From the very start, before the opening titles have even splashed across the screen, you know that this is going to be a fun ride. Zombie A-Hole, the second movie from Dustin Mills, is a superbly crafted and solid genre offering.
Every frame has a beautiful grindhouse wash that makes this feature appear many moons old and there's not an ounce of fat on the tale. It moves towards its finale like an unstoppable freight train of guts, thrills, spills and laughs; and all the time, the action is accompanied by a great score.
There's an animated sequence that wouldn't look out of place in a Tarantino movie, some genuine "boo" scenes and the trademark Mills' puppet work. All of this is really great stuff but what makes these films so much fun is the brilliant script, very likable cast and the unique and rather jaw-dropping direction.
Yes, this grey haired Brit may well be developing a man-crush on the lovable Dustin Mills but special mention must go to the lead actors in this production. Josh (Easter Casket) Eal is as wonderful as ever as the Clint Eastwood / Man With No Name inspired Frank Fulci. I really do like this guy; he plays every scene perfectly straight, no matter how bizarre the circumstances he finds himself in.
Brandon Salkil is always a pleasure to watch. He's a chameleon (compare this performance to the one in Kill That Bitch), slipping effortlessly into each part he takes. He's a very physical actor and has a strong presence on the screen.
Finally, Jessica Daniels is a great heroine. Mills always casts strong female roles and has an eye for talent. Here, Daniels is likable, beautiful and strong.
It's always difficult to fault a Dustin Mills production. The jigsaw plots that always slot together perfectly by the end of the movie, the inspired moments of comedy mayhem and the sheer imagination and ambition of these projects leave me grinning like a loon every time I watch a film by this gentleman.
Just wonderful.
