TheUndeadSymphony Reviews

Stalled (I) (2013)

Next time you ask why someone spends so long in the toilet, they might be fighting off hoardes of the undead...

[5/10 · 23 April 2024]

The premise is stupid on paper, cleaner stuck in toilet during an apocalypse, using items like door hooks and toilet seats to fight off creatures who want to turn him into a snack at the Christmas buffet. And do you know what? We at the #UndeadSymphony actually quite enjoyed this one...

Is it Citizen Kane? No, but in truth, does this little Rosebud pretend to be? It knows it's limitations, it knows what it can and can't do and does it's best with it. The main character is unlikeable and selfish, but in a way that makes you chuckle (see the scene with fingers and catapults). Some scenes which are cliché are surprisingly tense and although you don't really see the supporting actress (bar a cartoon on a cubicle door), the hints of romance are enough to make you feel genuinely for her. The gore is good, the slapstick is funny and the acting is good and brings you into the story.

Is this Citizen Kane? No, think more Phonebooth with Colin Farrell... in a toilet... with Zombies.

Very watchable, give it a crack.

Shed of the Dead (2019)

Not enough Shed, Not enough Dead

[3/10 · 23 April 2024]

We at the #UndeadSymphony are HUGE fans of Shaun of the Dead, so much so that one half of the Symphony has Shaun in their top 20 films of all time in any genre. However, we realise that at times the Edgar Wright classic can have, you could say, a negative affect on the genre. By that, we mean there a few trying to imitate, but they fall short.

We are also very much a half glass full podcast too, and if there are movies which some perceive to be not very good, then we try and at least see what they are trying to do.

Enter, Shed of the Dead. Lazy lead who is unreliable - tick, best friend who is lazy lay about - tick, spouse who is disappointed in lead - tick, best friend of lead who is implying how useless lead is - tick. That's where the ticking ends, as unlike the main entourage of Shaun, these four leads are very unlikeable and you find yourself rooting for the zombies, but seldom are they onscreen.

Aside from one or two, the jokes don't land and feel forced, good ideas which were clearly mentioned in film briefings aren't expanded on and fall flat, the titular 'Shed' is a completely farcical location when it could be so much more and the lighting/filming just isn't good enough to see what's going on. Finally, don't get us started on the classic horror actors and their lack of screen time for their stature in the industry.

Conclusion: this could have been ok, certainly not Shaun level, but ok. Want to see a British Zombie Comedy movie that ISN'T Shaun, then go and see Anna and the Apocalypse...

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Re-Imagine, not a Remake

[8/10 · 5 April 2024]

This film is the favourite of one half of the Undead Symphony, and by golly the other half doesn't mind this neither!

28 Days Later may have been the first which really emphasised the running undead, but Dawn of the Dead 2004 was the bold, underline an italic which made those who chase you stand out even more.

The classic was just that, an absolute classic which should be fondly considered as one of the most influential movies of any genre, let alone zombie, but you can argue that this does it better. A movie that terrifies you from the off, those opening credits with Johnny Cash, Sarah Polley being chased by the man she loves who only moments ago she did everything to save, Ving Rhames telling Mekhi Phifer to say his 'Hail Marys' before calling it even with God and the infected pregnant wife, Luda giving birth when we know what's going to happen is terrifying and will stay with you for life.

The re-watch value of this film means each time you see it will leave you terrified, and this is a film that every fan of genre needs to see. And by genre, we mean horror, not the niche undertone of Z's.

Get up, come on get down with the sickness...

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

More People Need to See This Film

[7/10 · 5 April 2024]

Recommended as part of our podcast, and although it may not be what the Undead Symphony classify as a 'Game Changer' or something that has turned the genre on it's undead head, this is at the very top of the next tier down.

Amazing production values, catchy tunes (Breakaway in particular), excellent characters and actors, brilliant storyline which mixes in with the musical elements and many moments which have you laughing out loud, Anna and the Apocalypse is a movie that you will thoroughly enjoy and it's an awful shame that more people haven't seen this movie - considering it can be found on a free streaming service in the UK. Aside from Trainspotting, the majority of 'British' films are in fact very English, but this film is proud of it's Scottish roots and this runs throughout.

The time flies by and in an age where everyone has one eye on their smart phones even when watching movies, this is a film that will have you forgetting where you put it as it was that long since you last picked it up.

As We Know It (2023)

Sleeper Hit - Great Fun

[6/10 · 5 April 2024]

Is this the greatest zombie movie of all time? No

Is this the worst zombie movie of all time? Not even close.

A tale of friendship, love, Waterworld, zombies, Los Angeles and Soya Milk.

If you don't take this film too seriously, which is exactly the point of it, you will have a great time. Cake's cover version of I Will Survive fits the film like a glove and within two minutes of being introduced to the characters you find them very likeable - which is a huge compliment considering they could have so easily fallen into a stereotype.

So, kick your shoes off, crack open the soya milk and enjoy.