I have long believed that there are two truths in life. First, that mainstream Hollywood has run out original ideas. To see anything new and interesting you have to go to independent films or overseas. And second, the only thing worse than an undead flesh eating Zombie is a undead flesh eating Nazi Zombie!
With that in mind, it is my pleasure to recommend the Norwegian film Dead Snow.
The film begins with eight young medical school students heading into the woods to enjoy a weekend of snow mobiling, friendship, and hedonistic pleasures. However, the vacation is interrupted by the required ominous, creepy local bad guy who warns of a bleak time during WWII when the locals were dominated by a sadistic Nazi colonel and his equally cruel platoon. As the Russians approached and the end seemed near, the Nazis took what treasures were left from the town and took refuge in the surrounding mountains. Their ill gotten booty was lost, however, and they roam the mountains to this day looking for their undead retirement fund.
What transpires next can only be described as a fun ride and a fresh take on many of the classic Romero-esk Zombie moments. There is the usual “tearing-apart-a-victim-while-friends-look-on” scene. However this one is done from the victims point of view. This scene alone leaves you with both a very creepy feeling an a feeling of “freaken sweet!!”. This film has great comedic moments while still treating the subject of the film with reverence.
With a great final battle scene and a great ending this film will not disappoint. In a genera that has seen amazing failures in recent years (Diary of the Dead), I would say this movie is a must see.
Pluses include a strong gore to dialogue ratio, good effects and makeup, good soundtrack, and fast paced.
Minus are that there is almost non-existent boobage (to be fair it is set in the middle of a Norwegian winter) and a few plot holes.
I’d rate this a very strong 4/5.
Drunken Zombie On The Web