Island of the Living Dead (2007)

It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Supposedly a sequel to Zombies The Beginning (2007) but sharing no similarities at all other than the lead female (Even though she plays a different character) this Italian made poorly dubbed mess is pretty damn bad.Attempting to pay homage to the classics with scenes mimicked from Night Of The Living Dead, Zombie Flesh Eaters & erm....House Of The Dead?! it fails miserably at each and is more an insult than a respectful nod.The soundtrack is the standout performer but since I recognised that one was ripped straight from Aliens (1986) I'm left to think maybe they didn't make the rest either.With a variety of different zombies, no explanation of basically anything at all and some of the worst acting around this is one to watch when drunk, high or while in a medically induced coma.If I were to make a zombie movie the blue print I'd make is taking everything they've done here then do the literal opposite.

A group of treasure hunters survive a shipwreck only to find themselves stuck on a deserted island that's been overrun by ferocious flesh-eating zombies. Man, does the one and only Bruno Mattei nicely capture the endearingly scrappy aesthetic of a vintage 80's nickel'n'dime Italian horror splatter schlockfest: We've got lousy dubbing (the boat captain for some inexplicable reason sports an uproariously out of place British accent!), excessive cheesy gore, tin-eared dialogue, plenty of choice moments of inspired absurdity (one guy uses martial arts on a zombie in a cemetery!), cardboard characters, a gloriously ludicrous plot, lame acting, and shoddy (far from) special effects. Moreover, Mattei does manage to create some decent misty atmosphere, plus deserves praise for using old school practical gore and make-up. Yvette Yzon and Ydalia Suarez supply yummy distaff eye candy. Luigi Ciccarese's sharp cinematography provides a neat polished look. An absolute cruddy hoot.

Yes I know I only gave it 2 stars, but bear with me. If you know who Bruno Mattei is, then see this! It's hilarious for any zombie-movie fan. Here are some Things I Learned from Island of the Living Dead:1) If the opening to Lucio Fulci's Zombie is good, then repeating it three times in a row is even better!2) Damage from a zombie uprising is indistinguishable from earthquakes.3) Catholic churches are often underground, and are decorated with images of the Grim Reaper 4) Filipino natives often wore Conquistador armor, or dressed like Spanish ladies with mantillas. 5) If you are not looking at a pack of zombies, they immediately vanish. 6) It's easy to make a raft with no tools but a hammer. 7) Boats have a self-destruct button. It's red, and explodes the whole boat instantly. Here are some examples of Great Dialogue from this movie: "I know you're the best carpenter I know of."Girl "Tao sacrificed himself for us – we have to go back!" Guy "No, Tao sacrificed himself for us – we have to run away!"Tough Guy offers arm to zombie "Go ahead! Have a bite!" Zombie *chomp* Tough Guy "Argh!"Bruno Mattei stole scenes from Night of the Living Dead, Lucio Fulci's Zombi (repeatedly), and even his own film, Hell of the Living Dead. But in each case, the theft was in some way inept. For instance, Mattei steals the scene in Lenzi's Nightmare City when the characters encounter a priest in an abandoned church and accost him. But when the priest turns around, he's a zombie. But in this movie, the characters are on an island completely uninhabited by humans, and the person they mistake for a "priest" is wearing a filthy black hooded robe. Is that how priests dress? Why would they expect a priest? The answer - they wouldn't, but this movie doesn't care. It makes so little sense that one plot point, to which attention is drawn several times, is that the zombies are only out at night. Except that we see zombies in the daylight throughout the movie. It's like Mattei can't remember his own dialog. Frankly, I can't wait to see Zombies: The Beginning. If it's anything like Island of the Living Dead, it will make for a huge treat. Hilariously bad. Watch with a friend.

Island of the Living Dead is an awesome zombie film that reminds me of those 80s zombies flicks everyone knows and loves.Plot: A group of scientists end up on an uncharted island but they are out alone. All of the people who once inhabited the island have now be come the living dead and a hungry for flesh. From there its a struggle for survival for the group.Acting: The film was dubbed so its hard to tell if the acting is good or not but, all in all, the whole cast was pretty convincing. The two standouts are Yvette Yzonne and Ydalia Suaraz. They are true beauties.Directing: Bruno Mattei does a wonderful job here. This was shot on high end digital video and looks very professional.Overall: An awesome zombie flick. Feels like the 1980s again.