The Dead (2010)

Very well executed

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

'The Dead' - a pretty simple title for a pretty simple film. As many have commented, it feels a lot like an early George A Romero zombie movie. It's got no major stars or film-makers attached, so there's a chance you probably haven't heard about it.As far as story goes, there's not much to tell - zombies have risen and are taking over the world (mainly Africa here). The last US-based flight out of the country crashes and the sole survivor - a mercenary - must make his way across Africa in the hope of escape.Since 'Dawn of the Dead' (remake 2004), '28 Days Later' and, most recently, 'World War Z,' we've been spoiled for zombie movies - all of which are big budget, fast-moving action affairs with big-budget effects and set pieces. The Dead is not one of these. It's been made on a shoestring budget, so don't expect much in the way of action.Personally, I really enjoyed it, but, judging by the other reviews, opinions are divided. It's lack of action does make it 'slow.' If you don't like 'shuffler' zombies and no real shoot-outs, then you may not go for this. Plus there are only two major characters (and they're the 'strong and silent' military types), so don't expect too much in the way of dialogue from them.Then there's the scenery, or rather the setting. The deserts and villages of Africa make a welcome change to the usual American/British towns and cities normally featured in zombie films.If you can stomach another zombie movie among so many and you don't mind a slow-moving (and beautifully-shot) one, then you might like to give this one a go.http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/

"Lt. Brian Murphy" (Rob Freeman) is a flight engineer working in a mercenary capacity somewhere on the West Coast of Africa when a zombie epidemic suddenly hits. He tries to get the last available airplane ready for flight but when the airfield gets overrun the decision is made to takeoff anyway. As expected the airplane doesn't travel very far before ditching into the ocean killing all of the passengers but him. He manages to make it to the shore but now finds himself in hostile territory with zombies everywhere. Literally. In any case, this is a standard zombie film which doesn't contain fast action, well-known actors or enhanced computer graphics. So if that's what you're looking for then this film is not for you. On the other hand, it doesn't abandon its principles by turning out a product that pretends to be "so bad it's good" either. Again, some folks might not like it. That said, I will admit that there are portions which seem to drag. Likewise, there is no humor and very few scenes which will startle a viewer. It's dry and mundane. But if you're a zombie fan then I think you will appreciate it for what it is all the same. I rate it as average.

You definitely see plenty of the title characters in this outstanding horror film from Howard and Jonathan Ford. As numerous other reviews attest, this is a refreshing return to the days of the classic zombie film: the zombies themselves are slow and awkward yet still undeniably deadly if they catch up to you. They're proliferating in war torn Africa, where an American Air Force lieutenant, Brian Murphy (Rob Freeman) has survived a plane crash off the coast. Just when it looks like his ticket is about to be punched, he meets up with another survivor, Daniel Dembele (Prince David Oseia), who saves his life. Daniel is a sergeant from a local tribe in search of his son, who's managed to escape the onslaught. And the relationship between these two young men from different cultures forms the basis for the balance of "The Dead". It's nice to see a film like this that maintains a careful balance of both very human moments and the traditional bloody carnage that zombie fans demand. And there is a respectable amount of gore to enjoy. There is some political commentary on hand, but the Ford brothers never beat the audience over the head with it or allow it to overwhelm the story or the central dilemma facing two men who over the course of their journey develop great respect for each other. In fact, a substantial portion of the running time is devoted to what is essentially a two character drama. And the two main characters receive very efficient, low key, and believable performances. Oseia in particular has a commanding presence. Filmed on location in Burkina Faso and Ghana, there's a rich amount of incredible scenery, all impressively photographed by Jonathan Ford. The music score by Imran Ahmad is full of flavour and perfectly reflects the emotions of each scene. Particularly effective is the way that the Fords combine some jump scares with some wonderful, traditional moments of suspense. There's one moment where we know a jump scare is coming, yet when it happens it still works. There's also little in the way of exposition, or preamble; the filmmakers know how to begin this with a bang, and establish a tone that is grim yet not without a glimmer of hope. And that's the real joy of watching something like this: the way that it combines action, violence, and drama into a stimulating whole. Recommended for any lover of zombie cinema. Nine out of 10.

Lots of crap zombie movies out there. If your favorite show on television is not The Walking Dead then u may not like this movie. If you are looking forward to the movie Warm Bodies this movie may not be for you. If you believe George Romero is a great director then this is your movie. There is no question that this is a zombie fan movie. There is no question that if you are a Twilight fan then this is not your movie. This is without question serious horror for afficianados. Excellent serious storytelling's of a possible zombie scenario. Not the biggest Hollywood budget. No name actors (who by the way are excellent). You need to be a zombie fan. You need to be a story fan. This is an excellent addition to the zombie genre so pay for it. You wont be sorry.