The Dead 2: India (2013)

In my college class, I am working on a storyline for a novel or novella. While I am debating on exactly what format to follow (leaning toward novella / eBook), I have definitely entered into zombie mode for the past week. Needing a break (and possibly some inspiration), I decided to venture into that realm with my next selection, the 2013 sequel The Dead 2: India.

Plot/ an infectious epidemic spreads through India as an American turbine engineer learns that his pregnant girlfriend is trapped near the slums of Mumbai. Now he must battle his way across a 300-mile wasteland of the ravenous undead.

I remember seeing The Dead when it first came out. I love zombie movies and that movie returned to the more believable George Romero inspired undead. Fortunately, that same idea and philosophy was on display again this time. While it did not match the detail and power of the original, there was still a lot to like. The storyline is good and follows the same narrative as the first, the effects were solid, and the movie embraced the realism that would take place in an apocalyptic scenario. Sure, there are moments that feel too contrived or staged, there were some pre-production issues, and the acting was not quite as believable as it was in the first one. However, those issues do not ruin the film. In the end, this one may not reach the same level, as the first one in the series, but it is an entertaining trip into the zombie mythos. Not for everyone, but if you enjoyed The Dead, you will likely enjoy this sequel. Give it a shot.

The Dead (2010)

I love zombie flicks. I have ever since watching Night of the Living Dead on Chiller Theatre so many years ago for the first time (don't forget to check out the Save the Chapel movement to save a piece of horror history). I will admit though, lately, some of the zombie entries have been a bit blah, doing way too much to change the classic zombie mythos. In fact, many seem to spin the same effects in an effort to take advantage of the swell in zombie popularity. A search for new and interesting zombie movies is full of uninventive and listless forays into retreaded realms. I hope that the zombie flick I chose for the evening does not fall into that category, that film is The Dead from 2010.

Plot/ In the very near future, most of the world has succumbed to the virus of the living dead. After crashing off the coast of Africa, Lt. Brian Murphy battles for survival across the terrible terrain of Africa in search of a way to get back to his beloved family in the USA. Saved by local military man Daniel Dembele, who is also searching for his son, both men join forces, all the while battling against the ever-present threat of the living dead

I love zombie movies; especially ones with the original George Romero inspired creeping undead. Fortunately, this movie was full of them. In fact, they may have taken them to a new level of creepiness within the beautiful scenery.  Sure, the story is a bit thin, the plot lacks life and the acting is so-so, but really, who cares. This flick is all about zombies, their attacks and their demise, which is truly the high point featuring strong make-up and CGI and some awesome gore effects (the headshots are some of the best I have seen). In the end, this is far from perfect. However, this is an underrated and original zombie flick that is full of social commentary and is actually a bit unsettling. If you get a chance, check it out!