Film & TV

DVD Review: Zombie Hunter

Zombie Hunter

Australian actor Martin Copping leads the cast as Hunter, who takes charge of a disparate group of post-apocalyptic survivors attempting to find a safe haven.

Zombie HunterReleased 12 March 2014

There’s always a touch of trepidation when a film is released straight to DVD instead of being awarded a cinema release. It’s an unfair stigma because many films released direct to DVD are quite good. Sadly, Zombie Hunter is not one of them.

Narrated like a 1940s gumshoe mystery, the only real mystery is how this lemon ever made it to film. There are genuine laughs and some good production qualities but the weak dialogue and sub-standard acting does not make up for the stereotyped tits and gore of the genre.

Multiple characters narrate this tale which, in itself, does not make sense. Add the clichéd horny teen, buxomous pole dancing vixen and predictable plot, and you have a sure fire snooze-fest.

Australian actor Martin Copping leads the cast as Hunter, who has forgone his real name in the post-apocalyptic world created by a street drug called “Natas”. Seeking redemption for not being home when the first wave of Natras zombies killed his family, he takes charge of a disparate group of survivors attempting to find a safe haven.

With purple and pink blood effects, Zombie Hunter does not attempt to be believable, and it succeeds admirably. There are numerous, genuine laughs, but the poor acting and painful dialogue do not make up for any lack of characterisation or plot development. There is nothing original to capture one’s attention. Even the action scenes are either done to death or so poorly edited to kill any suspense.

First time director and writer K. King (with co-writer Kurt Knight) can retire early, safe in the knowledge that they should never be employed again. Their only accolade would be in the casting of cult figure Danny Trejo, whose criminal-turned-actor background ensures a limited following. Ironically, Trejo’s brief appearance is a highlight of the film and offers the most interesting character of all.

If you’re looking for a boozy, z-grade night at home, then Zombie Hunter would be just the trick. It’s not boring, and it’s not painfully bad, but a few beers might help overlook the flaws.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis

Rating out of 10:  3

Zombie Hunter is released on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy on 12 March 2014

 

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