Based on the best-selling video games by Capcom, Dead Rising: Watchtower by director Zach Liposvsky brings us an new and original story that follows a young reporter's struggle for survival against a viscous zombie outbreak. In a race against time, he's forced to team up with a couple of strangers in hopes of escaping a quarantine zone before the government's scheduled city-wide purge takes effect.
Within the first 2 minutes, we get to see our hero use a toaster, fan blade and car muffler as weapons to fend off a gun-wielding zombie cop. I think it's safe to say that, like fine wine, this film's definitely an acquired taste. I'm certainly not ashamed to admit that I had a bloody good time, and as a fan of the original games, I was unquestionably impressed with how true to the source material Dead Rising: Watchtower actually was. From a buzzsaw-equipped sledgehammer to a shotgun-machete, the weapons are borderline insane yet completely and utterly amazing to see in real life. Even the infamous "Zombrex" medicine plays a part in the story, which was also a nice nod to all the fun Dead Rising games.
I guess it paid off that the franchise owners from Capcom refused to let the director bring this to life without first proving he's a genuine fan of the games by playing one in front of them. He clearly passed the test because this is probably the best video game adaption to film I have ever seen to date. What sets this zombie flick from the horde, however, is its actors and attention to detail towards the props, sets and gory makeup effects. As a fan of campy B movies, I can't deny that a large portion of them offer next to no acting talent, but this certainly isn't the case with Dead Rising's awesome cast. Featuring Dallas' Jesse Metcalfe, Bates Motel's Keegan Connor Tracey and 24's Dennis Haysbert, this is one TV star-studded cast that doesn't disappoint. Even the great Rob Riggle makes a side appearance as the original game's cocky photojournalist, Frank West, providing some hilarious newscast social satire. To top it off, the cinematography was unexpectedly smooth and includes some very cool points of view through the camera work. What stood out the most, though, was a remarkably long and totally impressive single take which follows a brutally epic zombie-killing spree.
Since the film is sprinkled with bits of dark comedy and campy violence, there's no doubt in my mind that most critics will love to pick this Crackle original feature apart with genuine hate. For the cult classic enthusiast, however, this may just be the perfect storm of hilarious insanity. Flaws aside, at no point does the film ever try to restrain itself from being a glorified B movie and fans of the games are sure to eat it up, even more, because of it. Gleefully self-aware of all its over-the-top antics, Dead Rising: Watchtower is one love letter to the fans that's sure not to disappoint!
مزید دکھائیں