Planet Terror (2007)

Detailed Summary

The Outbreak of the Zombie Virus

“Planet Terror” begins with an accidental release of a deadly biochemical weapon, codenamed “DC2,” by the military, led by Lt. Muldoon (Bruce Willis). The toxin turns the population into flesh-eating zombies, starting with a small Texas town.

Cherry’s Transformation

Cherry Darling (Rose McGowan), a go-go dancer with dreams of a better life, ends up in the middle of the chaos. After a run-in with the infected, Cherry loses her leg. Her ex-boyfriend, Wray (Freddy Rodriguez), a mysterious and highly skilled drifter, modifies her leg stump into a weaponized machine gun, turning her into an unstoppable force against the zombies.

The Gathering of Survivors

As the infection spreads, survivors gather at a local barbecue joint owned by J.T. Hague (Jeff Fahey). Among them are Dr. Dakota Block (Marley Shelton), who is on the run after discovering her husband, Dr. William Block (Josh Brolin), has succumbed to the virus. The survivors, including Cherry and Wray, join forces to escape the town and the zombies.

The Final Showdown

The survivors make their way to the military base where the infection began. A massive showdown ensues between the survivors and the infected, culminating in a climactic battle. Cherry and Wray, now a formidable duo, lead the charge. In the end, they manage to defeat the infected, but Wray is fatally wounded.

The Epilogue

The film concludes with a voiceover by Cherry, who has become a leader of a new group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. She raises Wray’s daughter, symbolizing hope in the aftermath of the devastation.

Movie Ending

“Planet Terror” ends with Cherry Darling embracing her role as the leader of the survivors in the post-apocalyptic landscape. The film’s final moments showcase Cherry, with her machine gun leg, leading a new group of survivors, including Wray’s daughter, toward an uncertain future.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, “Planet Terror” includes a post-credits scene featuring the survivors continuing their journey in the post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against the infected.

Type of Movie

“Planet Terror” is a grindhouse-style action-horror film, with a heavy emphasis on over-the-top gore, dark humor, and exploitation film aesthetics.

Cast

• Rose McGowan as Cherry Darling
• Freddy Rodriguez as El Wray
• Marley Shelton as Dr. Dakota Block
• Josh Brolin as Dr. William Block
• Bruce Willis as Lt. Muldoon
• Jeff Fahey as J.T. Hague
• Michael Biehn as Sheriff Hague
• Naveen Andrews as Dr. Abby

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score, composed by Robert Rodriguez (who also directed the movie), captures the gritty, retro vibe of grindhouse cinema. The music is a mix of suspenseful tones and pulpy, energetic beats that complement the film’s chaotic atmosphere.

Filming Locations

• Austin, Texas: Much of the film was shot in Austin, known for its vibrant film scene. The choice of location adds to the film’s small-town, Southern vibe, crucial for its grindhouse aesthetic.
• Troublemaker Studios: Many interior scenes were shot at Rodriguez’s own studio in Texas, allowing for the film’s stylized and controlled environments.

Awards and Nominations

• Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Horror Film and Best Supporting Actress (Marley Shelton).
• Scream Awards: Won Best Director (Robert Rodriguez) and Best Scream-to-Screen Moment (Rose McGowan).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Robert Rodriguez originally wrote the film as a short story in the ’90s and expanded it into a full-length movie for the “Grindhouse” double feature.
• Rose McGowan performed many of her own stunts, including the scenes where her character uses the machine gun leg.
• The film’s deliberately grainy and scratched look was achieved through post-production effects to mimic the low-budget aesthetic of 1970s grindhouse cinema.

Inspirations and References

• Grindhouse Cinema: The film is a homage to the exploitation films of the 1970s, known for their low budgets, explicit content, and sensationalized violence.
• George A. Romero’s Zombie Films: The concept of a zombie outbreak is a direct nod to Romero’s work, particularly “Night of the Living Dead.”

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While there aren’t any widely known alternate endings, several scenes were extended or altered for the DVD release, providing more background on certain characters and additional gory sequences.

Book Adaptations and Differences

“Planet Terror” is not based on a book but rather on the grindhouse genre and exploitation cinema traditions. The film is an original creation by Robert Rodriguez, designed to evoke the feeling of old, gritty B-movies.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Cherry’s Leg Transformation: When Wray replaces Cherry’s severed leg with a machine gun, it becomes one of the most iconic moments in the film.
• The BBQ Sauce Revelation: The discovery that J.T.’s secret BBQ sauce recipe is at stake adds a humorous twist to the survival plot.
• Zombie Invasion of the Hospital: The scene where the infected overrun the hospital is a chaotic, gore-filled spectacle.

Iconic Quotes

• “I’m gonna eat your brains and gain your knowledge.” – Cherry Darling
• “I never miss.” – El Wray
• “It was the leg.” – Cherry Darling

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Fake Trailers: The film originally featured fake trailers for other grindhouse films, including “Machete,” which was later made into a real movie.
• Cameos: Quentin Tarantino appears as a soldier who meets a gruesome fate, showcasing the collaboration between Rodriguez and Tarantino.

Trivia

• The film was released as part of a double feature with Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof” under the “Grindhouse” banner.
• The character of El Wray was inspired by the mysterious heroes of old Westerns and samurai films.
• Robert Rodriguez used practical effects as much as possible, with minimal CGI, to maintain the film’s retro aesthetic.

Why Watch?

“Planet Terror” is a wild, fun, and gory ride for fans of horror, action, and exploitation cinema. It’s a love letter to the grindhouse genre, packed with over-the-top violence, dark humor, and memorable characters. If you enjoy films that don’t take themselves too seriously and revel in their campy excess, this movie is a must-watch.

Director’s Other Movies

• Desperado (1995)
• From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
• Spy Kids (2001)
• Sin City (2005)
• Machete (2010)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Death Proof (2007)
• The Evil Dead (1981)
• Hobo with a Shotgun (2011)
• Zombieland (2009)
• Slither (2006)