that I suspect Grindhouse will also accomplish. B) Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2.

Robert Rodriquez never really had a lot of success with his films, he is more cult then Tarentino, and still now El Mariachi stands as his finest work.

2. It was a holiday weekend, people were on the road.

3. During the Easter weekend the chances are that like Thanksgiving and Christmas, you are going to take out your neice, nephew, etc. and shell out money for a family flick like Mimzy.
The marketing and timing were wrong but I saw it and loved it. I thought that the Thanksgiving segment was little overcooked. It would have been funnier if the serial killer was a guy in a turkey outfit and the tag said: Thanksgiving-stuff this! It looked as if Roth was giving props to Silent Night,Deadly Night. Unfortunately their idea is not new. Two words: Movie,Movie.

August Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:43 PM EST

By the way I throw most critics in the "art house" genre group.

August Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:40 PM EST

Here comes the preachy, "it's all about the art" theory. "Art house" movies are the same as any other genre. They are made for their target group and hope to catch on with other groups. The difference is the "art house" people believe they are more educated in cinema because they can get what a movie is trying to say. Sometimes a movie can be just a movie. Sometimes you want to laugh at John Travolta on a bike, it doesn't have to mean the end of civilization just a good time.

nik Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:36 PM EST

I have to say it hurt the movie in general that they marketed it to be an homage to the cheezy 70s horror drive in movies. I feel like people who heard that were like "what why should I go see that." When I know I went to see it because Quinten and Rodregiz are geniuses when it comes to movies. They are both so creative and they have such different movie tastes that it was great to be able to go to the movies and pay for one show and get to see two. I think that if they used a better marketing plan and rolled it out differently it would have made a world of difference. And just for the record, Rodriguez movie was better, more action and gore (Quintens had a long drawn out plot but of couse still great)

August Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:29 PM EST

One more comment about the easter holiday causing the low numbers. The top three easter openings are
1) Scary Movie 40 million- not exactly a family room but PG 13.
2) Panic Room 30 million- also not a family room but again PG 13.
3) Matrix 28 million- way R rating tons of violence remember the buzz on the first one was little to none.

So in closing the holiday as little to do with it. Again, its the quality of the movie that eventually tells the tell.

JC Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:27 PM EST

It was a great movie going experience and people need to see it in a theater or a drive in.
People just don’t get the concept and that is too bad because both films were amazing and the trailers held it all together. I think it is the same as Remakes. Kids today go and watch the new Dawn of the Dead and think it is awesome, but if they watch the original, they make fun of it because it has blue zombies… even though it is ten times gorier and the fact that it is a horror masterpiece. Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the Hills Have Eyes were both amazing films, but have gotten lost in the newer flashier versions. As a fan of film it makes me sad to see Grindhouse do so poorly and the studio will screw it up if they release them separate. Let it be… movies aren’t about making money they are about imagination and creativity! I wish the studio heads would realize this. Too bad the low money making weekend won’t stop Hollywood from remaking Escape From New York

Kent Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:20 PM EST

I blame it on Easter, and if the rest of you fools who haven`t seen Grindhouse yet don`t see it this weekend, then I hope you are subjected to watching nothing but I Love New York on every channel so you can learn to appreciate what real creativity is! If you haven`t seen Grindhouse yet you are missing a truly fun experience at the movies that you probably won`t experience with any other movie probably ever. And I truly hope that it is not split into two movies for overseas because it would be wrong to ruin the experience for foreign audiences who probably would appreciate a real work of art.

David Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:19 PM EST

How did she fire the gun from her leg without pulling the trigger? The female Doctor supposedly broke her wrist while they were numb but later on is seen leaning on it while she was sitting on the floor. Face it, these movies were just flat out bad. Planet Terror was better than Death Proof but that isn't saying much. I did laugh quite a bit during the fake trailers.

Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:13 PM EST

Clearly a remake of bad movies is not appealing. Why pay over $10 to see bad exploitation movies. And ones that are a total bore too?

Michael311 Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:10 PM EST

Chris, actually Passover started on the 3rd though. Plus, the 7th day of Passover celebration if even observed wouldn't have been until yesterday (the 10th) anyway. Technically, it was a holiday weekend, but movies *usually* do better on holiday weekends that actually include an additional day off. I'm telling you, Easter is about the kids, not a 3 hour gore-fest, even if it is good!

richie Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 12:07 PM EST

It's been said already but I have to agree - the movies just weren't very good. Planet Terror tried too hard to be campy and throwaway. It needed to take itself more seriously. And Death Proof was a huge bore and massively self indulgent - we even walked out before it ended. This was THE movie I was most looking forward to seeing this year and boy did it disappoint!

Joe McNeill Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 11:56 AM EST

I don't think it was the marketing or the length that killed Grindhouse, it was the film's own high concept that did it in. Think about it: back in the 70's, authentic grindhouse flicks ALWAYS played to audiences of ten people, so why would the Weinsteins think a homage to the form would do better business? It always seemed sleaze theater patrons were only there to get out of the rain, find a cheap place to sleep it off, or score some dope--not to see a movie. Mainstream America flocked to see The Sound of Music, not Blood Orgy of the She-Devils.

Joe McNeill Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 11:53 AM EST

I don't think it was the marketing or the length that killed Grindhouse, it was the film's own high concept that did it in. Think about it: back in the 70's, authentic grindhouse flicks ALWAYS played to audiences of ten people, so why would the Weinsteins think a homage to the form would do better business? It always seemed sleaze theater patrons were only there to get out of the rain, find a cheap place to sleep it off, or score some dope--not to see a movie. Mainstream America flocked to see The Sound of Music, not Blood Orgy of the She-Devils.

Kevin Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 11:51 AM EST

Easter was a big part of it. The other was the marketing. The trailers should have been split into two parts just like the movie (one 15 second segment for each movie), instead of trying to market Grindhouse as a whole.

That said, great movie. Quite possibly the most fun I've ever had in a theater without chemical enhancement. I prefer Death Proof, though Planet Terror was great too.

Vivien's Pet Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 11:28 AM EST

I agree with Fif - I haven't had this much fun in a theater since Snakes on a Plane, and people panned that too, but hey, I had fun for my money and will never forget either of these films. The films that Tarantino and Rodriguez are paying homage to weren't seen either, so it kind of makes sense. It's kind of nice to be a part of a small group of people who understand how special and rare this kind of experience is. I came home from this movie feeling glad that at least there were still SOME good films out there.

Vivien's Pet Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 11:27 AM EST

I agree with Fif - I haven't had this much fun in a theater since Snakes on a Plane, and people panned that too, but hey, I had fun for my money and will never forget either of these films. The films that Tarantino and Rodriguez are paying homage to weren't seen either, so it kind of makes sense. It's kind of nice to be a part of a small group of people who understand how special and rare this kind of experience is. I came home from this movie feeling glad that at least there were still SOME good films out there.

Riz Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 11:24 AM EST

Ryan - no this is not my cup of tea and obviosly, it is not the cup of tea for the majority of Americans. Not sure if you are aware, but a statement in the comment section does not have to be in favor of the movie. A question was asked by the author and I gave my opinion.

GeeMoney Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

I think it was Rose McGowan running around with a machine gun strapped to her leg that did it, and the fact that the trailers didn't give you any idea of what the movie was about. Looking at Rose McGowan with that gun on her leg was a little unsettling. And what was the movie about? I had to go read about it, because the trailers made no sense!

Ryan Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 10:59 AM EST

Death Proof could have been 55 minutes long. The stilted, unending diatribes that littered the middle 40 of the film are the embodiment of Tarantino at his self-aggrandizing worst. That being said I have never seen a crowd cheer like it did at the conclusion of Death Proof. The last 25 minutes were fantastic, a great homage to 70s exploitation pics. And Riz, if it isn't your cup of tea, stay out of the theaters (apparently you wouldn't be alone). I personally don't find Grindhouse to be any more unfortunate a commentary on our society than the mindless, image obsessed, manipulative and utterly talent deprived pablum that is American Idol.

Riz Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 10:49 AM EST

Isn't there is enough violence and murder to see on tv? Just turn on any news channel and you can see it free of charge. It's a sad world we live in.

Bill Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 10:39 AM EST

I am glad that I wasn't the only one who was really disappointed with Death Proof, and I love QT's other works. At 3 hrs (and starting it at 9pm), I dozed off during the pointless dialogue and had to be punched to wake up. Planet Terror was much better, and the trailers were fun. But overall, neither director's best.

August Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 10:30 AM EST

I might have an idea why it underperformed, the movie wasn't any good. Blame the runtime of 3hrs, by the way Titanic was 3.5 hours and is the highest grossing movie of all time. I know it was PG13 so everbody will blame the R rating but that didn't hurt the Matrix movies nearly 2.5 hours apiece or Passion of the Christ and recently 300. So in the end blame it on the overhyping of QT as a great filmmaker by critics and fanboys alike. Face it the movie didnt appeal to people and wasnt very good. By the way, Boxofficemojo.com breaks down the numbers and it showed the decrease in business from Friday to Saturday to Sunday, proving that in general the word of mouth is bad for this movie

Hank D Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 10:30 AM EST

As a 20 year old male from northwest Missouri who saw Grindhouse and enjoyed it, I can say that almost all my peers had no idea what it was about, they do not hold Tarantino and Rodriguez in the esteem they should, and went and saw Kill Bill and Sin City because of the formers coll name and the latters cool cast and visuals.

Nick Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 10:16 AM EST

I agree that the marketing ploys (weekend, non-female oriented, etc) couldve been salvaged...boo. But the movie itself (BOTH movies) were fantastic. Can't we just go see a movie that we ENJOY anymore without disecting it to pieces? I also loved Snakes on a Plane. I have no doubt that word of mouth will get Grindhouse its money back.

Tim Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:59 AM EST

First of all, I saw Grindhouse on opening day and thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed Planet Terror more than Death Proof; the storyline was better and the pacing was faster. If 20 - 25 minutes of talking could've been edited from Death Proof, and a tad more action added, DP would've been better.

If the two movies are split, as it is rumored, I'd definitely see Planet Terror again.

Fif Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:56 AM EST

I don't really put any stock into how many people see a movie. I saw it the friday morning it opened. I hadn't had that much fun watching a film in a long, long time. I'm happy they weren't split apart. I'm happy I saw it the way the film-makers intended. I know quite a few people who won't go see because they say "it looks awful." It's the Grindhouse, man! It's an homage! Most people nowadays don't know what grindhouse means. Most people I know don't understand that these films are supposed to be bad and that they revel in their own poor quality, to a point where most of the entire experience is downright hilarious and exhilarating!

melissa Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:53 AM EST

And about the box office draw as related to the number of theaters in which a film plays ... I'm wondering here not about films that have notably smaller/limited release vs. widely released films, but widely released films vs. films that play at (roughly speaking) every single theater possible.

melissa Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

I agree that it wasn't good timing, being on Easter weekend. Even if my family had wanted to squeeze in a trip to the theater, this wouldn't have been even a vague option, for the many reasons it's not an Easter- or family-friendly film.

And my theater, which has The Reaping, Blades of Glory, etc., and got Snakes on a Plane, didn't get this film. Does the number of theaters ever get brought into the mix when comparing one film's box office to another? I figure Grindhouse played at a substantial amount of theaters and maybe it's inconsequential to note, but in some cases that's relevant.

Brooke Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:48 AM EST

I don't like gore and this looked like a soft core porno, blood fest. Sometimes people just aren't interested.

Ep Sato Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:41 AM EST

PS Popwatch Genie, please make the Machete Movie a reality. My dvd player anxiously awaits the straight to the stores release.

Ep Sato Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:29 AM EST

IMHO, what went wrong was written on the walls but none of us could see it. EW said it: the movie is as close to a Friday night film screening at Tarrantino's house as most of us are going to get. To pop culture writers (and addicts), this movie is what we've dreamed about since Reservoir Dogs. To us, this movie was pure candy and we ate every minute of it.

To the rest of the world, maybe the idea of spending a night at Tarrantino's house for splatter house b movie straight to video previews didn't appeal as much?

Agreed about the argument that the ads should have aimed more at women. The stuntwoman in GH was superfly enuf' that my fiancé was digging her more than me. SS Werewolf women, the Putas Del Fuego TXRD Roller Derby team, and a badazz radio hostess were evidence that this movie was very pro-lady.

To toss to the crowd my question, is it a generational thing? Are Tarrantino and Rodriguez kings of a now (gulp) aging genX fanbase? Please say no...

David Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:26 AM EST

How can say it was Tarentino's best. He basically ripped himself off with the diner scene in 'Reservoir Dogs' a better written, superior film. Questions: How come the Challenger can't outrun the Nova at first, but later has no problem catching up to it? During the first half of the chase, Mike spins out giving the females plenty of time to stop, get Zoe in the car and use the gun, which they use eventually, why did she wait so long?

Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:15 AM EST

who knows what the heck went wrong. I would think just the names Tarintino and Rodriguez would be enough to draw an audience in. And, it was a great concept and the movie did get great reviews. And, its probably better and kicks more ass than any movie out there right. Maybe Rodriguez and Tarintino aren't as big as they think they are. Or, they are still ahead of the curve and the audience still has to catch up. but, like the harvey says- they'll make their money in foriegn and DVD releases so i wouldn't worry about Tarintino or Rodriguez- they be back for more.

Ned Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 09:11 AM EST

Re: "Grindhouse's inevitable eventual status as a cult flick ..." How could a $75 million, mainstream hollywood release like this ever be considered a "cult flick"? The movie's whole style is to pay homage to low-budget, cult flicks of yore, but that doesn't make it one itself. This movie got major publity -- it isn't something obscure and unknown to most of the general public.

Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 08:47 AM EST

Too long and just a bit too goofy. Rodriguez apparently doesn't realize these films were trying to be good--his campy Planet Terror is awful. At least try to play it straight. The trailers were a good idea, but again, other than Machete, they're all way over the top. The only part that really gets the spirit of the old grindhouse movies is Tarantino's half, and then he already trod this same ground (to better effect) in Kill Bill. There were 3 people in the theater where I saw it, including me!

Heather Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 08:44 AM EST

I think it was hurt by pretty much all of the reasons listed in this article. Opening on Easter weekend was a bad idea. I think the length of the movie is, unfortunately, off-putting to the more casual movie-goer. My fiance and I were wanting to see it, but didn't have time on Easter Sunday for a 3 hr. movie (We saw Blades of Glory instead. It was my choice. I feel so ashamed...). Also, a little positive light could have been shown on the female characters. The trailers were so male-dominant that they should have played them solely on G4 or Spike TV! I think the trailers also confused people. After having it explained to me, I got the idea of what a grindhouse movie was and that this was a double feature, but I had a hard time distinguishing one movie from the other in the trailers. I really hope that this movie will pick up over the coming weekends. I know I plan to go see it!!

JB Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 08:43 AM EST

Everything went wrong with this release. First: Easter Weekend. Second: A movie with limited appeal should start with a limited release so it can build word of mouth before a wide release. Third: There was nothing romantically wistful or satisfying about the original "Grindhouse" movies to begin with. Deliberately bad moviemaking? Artistic or not, it doesn't necessarily work when it's forced.

Paul Casey Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 08:41 AM EST

Here is why I havent seen it yet-- the movie is 3 hours long, and theaters were showing it on one screen. That meant little choice of times, so one had to rush around for a matinee OR give up a big segment of the day to see it. Show it on two screens so we have a choice of times, and I would have seen it already.

Chris Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 08:30 AM EST

The marketing plan for the movie basically was the cause of GH falling on it's face. The general public have no idea what the term "Grindhouse" refers to or the fact that this event was two separate movies. But even then the trailers never gave a hint at what the two movies were about. I can't recall how many times I (I'm 26 by the way) had to explain to others the history of the grindhouse movie, the fact that this showing included two separate movies and then provided the plots. But when provided with that info, it started to intrigue everyone and influened to give it a shot.
BTW I thought it was awesome and a hell of a good time. Exactly what a grindhouse movie should be.

Jess Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 08:20 AM EST

What doesn't make any sense is that this film's appeal is probably BROADER than that of Kill Bill--Planet Terror is a comedy at its most campy, and then you get a slice of Tarantino at his best afterwards. What's not to love about this movie? I went to a packed theatre in Manhattan on Saturday night and the audience was roaring and cheering during both features.

Houstonian Jen in Baltimore Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 08:09 AM EST

OK, I saw the movie on Easter (after church, of course!) and I'm female. It was a riot. I enjoyed both movies, but I also wish they had promoted the chicks kickin' butt aspects of both movies (we ladies like that type of thing, Weinstein Co.) Zoe Bell was worth the price of admission for me. I'm probably going to see it again.

In addition, opening on Easter/Passover weekend was a terrible idea (it's a family weekend, y'all), but I think the movie could make a profit over time. I only wish studios put less emphasis on opening weekend numbers and still valued 'word of mouth' and growth over time. Oh well...

Cracker Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 07:51 AM EST

Personally for me... my girlfriend had no desire to see it with me after seeing the ads... and also I avoided seeing it on my own due to the running time. I thought a movie about zombies on Easter was very appropriate.

Martin Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 05:49 AM EST

Simple, the decision to release it on Easter weekend was moronic. It's a FAMILY WEEKEND and people have little time to go see an extremely violent movie (unless it's Passion of the Christ).

Sally Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 05:00 AM EST

Consider GH an exercise in filmmaking and a potential subject matter for future Film School classes (I didn't see it)....should have been booked in art houses than the neighborhood houses.

mary2 Wed, Apr 11, 2007 at 01:19 AM EST

The problem is that you cant untentially make a bad movie it just happens. Why waste 10 dollars when you can just watch The TCM underground which has the original cult movies. Cult movies are bad like Ed Woods movies and such because they had a crappy budget spending 75 millon on a moive that looks like crap is just stupid. I don't know why they did not market this movie to women i like movies where the women kick butt.

David Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 11:53 PM EST

I know why, because "Death Proof" was horrible. The second worse movie I have ever seen. I thought this movie was geared towards men so no of us want to watch females sit around for most of the movie chatting about nothing. Just because he uses the N word or throws in obscure movies he thinks nobody has seen does not make it a witty dialogue. Yeah, the car chase is not bad, but there are problems with that. I was all jazzed up after "Planet Terror" but was severly let down. My advice, go see "Planet Terror" and watch the second round of previews, then leave.

Marci Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 11:47 PM EST

Well, I had something that I planned to say, but then I read Tom's post and he said everything I was thinking, only better. So I'll just say this instead: I was actually shocked that anyone (much less a professional) would think that this movie would have a big opening. It's an ultra violent, 3 hour long, niche movie. Need I say more?

Todd Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 11:12 PM EST

I am so sick of hearing that the R - rating is the cause of a movie underperforming, many of us AVOID going to PG and PG-13 movies because they will be toned down, we look forward to R movies. I think the problem here was the marketing, they kept talking about what grindhouse movies are and blah blah instead of just selling the movies, it seemed like a history lesson like "work" to sit through it. I loved the movie(s) and had a great time but I think both of them could have shaved 25 - 20 minutes off their running times easily and not lost anything (hello a missing reel is 20 mintutes). That would have made the whole thing like 2 and a half hours long which is a BIG difference.

Also why was the budget so high! Come on guys, you should have made each movie for 10 million so the total budget would have been 20 million (or less even).

Tom Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 10:03 PM EST

This is simply not a mass-appeal movie. Tarantino may be admired, but he's not a guaranteed box-office ticket. I loved Grindhouse but it's like Snakes on a Plane; it's for film geeks, and I don't think the word of mouth is positive enough to keep up attendance. And the three hours is a hard sell. When I told my friend before the movie that it was three hours, his eyes widened in disbelief.

dsven Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 09:13 PM EST

Obviously in the minority, but myself and my two friends, all of us pumped to see it, walked away extremely disappointed. Planet Terror was decent, trailers were great, but Death Proof really was a steaming load. And no, I am not one of the faceless simpletons who prefer Ice Cube movies.

Honestly, given time I don't think this will be regarded as a critical high point in Tarantino's career. The emperor is not wearing any clothes people!

Richard Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 09:13 PM EST

Joshua,
I made the mindful decison not to see this movie on the big screen. Sin City and the Kill Bill movies worked fine for me on my big screen TV, and I'm glad I didn't see them "at the movies". OK, so kill me, I'm not a fan of gory movies, and I want to watch them in the safety of my home. Expecially a film where the chewed off leg of a hot chick is replaced by a machine gun leg. I know this is only a movie, people, but, Hello? (I suspect this movie will earn back it's nickle with DVD sales and rentals.)

Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 09:13 PM EST

Obviously in the minority, but myself and my two friends, all of us pumped to see it, walked away extremely disappointed. Planet Terror was decent, trailers were great, but Death Proof really was a steaming load. And no, I am not one of the faceless simpletons who prefer Ice Cube movies.

Honestly, given time I don't think this will be regarded as a critical high point in Tarantino's career. The emperor is not wearing any clothes people!

Vicky Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 09:11 PM EST

The ad campaign. Hands down. Grindhouse was totally geared toward males. I told one of my guy friends that I wanted to see it and he said something like, "Wait, you're not a guy..." And yeah it definitely isn't for everyone, but I had a blast!! The critics were the ones that convinced me to see these movies. And The ending for Death Proof is one of the best I've ever seen. Made me laugh out loud AND cheer!

Fatima Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:33 PM EST

Don't blame me! I went and saw it and loved every minute.

It got better reviews than 300 and was far more creative. Dear God...are the fanboys getting stupider too!?

denny Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:33 PM EST

There are many reasons that Grindhouse didn't rule the roost this past weekend, but the real question is: Does that really matter? Isn't it possible that it could go on to be a bit of a sleeper, after word of mouth gets out? If it continues to do poorly, THEN it will be appropriate to talk about why it underwhelmed.

I know a lot of people who were put off by the movie, but I saw it with some friends in a theater that had all age, sex, and ethnic groups present. And the audience seemed to really enjoy it... they applauded at the end. I know my friends and I are going to be back, with other friends in tow, because we enjoyed it so much.

RyRy Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:26 PM EST

ummm, hmmm... mr. rich there your about two days late with ur report on ehy things went wrong... what happened to this blog being relevant? every single news show covered this story since sunday afternoon...

Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:18 PM EST

It was definitely the ad campaign. You don't know what the movie is about-it just seems like an excuse for blood and guts, and it basically focuses on the fact that it's Tarantino and Rodriguez. They're good directors, but those two names don't make everyone in America flock to the theaters.

Ben Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:14 PM EST

Well, "Shocka", what can i say?.. The movie wasn't for ignorant dolts like you. Maybe you should have wasted you're money on crap like 'Are We There Yet?' and 'Wild Hogs' like the rest of the idiots in middle america did!

Chris Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 08:08 PM EST

To the person who said that the Weinstein's forgot about Easter...isn't it Passover as well? And being movie executives, I think they know the details of every time slot available. I don't think they "forgot" it was a holiday, I just think they underestimated the damage it would cause. Usually holiday weekends HELP because people are out of work.

shocka Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:46 PM EST

i just saw grindhouse and came away with a three-word review - "STRAIGHT UP DOOKIE." neither half went far enough into grisly fun splatterville, and tarantino's dialogue in the first half of "deathproof" was PAINFUL to sit through. unengaging, unclever and unbearable. especially in such a long LONG movie. major MAJOR disappointment... deserves to tank, fa sho.

Aaron Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:38 PM EST

I just had this discussion last night. I do think Easter weekend played a role. My brother and I had to literally sneak away from egg-dying to go see it. The other is that they were emphasizing the throwback glory of the movie, but to kids like me (I'm 22), I was never really familiar with the Grindhouse concept until Tarantino brought it up. Whereas 300 just sold pretty visuals and tons of gore, Grindhouse tried to sell winking nostalgia to a group of people that weren't alive when Grindhouse pics were prevalent.

bird Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:17 PM EST

Others have mentioned the main reasons this film struggled at the box office [Easter, 3-hr run time, arguably misguided ad campaign]. I saw GH today and was underwhelmed. Twice as long as it should've been and half as clever as it thinks it is. The fake trailers were a riot, though.

Michael311 Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:14 PM EST

Oh yeah, before anybody gets bent out of shape, I did not mean that in a Mel Gibson way. My husband is Jewish. Thanks! ;-)

kcholt68 Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:13 PM EST

The reason this movie failed is partly to blaim on audiences, who clearly just did not "get" the whole concept of this movie. But what do you expect from the small-minded masses who think that, say, a movie from 5 years ago is "old".

Michael311 Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:11 PM EST

Hello people! Easter weekend??? What were they thinking!? Oh, right, they weren't thinking about Easter, because the Weinsteins are Jewish, and forgot to take into account the several hundred million people who believe in Jesus. Ouch!

Lois Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 07:07 PM EST

This movie was frickin fantastic, and I'm only 30, so I wasn't checking these flicks out as a teen or anything back in the day. And all that talk from critics crying that Tarantino's flick was the weak link, they're insane. Every person I've talked to agrees that Death Proof is far superior, classic Tarantino. If they do split these films, go see that one! Spread the word!

Chris Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 06:34 PM EST

I loved Grindhouse, but I think the actual concept of it is geared more to film geeks, and not the average movie goers who show up for 300 or Wild Hogs. Friends of mine who are fans of RR and QT definitely wanted to see it, but everyone else was disinterested in seeing something that looks (intentionally) old and crappy.

sarah Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 06:32 PM EST

Grindhouse, as awesome as it was, didn't earn money this weekend because a lot of its elements that attracted viewers were the same elements that caused many to stay away.

The 70s/grindhouse thing appealed to nostalgists but didn't mean much to people who weren't alive then (aka kids, 17 and over of course).

The double feature was cool for people who can't get enough movies in one day but was a drag for those who can barely put up with a 2 hour running time much less a 3.5 hour one.

The Rodriguez/Tarantino combo was sweet for devoted fans but, let's face it, most of this duo's movies have not been commercial giants.

It's a bad idea to split them up. The movies, well, Tarantino's movie, don't stand up on their own. They complement each other and the fake trailers in between complement the whole movie experience.

They should just call Grindhouse what it is: a clever idea that got lost in the shuffle just like a lot of other clever ideas, most recently The Prestige

AD Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 06:30 PM EST

2 reasons 1) bad ad campaign, from the trailers you could not really tell what the 2 films were about, or even that it was composed of 2 different movies. Much of the ad campaign was to advertise Tarentino and Rodriguez's names, which clearly were not enough to bring people in and 2) for people who read the reviews and interviews and knew what the movie was about, it was too experimental a concept. The idea of over 3 hours, scratches in the film, missing reels was almost enought to scare me away from seeing it. I think to a lot of people that sounded stupid (whereas in fact, the technical aspects were not distracting). Interesting that the reviews and posts so far have been positive. I'm a big fan of both directors, but actually thought the movie (with the exception of the last 1/2 hr of Death Proof) was just not very good.

sarg Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 06:20 PM EST

easter + 3hrs = bomb

that said, i saw it friday and had an absolute blast...we liked the 8 show so much that we turned right around and went back for the midnite show...even better the 2nd time, not to mention can't wait for the DVD's

YaTHINK Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 06:14 PM EST

I agree, EASTER weekend was not the best time to release. I'm woman and I enjoyed it very much, but my friend had to be with his mother, like most men at the time of the yeat

YaTHINK Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 06:12 PM EST

I agree, EASTER

whol Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 06:00 PM EST

this is a shame b/c it really is a great movie

mike Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 05:55 PM EST

Whose idea was it to release Grindhouse on Easter weekend?
I'm not a big fan of Rodriguez. Sin City didn't need that many decapitations. I will rent Grindhouse because of Tarentino. Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction give him a pass for life.

esbeerod Tue, Apr 10, 2007 at 05:55 PM EST

I saw it last Friday and I've liked about 50% of both Tarantino and Rodriguez's films so I wasn't super excited (I'm a female btw), but my friend (a male) was so ecstatic. Anyway, I found myself smiling through the whole 3hrs of cheesy goodness. The original trailers, the "missing reels", the writing, it was a complete movie going experience that did not disappoint. So I hope it picks up if only so that other people can enjoy the experience too. But also I'm not sure it needs to, I think cult status is what the film was geared to--its not an oscar contender and it wasn't made to be.