This movie is enjoyable right from its opening moment,
with its nod to Apocalypse Now. Allison’s phone rings, and the sound is
Wagner’s “Ride Of The Valkyries,” and then when she holds up the phone to see
who is calling, behind it we see (and hear) the ceiling fan. Allison (Marie
Barker) is unemployed and eager to accept a position as an assistant manager
somewhere, but before she can make it to her job interview, she discovers an
undead woman in her bathroom. A girl scout then lets Allison know that slimy
zombies thrive in this area, and gives her the business card of paranormal
exterminators. Hey, the girl scouts really are prepared! Desmond (Greg
Garrison) and Jake (Dylan Schettina) are the would-be heroes, but their days
are spent working in retail, Desmond at a video rental counter (glad to know
they still exist somewhere).
Interestingly, we catch a glimpse of the undead woman’s
earlier human life, which is still a part of the creature’s memory. That’s
really cool, and something I don’t recall seeing in other horror films. Later,
in a flashback, we learn the identity of the undead woman. These aren’t just
random undead monsters. Jake recognizes that these creatures “are actually
the undead servants of a demon who hasn’t been worshiped since the dawn of
civilization.” And Allison discovers a book among the undead woman’s
remains, the diary of her great great uncle Drake Hillstead, which might hold
the key to what’s happening.
This movie provides some good advice. “Everyone needs
a machete, Jake,” says Desmond. Also, keep a handy supply of salt, candles
and incense. I love when Allison feeds the zombies potato chips. And the line “All
right, everyone, look alive” made me burst out laughing. Sure, the
creatures are a bit goofy-looking, like electric clowns or something, and the
title keeps making me think of Neon Maniacs, but this movie is not just
comedy. There is definitely a good dose of horror here. Plus, the cast handles
the material quite well. And be sure to watch the entire end credits sequence.
Special Features
The DVD includes a commentary track by writer/director
Torey Haas, in which he discusses the low budget aspect of the film, and how
that affected the way he shot it. He mentions that in high school he was a
video clerk in a grocery store, as Desmond is in the film. He also explains the
“twin” line as being a reference to First Date, a short film that
is also included in the special features. He talks about the special effects
and about the cast, and provides some great advice for low-budget filmmakers.
There is also some bonus footage, including stuff with
Allison playing video games and learning that she’s inherited the house, and
getting a warning about the evil aspects of her inheritance. Other bonus
footage features Jake dealing with an earlier disturbance. There is also some
promotional behind-the-scenes material, such as interviews with Bonnie Harris,
one of the actors who played the creatures, as well as with director Torey
Haas.
The special features include two short films written and
directed by Torey Haas: First Date and Troll Picnic. First
Date stars Greg Garrison as Chris, who arrives early for his date with Gwen
(Keyla McClure) and while waiting for her to finish getting ready, notices some
unsettling decor. Troll Picnic stars Nathan DeRussy as Ricky and Keyla
McClure as Robin, a couple who go on a picnic in a part of the park that is
inhabited by trolls. Both films are approximately ten minutes.
The trailer for The Neon Dead is also included.
The Neon Dead was written and directed by Torey
Haas, and was released on DVD on September 13, 2016 through Wild Eye Releasing.
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