DAY 31 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN
Compass/Falcon
1978 Color
108 Mins.
Horror
Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, Nancy Kyes and P.J. Soles star.
Written and Directed by john Carpenter
Rated R for language, violence,, gore, drug use, sexuality and nudity.

I was lucky enough to finally see Carpenter's now iconic classic on the big screen. As the lights dimmed on the nearly sold out crowd, the theater filled with the atmospheric thump of the legendary score. Moments later we are introduced to a young Michael Myers as he brutally murders his sister in a hyper realistic first person execution that completely immerses you in the proceedings. And the film hardly lets up except for a brief introduction to the victims and than our original final girl Jamie Lee Curtis. Halloween holds up well it's a simplistic, nightmarish slasher that set the standard and influenced so many that followed it. That being said watching it now I can't help but notice slight inconsistencies in the plotting and under developed characterizations. I wouldn't say that everything would need to be explained more because it would loose some of it's luster but it wouldn't have hurt if it was a bit more fleshed out. Still the experience of seeing it on the big screen is an amazing experience. It's definitely a product of the times but one that introduced us to one of the biggest horror villains of all time. My favorite of the series is still part 4 but you can't help but appreciate the fine tuned scare factor of the original well deserved classic. ****.25/5

DAY 30 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: SCOUT'S GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

SCOUT'S GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
Paramount
2015 color
92 Mins.
Horror-Comedy
Tye Sheridan, Logan Miller, Joey Morgan, Sarah Dumont and David Koechner star.
Written by Emi Mochizuki
Directed by Christopher Landon
Rated R for language, violence, gore and nudity,

From the opening moments of "Scouts" it is hilarious but as a Janitor sings and does choreograph along to Black Widow by Iggy Azaea and Rita Ora it just seems like it's trying a bit hard. The film centers around a trio of best friends who are scouts. A virus is accidentally released by a nearby facility turning all the remnants into zombies. And with the help of a sexy cocktail waitress they must fight their way out of town before it's too late. There's so much going on here from Zombie cats to zombie penises, zombies with dentures gumming young boy's asses and lots of homages to horror classics of yesteryear like Carpenter's The Thing and Halloween. It's all a bit too much to fit into it's 92 Minute running time. The movie starts off fast and furious and never stops it would have benefited from slowing down so we could see the story and characters develop a bit more. But you have to give it props for being so off the wall creative and wanting to hark back to those films about kids that felt genuine like Stand By me, Monster Squad, etc. The main problem is that there's just too much going on and not enough of the right stuff to flesh it out. Still the kids are charming and have good chemistry the cocktail waitress is badass but severly underdeveoped and the movie is really funny, a little scary and has terrific splatter FX and is soooooooo entertaining! It works more as a rollercoaster ride than an actual film which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's very good but it could have been great. ***.5/5

DAY 29 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN TICKS

TICKS
Republic
1993 Color
85 Mins.
Horror-Sci/Fi
Rosalind Allen, Ami Dolenz, Seth Green, Alfonso Ribeirio, Virginya Keehne, Peter Scolari and Clint Howard star.
Written by Brent V. Friedman
Directed by Tony Randel
Rated R for language, violence, gore and sexuality.

I remember there being so much buzz about this little movie Infested in the horror community back in the day. Upon the release it was retitled Ticks and released mostly direct to DVD. So many years later it's achieved a small but appreciated and well deserved cult status. The film is about a group of troubled youths who go out to the wilderness to bond. The title insect is introduced to steroids via Marijuana farming and grows substantially. So basically giant mutant ticks attack them yay! Which includes a young Seth Green who still looks pretty much the same in the hero role. It all doesn't make to much sense, but does it really have to. The characters are well drawn enough and saturated in stereotypes of course and although the effects look a little hokey now. It's still a prime example of how great practical effects can be. The film has an aware sense of self humor throughout the proceedings and the attack/death sequences are silly but stomach churning which include a mega infected Clint Howard and a little beastie that explodes out of his face and on to Dolenz's neck. And that scene really sums up the movie because if you think that sounds fun you're in for a hoot. ****.25/5

DAY 28 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN

TALES FROM THE HOOD
HBO/FOCUS
1995 Color
98 Mins.
Horror Anthology
Clarence Williams III, David Alan Grier, Corbin Bernsen and Lamont Bentley star.
Written and Directed by Rusty Cundieff
Rated R for language, violence, gore and drug use.

I remember cutting school with my best friend Tracey, taking a cab to Amboy Cinemas and buying tickets for Casper and sneaking into Tales afterwards. Revisiting it, It's easy to see why the film has achieved such a cult status. It would be easy to write this film off especially considering the urban horror films that have come after it. But Tales from the Hood is really a solid, well rounded creative little horror anthology that ranks with the best of them. It's also refreshing to see stories like this that have a political and social subtext about violence within the urban community. The base story features a creepy, over dramatic caretaker at a funeral home who lures in three young gang members with the promise of drugs and than tells them some horrifying tales all leading up to a twist on their own story. All of the bits are surprisingly effective. The first features a politician trying to make a difference in the community but is murdered by crooked cops. One year later he returns as a mega zombie and enacts revenge. The culmination of the story is impressive effects wise and very imaginative. The second story is about a young boy whose being bullied and beaten by something he calls "the monster". It's a well done little tale with a relevant and grounded twist  all played with a darkly comic tone. The third offering deals with a white supremacist running for office who resides in an old plantation with a terrible past of slavery. But there is a supernatural past as well that he dredges up to his dismay. And the final tale is about a prisoner who agrees to undergo a horrific experimental behavior modification program. Each story gets creepier as it goes along with impressive special effects and solid performances. Tales from the hood is that rare gem that holds up and may even get better with time. ****.25/5

DAY 27 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: EVILSPEAK

EVILSPEAK
Leisure
1981 Color
97 Mins.
Horror
Clint Howard, R.G. Armstrong and Joe Cortese stars.
Written by Joseph Garofalo
Directed by Eric Weston
Rated R for language, violence, gore, drug use and nudity.

A bullied teen at a military academy discovers a satanic bible and makes a deal with the devil to bring his oppressors down. I can't believe I've never seen this movie in the 34 years that it's been out. I'm not saying it's amazing but it's actually kind of great. Despite it's obvious limitations it holds up pretty well. For most of it's run time I was questioning if it was even a horror movie. It was working as a drama until it's final third when things get crazy to say the least. Evilspeak is a solid movie because it connects on an emotional level making the proceedings feel relatable. It also features an impressive lead performance from Howard usually overlooked,  he adds a real sense of vulnerability to his character. It all culminates in an insane, justified, slightly silly and splatteriffic finale. The use of practical effects are mostly impressive and the addition of some very early CGI doesn't hold up but adds to the retro factor regardless. So if you haven't make an effort to check this little gem out. It's definitely a product of it's time but this base story will always be relevant just look at the recent horror hit Unfriended which this far superior to of course. ****/5

DAY 26 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: THE FOG

THE FOG
MGM
1980 COLOR
89 Mins.
Horror
Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, Adrienne Barbeau and Tom Atkins star.
Written and Directed by John Carpenter
Rated R for language, violence and gore.

I refuse to acknowledge that 2005 steaming turd reboot and am referring to the classic original horror masterpiece that inspired it. Made by John Carpenter in his prime the film centers on a small, sleepy shore town Antonio Bay that has a hideous past. On the Eve of the town's centential something has returned to wreak havoc. Shrouded in a mysterious glowing fog are vicious ghosts hellbent on vengeance. It's a pretty cool, unique setup and in someone else's hands it could have been instantly hammy. But Carpenter handle's it all with a stylish, suspenseful finesse. He takes the proceedings very seriously and never lets down. The slow burn esque execution builds the suspense gradually with explosions of horror all culminating to a haunting finale. Jamie Lee following up Halloween is spunky as usual but the real star of the film in my opinion is the sultry voiced, believable single mother played by the gorgeous Adrienne Barbeau. She runs a radio show from a light house and is the town's warning beacon as it moves around town and eventually towards her. Revisiting this film it's hard not to marvel at the slick cinematography, now iconic atmospheric score and accomplished direction. The Fog is so impressive and it's classic status is well deserved. I can still hear the music a day later. ****.75/5

DAY 25 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN-LEATHERFACE: TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3

LEATHERFACE;TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3
New Line
1990 Color
85 Mins.
Horror-Thriller
Kate Hodge, William Butler, Ken Foree, R.A. Millahoff, Viggo Mortensen, Joe Unger, Tom Everett and Jennifer Banko star.
Written by David J. Schow
Directed by Jeff Burr
N/R contains graphic violence, language and gore.

As a kid I was forbidden by my parents to watch two films, Rocky horror Picture Show and the original Texas Chainsaw. They are of course two of my favorite films today Chainsaw being my top horror pick. So when I was ten I begged my father to take me to see Chainsaw 3 in theaters I had read so much about it in the pages of my sacred Fangoria magazine and seen the TV spots and advertisements countless times. At ten years of age I remember going into the near empty theater on Friday night with my Dad. I was nervous but very excited to see what all the "buzz" was about. Well I lasted about twenty minutes and I left the theater crying. The visceral impact of what was happening on screen coupled with the ultra realism of the material made my head spin. I was used to my Freddy, My Myers, My Jason flicks but this was something different altogether. It was sick and horrifying. I of course revisited it as soon as it came out on VHS and became an instant fan. Having finally faced my fear and conquered it. A few years later when I was 15 I finally got to see the original masterpiece and fell in love while at a sleepover. Revisiting Chainsaw 3 now was an amazing experience to say the least. Despite my nostalgia the film holds up damn well and is even better than I remember it being. Losing the comedy of the second entry Director Jeff Burr's more serious approach benefits the material greatly. And by the film's end he creates a more accessible slasher villain in Leatherface. The set up is fairly simple as usual. Car gets into accident and the victims find themselves hunted by the infamous family. But what sets this apart from the rest is the overall feel of the movie. For one thing it has more in common with the Nispel remake and the Beginning than the other films. The family's dynamic is twisted and believable and the gruesomeness is crazy effective. The practical effects on screen are truly awe inspiring. From hands being ripped from nails in a close up to a tutorial on how Leatherface makes his masks and two very detailed head bashings. The film never lets up in it's 85 min unrated run time. My only complaint is that I wish it had been a bit longer. The performance from R.A. Millahoff is impressive to say the least his Leatherface has a genuine vulnerability to him and is intimidating with his maniacal polished weapon. Kate Hodge adds a crazed, sometimes over the top but appreciated ferocity to her final girl role .And the rest of the family which includes the now famous Viggo Moretensen and genre regulars Unger (Nightmare on elm st) and Banko (Little Tina from F13 VII) are solid and have a disturbing chemistry. Now watching it at 36 I can see all of the homages and continuations form the first films and appreciate them even more. It's quite a well rounded experience for fans of this type. It's a grueling watch but one appreciated especially in chainsaw fandom. ****.5

 

 

 

 

DAY 24 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: THE LAST WITCH HUNTER

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER
Summit
2015 color
106 Mins.
Action-Horror
Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood, Michael Caine, Julie Engelbrecht, Rena Owen and Olafur Darri Olafsson star.
Written by Cory Goodman, Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless
Directed by Breck Eisner
PG-13 for language, violence and gore.

So I'm a big fan of critically pummeled movies like this. So if you found yourself liking Legion, I Frankenstein and Seventh Son this one is for you. It's important to know that this film doesn't have a deep story it's not clever, it doesn't have well drawn characters or even fully deliver on the goods your hoping to see. What it does have is a likable star in Vin Diesel, some great special effects and it's just pretty darn cool. It starts off with Diesel's character going against the Queen Witch and finding himself cursed with eternal life before he sticks a sword through her dark heart. Fast forward to modern times where he hunts witches working for an organization in the church. But events transpire and he discovers the Queen Witch may be returning to life with intentions of world domination. It's all fairly by the book and most of it really does work. It's fun and light and the story is engaging. The main problem the film has is in it's delivery, every scene never goes where it could but it's a likable journey none the less. What the film makers did do is set it up a franchise that could be really interesting and even though the first film is deeply flawed it could build into something really unique. Even at it's most mundane the environment the film makers have created feels fantastical and layered. I don't think the film will become a franchise just cause I expect the box office returns to be mediocre at best. But who knows overseas could really help out. So all in all a pretty good watch. It's got a creepy, cool atmoshphere and likable performances from it's cast especially Diesel and Leslie as his witchy partner. ***.25/5

DAY 23 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY-THE GHOST DIMENSION

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION
Paramount
2015 color
88 Mins.
Horror
Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George and Dan Gil star.
Written by Jason pagan and Andrew Deutschman
Directed by Gregory Plotkin
R for language violence and gore.

I was pretty sure I was gonna walk out of this film and ask how they suckered me into seeing this crap again. Instead I walked out saying this is the scariest movie I've seen since The Conjuring. And I mean it. Not to say it's a great movie but what they are showing is what we've been waiting five movies too see for better or worse. And this sequel doesn't just deliver on the scares it also answers most of the questions that have been milling about this tedious, lukewarm franchise. I'm not gonna go into specifics but I will say that some of the scares are pretty cheesy but they are inventive and the use of the 3D technology is so impressive. In fact I don't think it's been this good since My Bloody Valentine. They are just constantly throwing stuff at the screen whether it makes sense or not and creating a dimension through the lens of a supernatural camera. The plot device is of course ridiculous but I think you need to suspend belief to finally get the goods. The performances are decent and the direction is accommodating although i wish they had built up a bit more atmosphere. If I'm being honest the first two entries really nailed that part of the formula. And even though it was a really fun experience Paranormal has definitely overstayed it's welcome that being said at least it went out with a big bang and not a whimper. ***.5/5

DAY 22 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: SORORITY ROW

SORORITY ROW
Summit
2009 Color
101 Mins.
Horror/Thriller
Brianna Evigan, Rumer Willis, Margo Harshman, Jamie Cheung, Leah Pipes, Audrina Patridge, Matt O' Leary, Julian Morris, Carrie Fisher and Matt Lanter star.
Written by Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger
Directed by Stewart Hendler
Rated R for language, violence, gore, sexuality and nudity.

A group of sorority sisters cover up a tragic accident and one year later someone targets them for revenge. It's a fairly predictable set up and we've seen it dozens of times. But trust me they've never had this much fun with it. What sets Sorority Row apart is slick, hilarious dialogue, great performances and confident direction. I wouldn't say it brings anything new to the table but it's just so damn entertaining. Joining the ranks of the best remakes this reboot updates it's inspiration the slasher classic "House on Sorority Row" but besides some slight similarities and character's names this really has very little to do with the original. In fact it's a way more complex and confident production all around. Brianna Evigan, a genre favorite at this point after the highly under rated and under seen Burning Bright and Fear Itself and Leah Pipes sizzle in the lead roles. Pipes brings the mean girl to a new hilarious level. And the rest of the cast is solid as well, Cheung and Willis especially shine having more depth than their roles usually reserve and Harshman delivers her scenes with a nasty pizazz. And Carrie Fisher is great in her small but sassy role.The direction from Hendler is impressive and the writing from Stolberg and Goldfinger is slick, trashy and fun which led them to Pirahna 3D and 3DD. Sadly this was passed over by audiences while in theaters though the film did garner positive acclaim from critics and pretty much anyone who saw it but I believe the sorority premise might have been a little diverting from the film's quality. At this point we've all seen so many movies like this and I'm sure it was hard to differentiate as a product. That being said the time is now to visit/revisit this sexy, clever overly entertaining horror thriller.****.5/5

 

 

 

 

DAY 21 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: THE DIABOLICAL

THE DIABOLICAL
Campfire
2015 Color
86 Mins.
Horror
Ali Larter, Max Rose and Chloe Perrin star.
Written and Directed by Alistair Legrand
N/R contains language, violence gore and sexuality.

The less you know about this movie going in, the better. Now I'm not saying this is a great movie by any means in fact it's really just pretty good but it's quite impressive in what it wants to become and what it's trying to convey. Ali Larter, always a sure thing in my book stars as a single mother who with her children is being haunted by increasingly horrific and violent apparitions. As the film goes on we discover hints here and there about the back ground of the characters. It's all kept very mysterious and is very engaging. I wouldn't say it's scary but there are some creepy moments and the effects are pretty nasty and the performances are decent all around. It all culminates to a truly shocking finale, that you really won't see coming. Now I'm not sure all of it makes complete sense but it deserves props for it's ambition. Now for most this will be an easy movie too hate. The ending is really gonna push you one way or another. But me and my boyfriend try and go into everything we watch with an open mind and it really is most essential that you do that with this movie. Because we were honestly impressed and kind of blown away overall. And it's not just the culmination of events that's impressive there is also subtext about parenting, coming of age and restraint of violence. Not everything is communicated properly and not everything matches up perfectly but at least this is something completely unique and original which is a very rare thing nowadays. ***.25/5

DAY 20 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: GOOSEBUMPS

GOOSEBUMPS
Sony
2015 color
103 Mins.
Horror/Family/Comedy
Jack Black, Dyan Minette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee, Amy Ryan, Jillian Bell and Ken Marino star.
Written by Darren Lemke
Directed by Rob Letterman
Rated PG for some cartoonish violence and adult themes.

Inspired by his collection of horror themed children's books that have spawned a successful TV series and many DVD movies as well comes his first theatrical adaptation just in time for the Halloween season. Those hoping for more adult fare should look elsewhere because everything is strictly kiddie here, not that it doesn't have it's charms. The movie centers around a young man and his mother who move to a new town. Immediately after he finds himself interested in his new neighbor's daughter and creeped out by her over protective father. After a mysterious incident leads them into the house to save the young woman they discover a library of locked books and end up opening one accidentally. It unleashes a familiar creature. As it is a creation from the mind of R.L. Stine. Soon after other books are opened and they find themselves with the help of the author trying to stop a monster apocalypse. There's laughs here and I'd be lying if I said those gnomes weren't damn creepy. But it's never scary or the least bit suspenseful which is pretty disappointing because that's what the books are all about. Still it's pretty cool to see all these creatures on the big screen and with a unique and interesting story line to accompany it. But what really sells the material and makes it as entertaining as it is are the performances from the charming cast. Minette is solid and relatable in the lead and his chemistry with Rush feels genuine and engaging. The film misses the mark on the scares and not all the laughs hit but it is a pretty fun and wild ride. Also the special effects although a bit safe for the material are really impressive especially in 3D. And there's a fare amount of not very subtle subtext about letting go and the power of your imagination which although not very clever is pretty cool.All in all it's a fun little holiday themed flick that will hopefully lead to better slightly more adult sequels. ***.5/5

DAY 19 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD

Columbia

1990 Color/B&W

92 Mins.

Horror/Thriller

Patricia Tallman, Bill Moseley, Tony Todd and William Butler star

Directed by Tom Savini

Rated R for language, violence, gore and nudity.

Tom Savini's brilliant remake of the original zombie flick is turning 25 this year. And there's time like the present to revisit it. Although not initially embraced by fans and critics the film has garnered much acclaim and fandom in the recent years. And it's well deserved. The film stands as a sparkling reminder of what you should do when remaking a film. Keep what makes it great, add your own spin on the material and have a reason. Enhancing the biting social commentary of the first film and updating it for the 90's. Savini's Dead is more prevalent in it's themes of sexism humanistic behavior than ever before. What makes this film work so well besides the inspired approach is the solid performances from everyone involved. The zombies are appropriately creepy and nightmarish the supporting characters are more than one note and the main stars have powerful moments. Todd and Tallman are especially good and deserved much more acclaim than they got. Tallman's Barbara is a complex female character submissive and mousy when the films starts but she transforms into one of the fiercest female heroines in genre history. So if you haven't seen it or have it's time to revisit this severely under rated  horror masterpiece *****/5

DAY 18 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: TALES OF HALLOWEEN

Tales of Halloween
Epic
2015 color
92 Mins.
Horror Anthology
BooBoo Stewart, James Duval, Sam Witwer, Adrienne Barbeau, Cerina Vincent, John Landis, Lin Shaye and Ben Woolf star.
Written by Mike Mendez, Neil Marshall and Lucky McKee, etc.
Directed by Adam Gierash, neil Marshall, Lucky McKee, Mike Mendez, Daryn Lynn Bousman, etc.
Rated R for language, violence, gore and sexuality.

The truth is I'm just dying for another Trick or Treat film. That splendid Halloween genre entry that just really pulled in all the elements that you wanted from a film of it's type. Saturated in my favorite holiday it was both wonderfully creepy and darkly funny. Going into Tales it's hard to not have some type of expectations especially considering all those involved. But ultimately it's a mostly ho hum retread of familiar genre letdowns. There are some imaginative pieces and if I'm being honest none of it is really terrible. It starts off solid with Sweet Tooth which isn't wholly original but brings on the creep factor but than quickly devolves into a somewhat senseless plight of wacky and unique but overly mediocre entries. It all ends with a neat little homage to Halloween 3's silver shamrock but still never gets to where it needs to be. The animated credits and closing are fun and the addition of the still sultry voiced Adrienne Barbeau as a radio host in a nod to the Fog is inspired. But sadly the film is pretty disappointing. the performances are pretty scattershot in quality most of them on the bad side except for the sexy Sam Witwer and  a few others. The makeup feels a little lackluster and cheesy but does sport some interesting creations and the direction is meh. It's really been better across the board from all of these accomplished artists. In the end it ends up tying together for the simplest of reasons and isn't nearly as clever as it should be. Which pretty much sums up the film. **.5/5

 

 

 

 

DAY 17 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: CRIMSON PEAK

CRIMSON PEAK
Universal
119 Mins.
Horror/Thriler
Mia Wasachowski Tom Middleton Jessica Chastian and Charie Hunam star.
Written and Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Rated R for language, violence, gore, sexuality and nudity.

Crimson peak is a very frustrating movie going experience. Now usually I try to go into things with an open mind but in this case I couldn't set aside my high expectations for the material. Especially after seeing those hauntingly beautiful trailers and finding out about the fantastic cast, Even though I started to get nervous at the beginning of the week when I saw that the review embargo had not been lifted yet. Well I think it's quite obvious that I was disappointed. Not to say that CP is a bad film by any means it's just not what it should be. It all starts off very strong with Mia Wasachowski as a refreshing, independent young female writer in the 1800s. She than meets a charming baronette in Tom Middleton and begins to fall for him. But her father does not approve and neither does his creepy sister played by a wonderful Jessica Chastain in psycho mode. Eventually dark events happen which leads her into Middleton's arms. They move to his decrepit, gothic family home where she begins to see horrific ghosts and the events culminate to a somewhat expected finale. The thing is CP for about half of it's running time is wonderfully mysterious, charming and uniquely engaging but in the middle the material becomes a bit repetitive hitting a lull that makes the proceedings drag out a bit. And than it all leads up to a final 20 minutes that's bat shit crazy and disappointingly generic at the same time. Ultimately I'm sad to report that we've seen this simplistic story path before and executed far more interestingly. What once seems so complex and interesting eventually looses it's seductive luster and becomes just another tale of obsession. The film does sport some wonderfully entrancing visuals and the ghosts are the most horrific I've seen but it lacks the substance it should possess especially with all the names attached to it. Also the film never is as crazy or epic as it should be making it all feel a bit watered down. In the end CP has a decent amount to offer and ends up being a fairly predictable but pretty good film but the potential to be something greater is squandered for sake of insipid genre clichés. ***.5/5

DAY 15 OF 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN: DEAD ALIVE

DEAD ALIVE A.K. BRAINDEAD
Lionsgate
1992 Color
104 Mins.
Horror-Comedy
Timothy Balme, Diana Penalver and Elizabeth Moody star.
Written by Stephen Sinclair
Directed by Peter Jackson
N/R contains graphic violence, outrageous gore and sexuality.

Who would have know that Peter Jackson would go on too direct the award winning, game changing fantasy franchise Lord of the Rings. Not there is not a huge wealth of imagination and creativity in this now classic Zombie comedy. Rightfully declared the goriest film of all time Dead Alive a.k.a Braindead is a ballsy take on the sub genre. It's bat shit crazy in it's depiction of a virus spawned from a mutant animal that starts to infect residents of a small town in the most vomit inducing of ways. At the center of it all is a sweet romance involving Lionel a mother's boy and Paquita. While on a date Lionel's Mum is bitten by the strange animal and immediately begins to exhibit symptoms which manifest horribly at a ladies lunch in where puss from a sore on her face plops into the custard they're eating. As well as eating a dog and other stomach churning actions. But as her illness gets worse she begins to attack and infect others which leads to zombies having sex, zombie babies, a martial arts expert whose also the town Priest and a massacre that blows anything out of the water you've seen before. Despite the graphic violence and extreme gore on screen it's all handled with a soft tone by Jackson. Keeping things light and funny instead of opting for a more serious tone that may have not worked. The practical effects in the film are the real star here and they are beyond amazing!. Towards the end the creatures have a sort of mutated Muppet like quality but it doesn't take away from gut churning effect of it all. I consider myself to be a pretty strong horror fan but I couldn't help but wince more than once at the moments on screen. The performances are hammy across the board intentionally and most of the dar even grimy humor hits it mark as well as it's effective central romance. Dead Alive is a staple of the horror genre. If you haven't seen it I highly suggest you make it a priority it's a gross funny, horror romance spectacle unlike anything else. ****.75/5