MOVIE REVIEW: Hobo with a Shotgun (2011)

Before I share my thoughts on "Hobo with a Shotgun," let's get a little history out of the way first. Back in 2007, moviemakers Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino joined forces to deliver unto the world "Grindhouse," a double-feature of modern day tales told in a raw 70's exploitation style. "Grindhouse" was a love letter to the sorts of films that Rodriguez and Tarantino grew up loving, as well as the sleazy mom and pop theaters they saw them in. One of the unique elements of "Grindhouse" was its inclusion of fake trailers for other exploitation films of that era, made by a couple of today's hip young directors. While promoting "Grindhouse," Rodriguez created a competition for indy and amateur filmmakers to create their own fake trailers for 70's exploitation movies…the winner of which was, "Hobo with a Shotgun." I remember being blown away by how raw, gritty, hyper violent, and authentic looking it was…as if the reel had been unearthed from a time capsule buried in 1977. But don't take my word for it, have a look for yourself…