Another tradition of exploitation cinema is using cheap thrills to deliver the most desirable parts of higher-budget films. Grind has elements of Grindhouse, Demons, and The Last Action Hero all woven together in a huge Twizzler of bloody joy. While the references are completely visible, Cantu ingeniously repurposes them with increased intensity. This all led to a strychnine-like permanent grin on my face by the grand finale. So rarely has the passion for the era of dangerous cinema been captured in all of its inappropriate glory. There was a widespread cultural impression during its day that these movies could inspire audiences to cause harm and that the theaters themselves were not safe. Including in the story a film that actually has the power to turn theaters into slaughterhouses is brilliant.
“…a subterranean cinema wonderland with cheap thrills of the highest caliber…”
Cantu also proves that star casting is still important. I chose to review this film because of the presence of cult superstars Allen and Lowry. Allen gets to play the heavy here, which she performs with attitude and perfect timing. Lowry is phenomenal, as she gives us a fully dimensional character with a lot of nuance in the midst of all the extremity. Grind is a subterranean cinema wonderland with cheap thrills of the highest caliber. It is the perfect love letter to that bygone art form that wore a raincoat indoors.
For more information, visit the Grind Facebook page.
"… a finer, riper cheese than the pre-wrapped American slices it emulates..."
