Late 90s Nostalgia Meets Zombie Mayhem

Read Time:3 Minute, 37 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
All You Need is Blood
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Genre: Horror, Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Cooper Roberts (aka Bucky Le Boeuf)
Writer(s): Cooper Roberts (aka Bucky Le Boeuf)
Cast: Logan Riley Bruner, Emma Chasse, Neel Sethi, Eddie Griﬃn, Mena Suvari
Where To Watch: in select theaters and VOD October 25, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: This film takes an offbeat and whimsical approach to the zombie comedy genre, capturing the absurd predicament of a young director whose sudden thrust into horror filmmaking (somewhat against his wishes) comes from his father turning into a zombie right in their backyard. With a blend of practical effects and sharp, modern styles, the movie straddles the line between nostalgic homage and fresh experimentation.

Amid a backdrop unmistakably late 90s, with all its grainy video charm and sudden splashes of color, this film follows Bucky (Logan Riley Bruner,) a teenager whose aversion to blood becomes ironically problematic when he directs a zombie movie starring his undead father. With his friend Vish (Neel Sethi) and a once-famed actress played by Mena Suvari, now fading into obscurity, Bucky’s venture into the world of horror is as much a test of his mettle as it is an exploration of genre boundaries.

Director Cooper Roberts (aka Bucky Le Boeuf) takes the wheel in his debut, aiming to combine a reverence for classic horror with his vision. Yet, while the narrative seeks to deliver chills and chuckles, it occasionally gets caught up in its lighter moments, which sometimes diffuse the tension rather than heighten it.

Visually, the movie is a delight, marrying the aesthetic of 90s home video. The choice to lean into practical effects rather than CGI pays off, providing a gritty authenticity that serves the zombie theme well.

Bruner brings a youthful sincerity to the role of Bucky, perfectly capturing his character’s naivety and burgeoning ambition. His dynamic with Sethi's character Vish adds a genuine warmth to the storyline, providing some of the movie's most heartwarming moments. Suvari, in her role as the faded starlet, delivers a vibrant, if occasionally over-the-top, performance that occasionally slips into caricature.

As the plot thickens, the movie dives headlong into its horror-comedy identity, escalating the splatter factor and comedy in equal measure. Eddie Griffin steals scenes as a quirky lawman, injecting a welcome dose of humor when the film needs it most. This ramp-up in antics marks a turning point, bringing a renewed energy that makes the movie's third act a raucous joyride with a nearly perfect ending.

The film is an homage to the zombie genre's greats and is filled with enthusiasm for film craft, creativity, and a love for the genre and storytelling. This is an indie film, but its passion elevates the experience with every scene. There is a love for filmmaking, which allows the viewer to look over issues that stem from budgetary constraints.

Roberts's first cinematic outing is a testament to the trials and triumphs of independent filmmaking. It blends horror and humor against a backdrop filled with a fun experience from start to finish. Its quirky take on zombie lore entertains and delights, leaving viewers wanting more of this universe!

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[photo courtesy of LEVEL 33 ENTERTAINMENT]

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