Although this entry is about the movie “Gridiron Gang” I will be spending more time addressing the theme of the movie rather than reviewing the movie itself.

Simply put, the movie is much like any other sports themed film: A group overcome adversity to achieve their ultimate goal of becoming a team, united, strong, and determined. Hard times always arise, set backs occur, but in the end all is well. If you are into these types of films then give this one a perusal.

That’s it for my review, what I really want to do now is discuss a particular theme found in this movie: Purpose. Gridiron Gang never really directly alludes to this concept, it focuses more on the kids being “losers” in their crime filled lives. What the football team gives these kids is the opportunity to become winners. And that is about the depth that this concept is explored. What I would like to point out is that there is way more to this concept, or theme, than just ‘being a loser looking to be a winner’. What the football team truly gave these kids was an ultimate sense of Purpose.

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I was watching AOTS today and they were discussing how the movie “Grindhouse” didn’t do so well in the theatres for it’s opening weekend. One comment that was made was that it was Easter weekend, so it made sense that a exploitation tribute double-feature didn’t make top dollar. On the one hand I do agree with that view, but on the other I just think that this is not what people are into nowadays. A throwback to a 1970s genre of movies is not for everyone, which doesn’t mean that I would expect either of those great filmakers to prostitute themselves and give everyone what they want, I respect them for what they have done. I just think they need to recognize the fact that they have created a very particular kind of film experience that not everyone is going to rush out and see. Hardcore fans of both director’s sure, hardcore fans of that kind of film, most definitely, the other 90% of movie goers…not a chance.

Where Grindhouse will be extremely successful is in the DVD market. This will be their cash-cow. I can see it now: Grindhouse (regular version with a few behind the scenes, some deleted scenes, and a director’s commentary), Grindhouse (Limited Edition with a Grindhouse genre retrospective from Quintin himself, tons of behind the scenes, deleted scenes, and a few more commentary tracks), Grindhouse (The DVD market Exploitation triple disc explosion version, complete with the lost footage that Quintin was talking about, even more ‘making of’ and deleted scenes, and a bonus disc featuring Quintin and Rodriguez’s favourite grindhouse movies from the 70s). It is going to get insane my friends, and yet it will be eaten up like a fat kid on a smarty.

cheers,

Jonesy