DVD Zombie A-Hole

Three people-religious cowboy Frank Fulci (Josh Eal), one-eyed avenger Mecy (Jessica Daniels) and lost soul with a dark past Castor (Brandon Salkil) all have one thing in common-they are out to kill a zoot suite wearing zombie (also played by Salkil.) Said zombie has a connection to all three, and on the side likes to kill naked women. That's about it for the plot.

On paper, I should hate this movie. It calls itself a Grindhouse movie when the real thing died years ago. It overuses things like slow motion effects, and its nods to both genre films and beloved directors are tiresome. Yet in spite of all of that, I found myself enjoying the movie more than I thought I would. This is mostly because it's a genuine Independent movie made for almost no money (it cost about $3,000 to make), but it thankfully doesn't make the same mistakes nearly every other micro-budget zombie movies does. By that, I mean it doesn't make the plot overcomplicated, sticks to the basics, and manages to work within it's minuscule budget. There's no stabs at social commentary, a zombie apocalypse or fat in the story. This is a basic B-Movie with the three B's (Beasts, Boobs and Blood) that knows what it is.

There's also a lot more imagination here than in most no-budget zombie movies. A good example is the talking, shrunken corpse, which is a really nice touch. In fact, this is a movie with several nice touches (bloody p!ss raising the dead, an animated flashback and energy weapons) that all add to the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink nature of the film. Plus, it's clearly obvious that everyone involved is having a good time making this, and have no illusions about what it is they are making. Hell, a few of the cast members aren't too bad as actors, with Daniels in particular standing out. Finally, this may be favoritism, but this is from my home state. I gotta represent talent from here, especially if it's actually worth a damn.

I know that one could complain about the budget or that it looks like it was made by amateurs, but one must understand the limitations everyone is working with. Normally I would agree with such complaints, but I feel that this is a movie that manages to succeed in spite of those problems. Beside, as I said, there's more imagination going on here than what you normally get in today's zombie movies. that deserves at least some attention.

Is "Zombie A-Hole" A classic? Far from it, though it's obvious that those behind it didn't aim too high. They just wanted to make a no-brains Grindhouse tribute, and nothing more. It thankfully hits more than it misses, and those looking for a micro-budget zombie movie that actually tries something different might enjoy themselves.

From the very start, before the opening titles have even splashed across the screen, you know that this is going to be a fun ride. Zombie A-Hole, the second movie from Dustin Mills, is a superbly crafted and solid genre offering.

Every frame has a beautiful grindhouse wash that makes this feature appear many moons old and there's not an ounce of fat on the tale. It moves towards its finale like an unstoppable freight train of guts, thrills, spills and laughs; and all the time, the action is accompanied by a great score.

There's an animated sequence that wouldn't look out of place in a Tarantino movie, some genuine "boo" scenes and the trademark Mills' puppet work. All of this is really great stuff but what makes these films so much fun is the brilliant script, very likable cast and the unique and rather jaw-dropping direction.

Yes, this grey haired Brit may well be developing a man-crush on the lovable Dustin Mills but special mention must go to the lead actors in this production. Josh (Easter Casket) Eal is as wonderful as ever as the Clint Eastwood / Man With No Name inspired Frank Fulci. I really do like this guy; he plays every scene perfectly straight, no matter how bizarre the circumstances he finds himself in.

Brandon Salkil is always a pleasure to watch. He's a chameleon (compare this performance to the one in Kill That Bitch), slipping effortlessly into each part he takes. He's a very physical actor and has a strong presence on the screen.

Finally, Jessica Daniels is a great heroine. Mills always casts strong female roles and has an eye for talent. Here, Daniels is likable, beautiful and strong.

It's always difficult to fault a Dustin Mills production. The jigsaw plots that always slot together perfectly by the end of the movie, the inspired moments of comedy mayhem and the sheer imagination and ambition of these projects leave me grinning like a loon every time I watch a film by this gentleman.

Just wonderful.