Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Sept 1, 2011 14:52:20 GMT -5
Plot:Set 3 months after the first film, where a deadly viral outbreak wiped out 99.9% of the world's population, turning them into flesh-eating undead.
Cast:
Philip Brodie
Alix Wilton Regan
Vicky Aracio
My Thoughts:Movie for the dead.
Review:Dimension Films a few years ago, released a small indie zombie pic to home disc under their Dimension Extreme label called "The Zombie Diaries". The movie was in the vein of trying to capitalize on the video-cam genre of horror. Because we all know it's scarier always when the zombie attacks are filmed on a handi-camera. So, that movie wasn't great but...compared to the sequel. It's HEAVEN.
"Zombie Diaries 2" is set 3 months after the first movie, where a zombie plague has infected 99% of the worlds population. Of course, for cinematic purposes, a group of British army-toughs have somehow managed to survive this long. Because every good zombie movie needs a group of military types to go around to places they know they have no business being. And put a few slugs in a zombies dome.
And bust a few caps into their rotting crowns. Which is pretty much what this whole movie is. There's really no story except that the film opens with a married couple trying to attempt a birthday party for their daughter. Unfortunately, in a world where the undead have majority over, that's gonna be difficult. Which ends up being true when some of the undead crash the poor kids party. That's when we meet our military toughs. But they are no match for the undead either when their hideout gets swarmed, and they have to beat a hasty retreat.
From there, it's just characters walking around trying to find safe-haven from the walking dead. Although this movie gives us slow-moving zombies in the traditional mold of things. I guess that could be called a plus for the film if you're a fan of the traditional horror movie undead. But "Zombie Diaries 2" has no redeeming qualities to speak of. Other than a pretty creepy opening scene with the "birthday party". Which is unfortunate considering how well done and well played the scene is. It's also pretty drawn out as well. Not ending or beginning too quickly.
But once that scene comes to a close, it's your typical indie zombie movie. The military guys are flanked by a few women so as to not make them all look too douchebag'ish. And also they curse and use profanity a lot. Because after all, they're British special forces eh? I just saw a film here that didn't try anything new. It took the low road, and recycled stuff from "28 Days Later", "Resident Evil", and any number of other zombie films where the undead come up against people with big guns or military training.
You could also throw Romero's last two dead films "Diary" and "Land" into the mix of what this film tried to copy as well. A horror movie with no originality is not what the genre needs right now. Even if it is some small-budget indie flick that most people will never see. And a zombie movie with no originality is DEFINITELY, NOT...what the genre needs right now. And "Zombie Diaries 2' fails at being an original horror movie and at being an original zombie film.
It's a by the numbers zombie indie, that can't even really be considered a "shoot em'up" zombie film considering the movie plays up drama and grit moreso than anything else. The problems arise though when the drama and grit don't pay off in the movie, and end up looking more like desperate attempts at trying to be serious.
"Zombie Diaries 2" is one indie zombie flick you might wanna pass up the temptation to rent this weekend at the video store. And definitely don't pay to see it in limited theatrical release. Unless you're a huge sucker for British horror or zombie horror. And will accept just about anything for a fix. If you're not, best be passing this one up.
Positives:Very well done opening scene.
Negatives:Unfortunately, post-opening scene, the film flames out very quickly. And can never regain its footing.
Overall:One star out of four.