Dystopian World Struggles With Disjointed Narrative

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MOVIE REVIEW
Johnny Z
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Genre: Action, Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Jonathan Straiton
Writer(s): Ron Bonk, Jonathan Straiton
Cast: Michael Merchant, Felix Cortes, Jason Delgado, David E. McMahon, Ellie Church, Trey Harrison
Where To Watch: available now in the UK from Reel 2 Reel Films

RAVING REVIEW: It's a bold endeavor to refresh a genre as well-trodden as zombie horror, and JOHNNY Z leaps into the fray with a martial arts twist. Jonathan Straiton, the director, is no stranger to ambitious undertakings, and his latest project is certainly no exception. JOHNNY Z swings for the fences, attempting to elevate itself beyond the confines of the genre. Sadly, it's an effort that, while spirited, doesn't quite manage to clear the bar.

In the dystopian world of JOHNNY Z, we meet Johnny, a character that offers a refreshing perspective in a genre ripe with clichés. Portrayed by Michael Merchant, Johnny is neither human nor zombie but a blend of both. His escape from the horrors of Nordac's medical prison marks him as a symbol of hope, with his rare genetics potentially holding the key to a cure for the zombie outbreak. His journey is not just a fight for survival but a path to redemption.

The casting of Felix Cortes as Grandmaster Jonray, a martial arts sage, amplifies the film's unique proposition. The partnership between Johnny and Jonray isn't merely about battling the undead; it's a tale of self-discovery, bravery, and innovation. Their distinctive bare-knuckle technique introduces a fresh dynamic, adding flavor to the stale genre.

Personal quests and relentless pursuits are Woven into the plot's fabric, all set against a backdrop of terror and redemption. Emotions run high, with Jason Delgado's character Crisanto adding familial depth to the story, reinforcing the human struggle beyond the zombie apocalypse.

Marring martial arts with traditional horror elements might have set JOHNNY Z apart from other zombie flicks. Though lacking the sleek polish of contemporary fight choreography, the clashes between Johnny and Jonray pulsate with energy, infusing the film with a heartbeat that distinguishes it from others in the zombie arena.

The cinema's recipe, however, only sometimes sizzles. JOHNNY Z stumbles and loses its footing in the middle, with a disjointed narrative leaving the audience with lingering questions and dissatisfaction. The film's aspiration to build a comprehensive universe feels muddled and unrealized, trapped in a web of half-baked ideas.

JOHNNY Z needed help finding its stride. The film's potential seems hindered by a lack of budget rather than a lack of imagination, missing the vital spark that could bridge the gap between characters and viewers. A mixed bag of martial arts exuberance and zombie terror remains, catering to genre enthusiasts but falling short of broader allure.

To summarize, JOHNNY Z might be an ambitious step in a different direction, but it's a journey that only leads to the desired destination. Though it teases a refreshing blend of themes, it's unable to truly harness them, landing in a soft spot in the crowded realm of zombie films rather than a firm foothold. For the genre devotee, JOHNNY Z might satisfy a niche craving, but it likely will only last for a while in memory for the more casual moviegoer. An engaging concept, partial delivery reflects a venture that's more a mild tremor than an earth-shaking revolution in the cinematic landscape.

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[photo courtesy of REEL 2 REEL]

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