Havana is infected by zombies! A group of unlikely heroes fights back. JUAN OF THE DEAD is a zombie flick with a distinctly Cuban twist, making fun of stereotypes surrounding the attitude of the country's people, as well as the political situation.
The Cuban aspect is, to me, what makes this movie stand out from many other zombie comedies. Unfortunately, I have a problem with sluggish and lazy heroes... because they usually make for slow plots that just trod along without an inherent goal or a sense of conflict. Moreover, if your heroes don't seem to feel fear, then the audience doesn't usually feel it either. The movie's demise is its lack of purpose, with a story that only cares about creating opportunities for jokes.
Lovers of the Z genre will like some of the depictions of the devastated streets, which are pretty darn cool. The gore factor is moderate with some CGI, as well some practical effects. A few deaths are hilarious but other than that the movie focuses on jokes and its (relatively lovable) characters. This movie has a heart, but it's bogged down by its lack of a good script and a genuine sense of suspense.
The Cuban aspect is, to me, what makes this movie stand out from many other zombie comedies. Unfortunately, I have a problem with sluggish and lazy heroes... because they usually make for slow plots that just trod along without an inherent goal or a sense of conflict. Moreover, if your heroes don't seem to feel fear, then the audience doesn't usually feel it either. The movie's demise is its lack of purpose, with a story that only cares about creating opportunities for jokes.
Lovers of the Z genre will like some of the depictions of the devastated streets, which are pretty darn cool. The gore factor is moderate with some CGI, as well some practical effects. A few deaths are hilarious but other than that the movie focuses on jokes and its (relatively lovable) characters. This movie has a heart, but it's bogged down by its lack of a good script and a genuine sense of suspense.