The Video Dead (1987) Review
Written By: DMG
Film Information
Director: Robert Scott
Producer: Robert Scott
Writer: Robert Scott
Date Released: November 30, 1987
Cast:
Roxanna Augesen as Zoe Blair
Rocky Duvall as Jeff Blair
Vicki Bastel as April Ellison
Michael St. Michaels as Henry Jordan
Thaddeus Golas as Deliveryman #1
Douglas Bell as Deliveryman #2
Sam David McClelland as Joshua Daniels
Cliff Watts as The Garbageman
Al Millan as Taxi Driver
Et. al.
Rating = 2/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
The Video Dead begins when a Mr. Jordan receives a delivery that he was not expecting which turns out to be a Television. When the TV plays a zombie horror movie, the zombies come out of the television. However, when the delivery men come back the next day, they find Mr. Jordan dead in his house. Three months later, Mr. Jordan’s house is sold and a new family moves into the house. With the parents away, siblings, Jeff and Zoe begin to live in the home. When Jeff finds the TV in the attic, he places it in his bedroom and these terrifying events occur again. With the TV active and a zombie still on the loose, Jeff and Zoe soon realize that they are in grave danger.
Gore Factor
There is some blood splatter, but the gore is incorporated into the scenes in a comical way. For example, there is a scene where Jeff cuts up one of the zombies which is fairly grotesque. Otherwise, there are no other scenes that stand out. In addition, the prosthetic and makeup work on the zombies themselves, are well-done.
The Grave Review
The Video Dead (1987) is a campy 1980s flick that incorporates subtle comedy with a familiar horror theme (i.e. zombies). The plot is quite simple as the dead among other things come out from the TV and terrorize the neighborhood, particularly the main characters. For those who seek a comedic, zombie film, this one may be for you.
The weakest aspect of the film is the acting. There is not much emotion put into anything. Jeff, April and Zoe’s reactions are all really monotone. Oddly enough, the humor incorporated into the film is quite funny despite the poor acting. For example, Jeff is seen hanging from a tree to lure the zombies and is holding a chainsaw. In this scene, Joshua is supposed to then ambush the zombies using Jeff as bait. When the zombies come, Joshua runs away and Jeff shouts out, “Joshua, you a$%hole.” The scene is truly “breathe through your nose” funny and there are many like it. Scenes like this help to keep the film entertaining and engaging.
Oddly the film takes a sharp turn in the second half of the film and transitions from a humorous film to a serious one. The transition is not subtle and does not seem to fit the overall tone of the film. In the second half of the film, Zoe is left to fight for her life as the final girl and its not funny at all.
Overall, The Video Dead is an ok zombie film that creates a unique premise but drags on for a good period of time.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives The Video Dead (1987) two graves out of five graves.
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