Virus Undead (2008)

Directors:

Wolf Wolff
Ohmuthi (co-director)

Writer:

Wolf Jahnke (writer)

Genre:

Horror

Plot Keywords:

Wilhelm Scream

Cast

Alex Attimonelli	...	Zombie mit Sichel im Kopf
Anna Breuer	...	Vanessa Lux
Philipp Danne	...	Robert Hansen
Marvin Gronen	...	Patrick
Thomas Heubeck	...	Heber
Jesse Inman	...	Dicker Mann
Nikolas Jürgens	...	Eugen
Joost Siedhoff	...	Professor Bergen
Wolfgang Stegemann	...	Zombie
Birthe Wolter	...	Marlene

Also Known As:

Wolf Wolff's Beast Within (USA) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated R for horror violence/gore, language and some sexuality.

Runtime:

USA:95 min (original version)

Country:

Germany

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Company:

Legendary Units

Movie Connections:

References Jerry Maguire (1996)

Soundtrack:

Virus Undead

"There used to be a wine cellar here but I don't know if it's still here."

Germany is rightly credited with making outstanding cars and world wars but is not known for making top quality horror flicks. This trend continues with Virus Undead.

The plot isn't too complicated, a mad scientist dies and his heir and two friends go to take care of the estate. It's not long before they meet an evil biker / hot dog salesman who has it in for the young scientist. The acting isn't just wooden, it's hewn from the primeval trees of the Black Forest. Not one single character is in any way believable but the 'ich bin ein dude' character really got most of the laughs early on. Fair enough they are speaking English and it's not their first language but hey, did I force them to do that? No I didn't, so I feel OK about having a cheap laugh at their expense on that especially as the accents change several times.

The plot is stupid and badly executed but the real laughs come from the wobbling head effect when people become zombies. I noticed another reviewer praising the attention to detail and if you are also stunned by the sight of blood on a cockoo clock then knock yourself out with this movie. Yes it's true that the CGI helicopters and birds look quite good but is that really worth watching a movie for? I think the fact that you can see they are clearly pasted on over the film detracts somewhat, especially in the scene where birds are pecking at some guys eyes about half an inch away and he doesn't flinch.

There's some laughs to be had at the sheer cack-handed execution of this film but not a lot. If you're a zombie fan then it might be worth a watch, it has its moments but a three out of ten still feels a bit generous despite this being a low budget effort.