Zombieland Review

9/10 

In 2009, "Zombieland" took the world by surprise, and became known as one of the funniest horror films ever. I personally love this film, because of its extreme gore, clever dialogue, fantastic cast, and hilarious antics. It was another one of my first horror movies, and I have loved it for years. 

The beginning is one of my favorite scenes of the movie, and it shows the many rules of surviving a zombie apocalypse. My favorite one is when he says that you need to have good cardio, and then the fat guy gets eaten.  This makes me laugh every time I watch the movie, because it is so sudden and well timed. 

In the next few minutes, we meet two characters.  The first one is named Columbus, and he is played by Jessie Eisenberg.  He is shown as a smart man, but he is also pretty weak and scared of a lot of things.  The next character is named Tallahassee, and he is played by Woody Harrelson.  He is a very tough man, and is the polar opposite of Columbus. The relationship between the two is absolutely hilarious, because Tallahassee has an initial disgust for the soft personality of his counterpart. They slowly start to become friends though, and Columbus begins to really look up to Tallahassee.  On their journey for survival, they meet two girls named Wichita(Emma Stone) and Little Rock(Abigail Breslin).  Columbus immediately falls Wichita, but what he doesn't know is that her and her sister are both con artists.  After a trick that they pull on the boys, they steal all of their possessions and drive away.  Luckily, the girls change their mind and let the boys drive with them.  The addition of these characters was absolutely perfect, because they added so much sarcasm, and they were very interesting people. The relationship between Tallahassee and Wichita is absolutely priceless, because they butt heads constantly, and become each other's nemesis.  I feel that this is relevant because of the fact that they are so similar, that they can't get along at all. 

While the movie is a horror film in nature, it is also one of the most intentionally hilarious things I have ever seen. There are so many classic scenes of comedy, and they're outrageous in a way that I will never forget.  Tallahassee's whole side story with the Twinkies is awesome, because it is so random, yet it fits so well in the movie. The whole part in Bill Murray's mansion is perfect, because his presence just automatically makes in hilarious.  My favorite line from the movie came from his mouth, and it was when he said his only regret in life was "Garfield."  Being the movie is so funny, it is hard to take any dramatic moments seriously, which caused me to laugh at scenes that many people should be sad about.  This isn't bad at all, but it probably wasn't what was meant to be intended. 

The gore in this film was fantastic, because it was excessive and nasty.  Every kill was full of guts flying, and there were also many graphic scenes of cannibalism.  While the scenes aren't scary, they're still cool as can be, and they look fantastic.  Along with the gore, the zombie effects looked so realistic, and the actors themselves were convincing as they could possibly be.  I was so glad about how the effects and gore turned out, because it really reminded me of the classic movies that I love. They weren't ruined by stupid CGI, but it was an authentically bloody mess, and it made me proud. 

The film's soundtrack was one to praise, because of the awesome old music that was used. There was "Everybody Wants Some" by Van Halen, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" by Willie Nelson, and many others.  This added so much energy to the film, because the high octane rock music really pumps you up, and makes the film all the more cool. 

The only weakness I really saw was an awful mistake by the writers. There is a scene where Emma Stone says "in 1997, I saw my first R rated movie; Anaconda." Every time I hear this line, I want to throw something at the television, because "Anaconda" was rated PG-13, and it still is to this day. While this isn't a movie ruiner in any standard, it was a stupid mistake, and it ticks me off quite a bit. 

Overall I really love this movie. There is fantastic cast, gut busting humor, great gore, and an all around high quality film. I highly recommend it to any movie buff, because I think you will enjoy it immensely.  It is definitely one of the funniest movies in the horror-comedy genre, and one of the best zombie movies ever made. 

Hide and Creep Review

9.5/10

"Hide and Creep" is a 2004 independent horror comedy, and it tells stories of zombies, aliens, and other horror related subjects.  The movie was praised by critics at its time, and was a hit at movie festivals.

The first scene was very clever, because it gave many references to classic films. It takes place in a video store, and the owner is on a phone call talking about zombie movies he has seen. I really liked this a lot, because it showed the filmmakers' true passion for the genre. In the next few minutes, the zombie attacks begin.  I really like the way that they were done, because the music and movements of it all was extremely satirical, and it was very enjoyable to watch.  The zombies are also pretty cool looking, because while they don't look like normal humans, they also weren't overdone at all.

This film is one of the best horror-comedies I've ever seen, because the humor is so diverse.  There are jokes for everyone, because there are inside jokes for horror fans, and other scenes that would make anyone laugh. This is perfect, because the movie is accessible for anyone, and it was absolutely genius.  The humor was actually very dry at times, and very reliant on sarcasm.  I enjoyed this a lot, being its my style. There were also moments that were just absolutely outrageous, and these were hysterical on all levels.  A lot of people call "Zombieland" the iconic horror-comedy, and while I find it to be great, this one is much much funnier. 

The gore in this film is to the max, and while its lighthearted, there is still a gruesome sense to it.  There is ripping of skulls, eating of body parts, graphic bloody shootings, etc. I really like this a lot, because the blood and guts were very well made, and I could still take it somewhat seriously. 

The cast was absolutely perfect, because they were hilarious, and they could keep a straight face throughout everything.  I imagine that this would be so hard to do, because some the lines are laugh out loud, but they stay completely stoic the whole time. My personal favorite actor of the film was Chuck Hartsell, whom played the role of Chuck. He had a fantastic way about him, and his subtle humor was perfect.  The other standout in my opinion was Kyle Holman in the role of Keith.  He did a great job in playing the tough, gung ho zombie killer, and he was surprisingly likable. Barry Austin was absolutely perfect in the role of Reverend Smith, because while you can tell that he wants to be good and honest in his profession in the church, it is quite obvious that he has an utter disgust for the people in the congregation, because of their rude and selfish ways. 

Another factor to the film that I really liked was the multiple stories that took place. Instead of boring us with one plot, we get an individual look at certain groups throughout the entire film. It was almost like the "Pulp Fiction" of horror.  This is a further reason for the film being one of the best horror flicks I have ever watched. 

If there was one weakness I could find in the film, it would be the ending.  Just minutes before, there was the true introduction of the UFO's in the movie, and I thought there would be a cool ending where they actually showed them. This never happened though, and I felt the ending came way too soon.  Whole the ending itself was good, I just wish there was some more that happened, because the movie was enjoyable enough to go on for two hours. 

I would like to do you all the favor of recommending that you watch this movie with all of my heart. It is hilarious, disgusting, and just about everything I could possibly want in this genre of film.  I promise you that it will be one of the greatest zombie movie experiences of your life.  The only one I would still put in front of it would be "Night of the Living Dead," but that is still saying a lot.  So please check this film out, because i guarantee that you won't be disappointed. 

Night of the Living Dead(1968) Review

10/10!!!!

George A. Romero is the king of the zombies(no pun intended).  Even though there were films before his time that had the topic, he was the true innovator. He made the first gruesome zombie flick ever, and it was a 1968 film called "Night of the Living Dead."  This is one of my favorite horror movies ever.  It is a shocking, and extremely fun piece of cinema, and it was the first movie of its kind that I had ever watched.  

The movie starts off with a bang, and it engrosses the viewer right off the bat.  We meet Johnny, and his sister Barbra.  The two of them are visiting their father's grave, and they converse with each other.  Things seem completely normal, until a man starts walking around the graveyard. Johnny walks over to him, and the zombie kills him.  Barbra runs away, and she locks herself in the car. The zombie tries to break in, and Barbra runs away until she finds an abandoned house.  This first ten minutes is so iconic, mainly because of the car scene(which has been mocked and repeated so many times).  Everything is just so exciting though, and it is one of my favorite beginnings ever.

As Barbra hides in this house, an African American man named Ben comes in. He is also hiding from the zombies, but he is a very strong and capable man.  He takes it upon himself to board up the entire house, as a way of saving themselves.  What they don't know yet is the strength of these zombies, and the number of them that will try to take them down.  The viewers also meet five other characters later in the film. Two of their names are Harry and Helen, and they are husband and wife.  Their daughter is also featured, and her name is Karen. The other two are a couple, and their names are Judy and Tom.  Throughout the rest of the film, these seven characters try their best to save each other, but their chances are not likely at all.  The plot is such an intense story, and although it's been used many times after, it was very original for its day of age. 

The cast was extremely talented, and each of them really gave a convincing portrayal of fear and anger.  The standout for me was Duane Jones as Ben.  It was uncommon for an African American to be to the hero of movies at this time, but he did such a great job. He was smart, resourceful, and extremely tough. He was also the most likable character of the film, and it was easy to admire his tenacity.  Judith O' Dea was the other lead in the film, and while she did a good job. Her character was absolutely terrible.  While revolutions were made with Ben, the character of Barbra is one of the most sexist and stereotypical roles I've ever seen. She was weak, dumb, and annoying as she could possibly be.  She is shown to be incapable of doing anything, and it was a wonder she lived as long as she did.  The other actor I really liked in the film was Karl Harden(Harry). He was a very angry man, and it made me laugh a lot.  Harden was a great character actor, and he gives everything you could want in the role.

Even though the film is quite tame by today's standards, it was extremely graphic for its time. There is gory wounds, eating of body parts, stabbings, etc, and it is still quite a gruesome film. I really give a lot of credit to it for this, because a lot was risked.  There was the chance that people were going to hate the movie, and that it would flop immensely.  Even though critics didn't like the gore at the time, this has changed, and it is now known as one of the greatest horror films ever. 

Being the film was made in the late 60's, black and white footage was still used. I really like this for the movie, because it gave a very grainy and dark look, and it was surprisingly realistic to life.  Instead of watching a movie, I feel like I'm actually there, and it adds to the horror extensively.  I honestly don't know why the black and white is special in this one, but it really set itself apart from other films of its type, and it was the best in my opinion. 

One of the things that I really liked in the film was the way that the radio and televisions in the house almost work as a narrator to what is happening. It made things very tense, and it was a genius move.  I feel that it was influential, because "American Graffiti" did a very similar practice years later. 

The most amazing part of the film in my opinion is the closing scene. I have never been so shocked by anything before. I remember watching the movie for the first time, and I literally yelled at the tv because of what happened.  There has never been a better ending of a movie before, and I don't think there ever will be again. 

I will make this conclusion very simple. Watch. This. Film.  If you want to be a true horror film, then there is no escaping this.  It is the absolute gateway to all films of the genre, and it is a true masterpiece. I may have to call it my second favorite horror flick, only behind "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." I promise all of you that this film will not disappoint you in any sense. Be prepared for a gruesome, shocking, and iconic film from the master himself..... George A Romero. 

The Crazies(1973)

6.5/10 

George A. Romero is one of the most iconic directors in the horror business.  Being the creator of "Night Of the Living Dead" and many other hits, you could almost call him a pioneer in horror. He was one of the first directors to really make gruesome movies, and even though they're tame to today's standards, it is quite apparent that a mark was made in history with all of them.  This classic from 1973 is a little more obscure than the films I have watched so far.  I find it to be a good film, but not great. There's so many things that are awesome about it, but there are some weaknesses that really brought down my opinion on the film. 

Like the last film I reviewed "Children of the Corn" this film starts with a mindblowing beginning. It shows children witnessing the highly violent and destructive behavior of their father. It is not known why he is being so erratic, but he killed his wife, and set his house on fire.  I really love the terror of this scene, because there really is a mystery of what is happening, and the performances by the people portraying the family is great. The father is very aggressive, and brings a lot of suspense as he throws things around.  The children are very good, because they're kind of oblivious to what is happening, and it brings a chilling feel to the scene. 

The next scene goes to a couple in bed together. Judy is a nurse, and David is firefighter, and they are both sent off to their jobs because of emergencies arising. I find both of these characters to have a great chemistry with each other, and they're a totally realistic couple. The two of them are also pretty strong people, and smart too, which is a refreshing change to how the protagonist of horror often are.

After dropping off David to the fire station, Judy goes to the hospital she works at, and gets information from a doctor.  The problem is a virus called "Trixie," and it either kills a person, or makes them a homicidal maniac.  This now gives us an idea of why that man killed his wife, because it is very possible that he was a great man, but this virus took over his mind.  I really like this plot line, because it is very true to real life in a sense. It's not that viruses often make people kill, but the idea of a plague taking over a town is very relevant to now, being we have had many outbreaks, whether it's Ebola or H1N1. This is also a very original plot, because instead of people having a motive to killing, they don't have a choice. This really sets the film apart from many other horror movies, because it's not just some psycho going after people, but loved people being controlled. 

One of the things that really works in this film is the isolation. This virus is dangerous as can be, yet there is no way of escaping. After news of the outbreak comes out, the army takes over Evans City, and they put it on quarantine.  No one is allowed to leave, even if they are healthy.  The other part of this isolation that makes things crazy is that the army brings nuclear weapons about the town in case they have to destroy it.  That is absolutely genius for this film, because it brings so much terror. The idea that this disease makes people homicidal, yet people are forced to stay in the town it is spreading in is a whole different kind of horror. No this is not a graphic slasher film, but the psychological horrors really kick in, and make this a chilling film nonetheless.  

Most of this film's violence is done by guns. A lot of it is soldier shooting 'Crazies' and this isn't exactly horrifying. There are a couple slasher moments in the film though. One of the most shocking is when an old lady takes a sewing needle and stabs a soldier to death.  While the film doesn't hit the gory heights of other films I love, it does the violence very well, especially since the film was in 1973. Another scene that surprised me was a shooting scene where blood flew out of a soldier's eyes. This scene was extremely graphic, and it blows my mind that the censors weren't all over it. 

The 'Crazies' were portrayed very well in this film. Rather than just being angry people, there is an insane happiness that comes from them. In the scene I mentioned before with the old lady, she seems like a kind grandma with a huge smile on her face, and then she just stabs. This shows that the virus makes people sadistically violent. This is much more frightening than if she had a mean look on her face, or if she ran at him like a zombie. Some of the other 'crazies' are shown as very hyper and paranoid people that desperately complete the bad actions they do. 

I feel that the portrayal of the army was well done.  The guards of the quarantine were good most of the time, because they were very brutal at their job.  I really like the fact that they were the emergency suits, because you don't see their faces at all, which almost takes any emotional connection you could possibly have for them away. This works well, because you aren't really supposed to like them at all. You are supposed to feel bad for the townspeople, and partly because these guards are suppressing them.

Though the film is horror for the most part, I love that it also has traces of other genres, because it really gives the film a great amount of diversity to the films. You have the moments of terror that make horror iconic, you have the journey that the main characters go on that gives us the action, and then the whole technical side of the virus that gives us a scifi feel.

So far, I have given the good aspects of the film, but there are some big weaknesses too.  The first one being that there are quite a few dry scenes.  The worst of all is some of the dialogue scenes, whether it's between the main characters, the army generals, or the scientists, the scenes really drag on at times, and it makes me lose interest in the movie temporarily. Thankfully, this doesn't completely ruin the movie, because right after these boring scenes, something shocking will happen. Another problem I have with the film was that a lot of the supporting cast were weak. They weren't likable, and often their performances were monotonous.  Once again, this doesn't ruin the film, but I really wish that the casting would've been done a little bit more carefully. 

Honestly I thought the ending was mediocre. If they would've cut off the last two minutes, the film would've ended on a totally shocking turn, but they had to add more military dialogue, and I felt that was weak in a sense.  A film like this doesn't need a closing scene to sum everything up, it would've been better to just have that sudden "what the heck" ending.  

Overall, I liked this film. It had some really great scenes, and a fantastic plot. I just can't say I loved it, because there was too many times where it went too slow for me.  I would recommend it to people that like this kind of thing, but if you're looking for a more engaging film of the era, definitely watch Romero's original "Night of the Living Dead."