Ninjas VS. Zombies - a DjfunkmasterG review

[DjfunkmasterG]

NOTE: Before you get into this blurb about the flick keep this in mind, when I review or talk about indie films I keep the indie standard in mind, and that standard is budgets of $50,000 or less, basically Troma work or slightly above more recent Troma work. I will never apply Hollywood standards to an indie film because you can't compare the two, it is impossible. This should also apply to people watching indie films, becuase a lot of good films get missed because they feel everything should look like the current Hollywood blockbuster. Anyway, enjoy.

The guys behind Ninjas Versus Zombies invited me down so we could have a double bill of movies, via a private screening. My film, and Ninjas Vs. Zombies. Because each of us had worked on perspective projects for sometime it was undecided which film would go first, but the guys behind NvZ wanted to see Deadlands 2, so we watched that first, then they unleashed Ninjas Vs. Zombies on me.

Now before I watched the film I read the reviews from many different horror sites, and also let Justin (The Director) and Daniel (The Exec Producer) know first off that I am not a huge fan of people goofing on the zombie genre. it is one Genre I hold close to my heart, and take very seriously when it comes to any level of filmmaking.

Having just finished Deadlands 2, they could tell I took a very serious approach, and then we jumped right into the flick. Now let me first say that, the theme song for NvZ is really catchy. I actually found myself humming the tune on the way home from Virginia to Maryland. (You can here it in the current trailer on the official site)

NvZ, is pretty much a comedy, action zombie flick. There are some very funny moments in NvZ, and most of the humor comes from the many references to films we all know, love or hate. Films such as, Pulp Fiction, Indiana Jones 4, Dirty Harry, Evil Dead, Clerks, etc etc. The list goes on quite a bit. One of the films biggest references is probably D&D (Thats Dungeons and Dragons to those who aren't familiar with the initials). This is what makes NvZ interesting, but is also part of what has probably turned off many critics and zombie film fans.

Now without giving too much of the plot away, basically a spell to resurrect a dead friend, goes awry, and not only brings back the friend, but gives him the power to make an army of the dead. Now in order to stop the army, the same spell, gives a group of friends the power of the Ninja, which makes it hard to keep a straight face when typing that, but that is one of the films funnier moments,as of all the weapons in the world to fight off zombies, these guys get the power of the ninja. So if you're a Ninja fan, you will probably dig that just for the Ninja References alone.

The films plays the Ninja theme similar to how Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is executed. Each person enlightened with the power will have you trying to link them to one of the four turtles, although only 3 friends receive the power.

Now in terms of story, NvZ, lacks a little in the story department. There is a story there, but you really just don't really worry about it too much because honestly you watch the film waiting for the next gag to come about, not too mention the many one liners associated to film references, or the smart ass antics of Daniel Ross who plays Kyle. Infact another portion of the film comes off like a horror comedy version of Clerks to an extent. However, Daniels character is easily the most likable, and the guy you want to see on the screen the most. Too bad the entire movie didn't center around him because he is the one solid reason to see Ninjas Vs. Zombies.

The other shining member of the cast is Carla Okouchi, who plays Lily, a female filmmaker who wants to leave her drag on life, down on his luck boyfriend, played by her Husband Corey Okouchi. While like I said there really isn't much of a story to follow in terms of, needing to know how it ends, this kind of hurts NvZ just a bit because Lily is a very interesting character who isn't explored to her fullest potential, nor used to her fullest either, but thats ok, because this is the type of film where you walk into it just see some action, zombies, and quick one liners. Not for the story.

The best way to describe the audience for NvZ would be people who dig Troma flicks, but want to see one with better than your average Troma flicks production values. Basically, NvZ is full of decent production values which set it apart from most Troma films, but it has that cheesy troma vibe, which works for the film rather than hurts it.

Other stand out moments for NinJas Vs. Zombies would the music, there is some really outstanding production value in the music, although the use of Hard Rock is overdone at times. The editing looked pretty tight, all though I did note some moments to the filmmakers where they could speed it up a bit more.

NvZ marks director Justin Timpanes feature debut, and with the films Microbudget, listed on IMDB as $30,000.00, it still has some faults, but they are faults even I made with my first flick Deadlands: The Rising. One of the weakest areas of NvZ is the cinematography and Camera work. It is not a disaster by any means, but it is nothing spectacular either, but overall you won't care because as I have said the film is funny, and honestly could really become a Horror Comedy classic, yes it has that potential. I picture the film being a drinking game film for droves of Frat House boys. It does have that marketability to it.

Now some of the flaws, other than technical do reside in the performances by some of the lead cast and second billed. Daniels work is good, but the work of Cory Okouchi, and Dan guy, who plays Randall is sometimes trying to sit through, although Cory looks Badass in the Ninja outfit, I will say that.

Now some popular MD, DC and VA talent make appearances throughout the flick, including some members of HorrorTalk.com. Some Cameos if you will are nice to see, but really do nothing to move the flick along, but if you follow the DC Baltimore film circuit you will definitely be able to say ... hey... Thats whats his/her face... so its kind of nice to know the circle is kind of complete in those aspects.

All in all, I would recommend checking out Ninjas Vs. Zombies, especially if you are a movie geek, or a D&D fan who enjoys microbudget indie flicks. Grabe B-

Check out the official site at : http://nvzmovie.com/index.php

[Alien Redrum]

Hey Gary, I deleted the dup post in the other thread.

I need to check this out, if only to see the familiar faces. I've seen bits of it, and the picture is beautiful.

It seems that the consistent criticism it gets from the reviews I've read (HorrorTalk's included) is the script tries to hard to be someone else's voice, but that seemed to work for you. I'm glad I know about it before I see it, as this would be something that would bother me if done too much, but having knowledge ahead of time, it would help me enjoy the movie.

[dragonmanes]

I wanna give it a go, im all for supporting indie horror, zombies, and especially ninjas

[DjfunkmasterG]

Hey Gary, I deleted the dup post in the other thread.

I need to check this out, if only to see the familiar faces. I've seen bits of it, and the picture is beautiful.

It seems that the consistent criticism it gets from the reviews I've read (HorrorTalk's included) is the script tries to hard to be someone else's voice, but that seemed to work for you. I'm glad I know about it before I see it, as this would be something that would bother me if done too much, but having knowledge ahead of time, it would help me enjoy the movie.

Well after reading the reviews and taking that into consideration, and looking at the film for what it is... a Comedy. i didn't mind it too much. I could say some of it was overdone, but the person doing a majority of the quotes or references is the the best part of the movie. Seriously, if Daniel Ross didn't play kyle, and they didn't have someone with his animated style of being, I don't think this film would have worked. the character of Kyle was one of the reasons I like this flick.

As most of you know and from what i said in the review i don't like people screwing with my beloved genre, but this is one flick that I made the exception for, and mostly because of Daniel Ross, oh, and that catchy theme song, which is still stuck in my fucking head.

best advice, and not saying this to mean or cruel... Walk in with low expectations and you come out surprised. This is just one of those movies that if made back in the 50's could have been an Abbott and Costello type film, but it gleefully enjoys going over the top with every frame it advances.

[The Hitman]

Seriously, if Daniel Ross didn't play kyle, and they didn't have someone with his animated style of being, I don't think this film would have worked. the character of Kyle was one of the reasons I like this flick.

Great, now we'll never be rid of him!

[Alien Redrum]

best advice, and not saying this to mean or cruel... Walk in with low expectations and you come out surprised.

It's very rare that I'll walk into any low-budget movie with high expectations.

[DjfunkmasterG]

best advice, and not saying this to mean or cruel... Walk in with low expectations and you come out surprised.

It's very rare that I'll walk into any low-budget movie with high expectations.

Some people set their sites way too high, even for indie flicks.

Like I said its niche flick, troma worthy, and hell if I found it funny and didn't piss and moan about the fact it wasn't serious enough to be a zombie film, then I am sure most everyone will enjoy it. It alsmost reminded me of those films like Epic Movie, or Disaster Movie... that type of thing.


And yes, that song is still stuck in my Melon... They should send me a free promo MP3, I would totally play that when I start WETNWILDRADIO.COM back up.

[Alien Redrum]

best advice, and not saying this to mean or cruel... Walk in with low expectations and you come out surprised.

It's very rare that I'll walk into any low-budget movie with high expectations.

Some people set their sites way too high, even for indie flicks.

I agree with that, but I don't think anyone here does, considering most, if not all, of us are low budget fans.

Like I said its niche flick, troma worthy, and hell if I found it funny and didn't piss and moan about the fact it wasn't serious enough to be a zombie film, then I am sure most everyone will enjoy it. It alsmost reminded me of those films like Epic Movie, or Disaster Movie... that type of thing.

OMG don't say that. Those movies sucked on all sorts of levels.

[DjfunkmasterG]

Like I said its niche flick, troma worthy, and hell if I found it funny and didn't piss and moan about the fact it wasn't serious enough to be a zombie film, then I am sure most everyone will enjoy it. It alsmost reminded me of those films like Epic Movie, or Disaster Movie... that type of thing.

OMG don't say that. Those movies sucked on all sorts of levels. [/quote]

Considering the type of movies they are, yes they sucked, but NvZ doesn't, at least i didn't feel it sucked. I liked it. Yes it flawed, but what indie production isn't and if I can get enertained over the course of 90 minutes with a movie that deals with Ninjas Fighting zombies... then....


Ok I am just going shut up now... Trust me check it out.

[Daniel Ross]

Seriously, if Daniel Ross didn't play kyle, and they didn't have someone with his animated style of being, I don't think this film would have worked. the character of Kyle was one of the reasons I like this flick.

Great, now we'll never be rid of him!

Never ever EVER!!!

Thanks again for the kind words Dj

[DjfunkmasterG]

Thanks again for the kind words Dj

No problem... Now can someone get me an MP3 of the theme song?