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razberryshus
Reviews
Deadlocked (2020)
Low budget zombie film enthusiast review
I will preface this review stating that the zombie genre is my favorite and have seen most of them, the low budget ones specifically. If you don't enjoy either, this probably isn't the best review for you.
This film certainly doesn't subvert the typical zombie tropes & being stuck in a elevator during the zombie apocalypse isn't the most original idea. There is an Italian movie called "The End" with the same premise but the elevator occupant is alone and not trapped with an infected. However, there are few with the same plot, so props for that. I did enjoy the Italian film more; however, given the budget- the script & acting in this movie was above par.
There were the typical zombie film archetypes in this film- the cop, the criminal with the character arc of really being a good guy, the hot girl who happens to be a mechanical engineer, and the troubled teenage and character development was primarily through flashbacks and calls with relatives. There were also the ridiculous moments as most movies in this genre like overly dramatic & slow battles, the asthma attack that suddenly ceases after one huff of an inhaler, and not running when the elevator door was first opened enough to get out when they have a gun and a taser to clear the halls. Also, I would have eaten the hell out of those marshmallows; but overall it was an entertaining & enjoyable film for the genre that made the most out of the budget. The cast and the characters were pretty likable. I was actually a little bummed when one of the main characters became an appetizer even tho it was a ridiculous decision made by the survivors.
Zombies were good and the use of stop motion added a creep factor which is better than really bad zombie makeup & I liked that the phones didn't go out like in every other film. First person FaceTiming during an escape to fix the elevator was a cool idea that is under utilized and built a lot of tension. Could have used a little more humor other than sighing while getting back in the elevator. The elevator getting stuck again would have been a pretty funny ending with them all eating those marshmallows.
Over all this would be a solid 7 but I gave it a 6 because not knowing what a zombie is & not immediately going for a head kill in 2020 is just lame.
Thaw of the Dead (2017)
Low budget genre gem
I was so pleasantly surprised with this low budget gem I had to leave a review. I must preface that I prefer low budget indie so if that's not your thing this review might not be for you but I have probably seen just about every Post apocalyptic/zombie film and the plot, acting, and setting was excellent. Gore & zombies were good too. The main character was likable. I appreciated the quiet scenes when he is cruising down the river looking for food. That zombie tied to the post in the river was a nice touch. Gave it an 8 because maybe it wasn't the most original plot, but enjoyable nonetheless. If you like this genre and low budget give it a try.