Play Dead (2009)

In small town Nevada, a former TV action hero (Klein) runs afoul of drug dealers and a covered-up murder, inspiring him to round up his old co-stars to save the terrorized townspeople.

Director:

Jason Wiles

Writers:

Shem Bitterman, Jason Wiles

Stars:

Chris Klein, Fred Durst, Jake Busey

Cast

Credited cast:
Chris Klein	...	Ronnie Reno
Fred Durst	...	Ledge
Jake Busey	...	Merle Jones
Michael Beach	...	Devon
Paul Francis	...	Ray Jones
Timothy Ryan Hensel	...	Dickford Jones
Tim Arnold	...	Sigh
Richard Riehle	...	Truck Driver
James Koetting	...	Sheriff
Lisa Lenes	...	Ms. Stoner
Justin Spraggins	...	Actor
Ruth Mills	...	Hostess
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Sasha Alexander	...	Carolanne
Kate Ascott-Evans	...	Molly
Annabelle Bitterman	...	Blue

Storyline

Ronnie Reno (Klein) is a former TV action hero in dire need of a comeback. On his way back from a failed audition he winds up snowbound in a remote Nevada town run by scary meth dealers, including Merle (Busey), and their henchman (Durst). When he finds the body of a dead FBI agent there, life imitates Reno's art as he is forced to reunite with his former co-stars, including Devon (Beach), to save himself and the terrorized townsfolk.

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Taglines:

Ronnie Rio is a long way from Hollywood.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Connections

References The A-Team (1983)

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Soundtracks

Streets Of Laredo
traditional
Performed by Maggie's Midnight Ramblers
Recorded live at Maggie's Lounge - Ely, NV
Courtesy of Christopher Lani

User Reviews

Small town Nevada ...... Population 132 .... average IQ 66

Dumb is as dumb does, in this thoroughly uninteresting, supposed black comedy. Essentially what starts out as Chris Klein trying to maintain a low profile, eventually morphs into an uninspired version of "The Three Amigos", only without any laughs. In order for black comedy to work, it must be outrageous, which "Play Dead" is not. In order for black comedy to work, it cannot be mean spirited, which "Play Dead" is. What "Play Dead" really is, is a town full of nut jobs. Fred Dunst does however do a pretty fair imitation of Billy Bob Thornton's character from "A Simple Plan", while Jake Busey does a pretty fair imitation of, well, Jake Busey. - MERK

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 September 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ton ithelan nekro

Filming Locations:

Ely, Nevada, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,300,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1