The opening credits are pretty funny. It's a video store clerk on the phone with a customer who's looking to rent a zombie movie. The clerk has to explain Evil Dead isn't a true zombie movie (those were demons) and that the only "real" zombie movies were made by George A. Romero. Like that. For me, it's always a good sign when a low-budget horror film doesn't take itself too seriously. After that...
So there's this naked guy in a tree...no, this isn't the start of a joke. It's how the actual movie begins. Why is he there sans clothing? Something about butt-probing aliens that's never really made clear. We are treated to full frontal make nudity, however. Given who's naked, though, this is not a selling point. The movie takes place in Thorsby, Alabama and follows two main story lines, one involving a group of redneck friends and the other a group of slacker-ish friends. There's also a subplot involving a local minister and his church but following it is like Wile E. Coyote following the broken white line into a rock wall. Painful and ultimately pointless.
What happens, action-wise? Oh, there's running and screaming and shooting...and eating. I watched this movie just the other day, but the motivations behind the actions of the slacker group and the redneck group are murky. I remember what happens but not why. Not exactly a good sign. No matter. It's a zombie flick. It's not like I was expecting Tennessee Williams...
The Breakdown
Acting: I've seen better acting in pornos. Awful? Yes. Cringe-inducing? Yes. It's the first time I've ever said to myself that I could do a better job as an actor (I was in a couple of high-school plays). Only Keith, played by Kyle Holman, does fairly well. The naked guy is probably next best (he does put clothes on eventually).
Story: Disjointed. I said main storylines earlier. There are others but they don't really gel. Direction: Some interesting camera work. Otherwise, the direction is almost cohesive.
Production Values: About what you'd expect. I think a lot of friends donated their houses and places of business for location shots. Lighting and sound is acceptable. The film stock was probably purchased at a dollar store.
Gore/FX: I've seen better makeup at the local Zombie Walk but at least an effort was made for the gunshot and biting effects. No exceptional splatter or head destruction, though.
Ending: Half stupid, half funny. This is one of those rare times I would have been ok with no survivors.
Verdict: Should you see Hide and Creep? If you like so-bad-they're-good horror films or zombie movies in general, then I say give it a go. I've said it before and I'll say it again...low expectations, man. Low expectations.
My Rating: 1 out of 5
No comments:
Post a Comment