Matrimonial Mayhem
MOVIE REVIEW
The Zombie Wedding
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Genre: Comedy, Romance, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Micah Khan
Writer(s): Greg D'Alessandro
Cast: Cheri Oteri, Donald Chang, Deepti Menon, Kevin Chamberlin, Mu-Shaka Benson, Christine Spang, Heather Matarazzo
Where To Watch: available on VOD September 13, 2024
RAVING REVIEW: When romance collides with the undead, THE ZOMBIE WEDDING redefines the boundaries of romantic comedies. Set against a backdrop where zombies roam the earth, this film intertwines horror with humor, crafting a love story that transcends the ordinary. With an undead groom and a lively bride at its core, THE ZOMBIE WEDDING offers an unforgettable journey through love and zombies, making it more than a typical genre mash-up. Plus, it's not every day that Peoria, Illinois, gets a callout in a movie anymore!
Love triumphs over the most extraordinary circumstances in a quaint New Jersey setting. Portrayed by Deepti Menon and Donald Chang, Ashley and Zack's journey to the altar is anything but ordinary. Zack's recent turn into zombiehood presents a unique challenge to their relationship, yet Ashley's unwavering commitment to their love story infuses the plot with a fun and intriguing twist. This story serves as the film's central theme and cleverly critiques norms and prejudices, positioning the film as a standout narrative in the zombie-comedy arena.
Family dynamics play a pivotal role in fueling the film’s humor, with the cultural clash between Ashley's human family and Zack's undead relatives providing a steady stream of comedic tension. The stellar performances of Siobhan Fallon Hogan and Cheri Oteri, as the feuding mothers-in-law, perfectly mirror the broader societal conflicts, enhancing the film's satirical edge. Adding to the eccentricity is a standout performance by Micky Dolenz, who plays a wedding DJ. His presence heightens the film’s charm and ensures the narrative remains unconventional.
Director Micah Khan balances horror and comedy, confidently guiding the film through its unique premise. His direction ensures a seamless escalation toward a chaotic yet entertaining climax, where clever slapstick meets sharp societal commentary.
Screenwriter Greg D’Alessandro crafts a rich script with witty exchanges and insightful humor. His involvement with Weekly World News adds a layer of meta-humor, utilizing the absurdity of tabloid stories to deepen the film’s critique of media sensationalism.
The film's depth is further enhanced by noteworthy supporting roles from Heather Matarazzo and Seth Gilliam, whose characters contribute significantly to the narrative's unpredictability and dramatic tension. Their performances add layers to the unfolding events, especially as the wedding day devolves into a spectacularly chaotic affair.
Despite its consistent delivery of laughs, THE ZOMBIE WEDDING occasionally misses the opportunity for subtler humor. It sometimes relies on overt comedic strokes that might have benefited from a more nuanced approach. These moments highlight potential areas for enhancing the film's satirical impact.
As Weekly World News Studios' inaugural offering, the film sets the bar for future projects, hinting at the potential for more unconventional stories infused with humor. Released for the Halloween season, it promises a perfect blend of “scares” and laughs, fitting for a festive yet spooky time of year.
THE ZOMBIE WEDDING invites audiences to an unparalleled matrimonial experience where love meets horror most delightfully. This film is an essential watch for anyone looking for a story that combines romance, comedy, and a touch of the macabre with innovative flair.
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[photo courtesy of WEEKLY WORLD NEWS STUDIOS, FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA]
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Great family film with lots of recognizable actors. Totally recommend
I love this response; I don’t think I would have ever used “family film” to describe it, but now that you say it!