Carnival of the Damned

I am a huge fan of horror films, especially independent ones like Dawn of the Dead (1978), Suspiria (1977), and exploitation films like Coffy (1973), I spit on your grave (1978), and They Call her one eye (1974). This film has the flavor and feel of all those films and more. The director is a fan of these films and you can tell by the way he lovingly made CARNIVAL of the DAMNED, it was a serious films with black humor, not a comedy, but it didn't take itself too seriously at the same time. It paid homage with lines from a bunch of films hidden within it (Star Wars, Jaws, and more), and references to other films, all the while it was original and entertaining. The film isn't Oscar caliber, none of the originals were either, but its not that kind of film. It is however worthy of awards and kudos, and worth the reviews and ratings it has gotten. The front of the box says "10 out of 10", I have to agree. I was going to stick a synopsis here and my review of the film, but I think what I wrote says it all with one exception...watch it! If you are a fan of the films mentioned above, you will enjoy CARNIVAL of the DAMNED.

My friend and her brother played extras in this movie so we watched it today just to see their parts. It sure wasn't worth our trouble. I understand this was a low budget movie, but even for that it was some cheap crap. "Carnival of the Damned" (which has a total of zero carnivals) is a zombie movie in which the viewer is treated to about thirty minutes of badly re-dubbed dialog while waiting for poorly photographed and sometimes topless zombies.

The cast of nobodies included a deeply irritating woman the director insists is "this generation's Audrey Hepburn" who plays a "fun" waitress who gives police exposition about the occult before getting kidnapped by cult guys who want to sacrifice her to their god. Talentless lead males portray unlikeable cops, reporters and assassins. We're unlikely to ever hear from any of these "actors" again, but Chris Thompson may soon gain reputation for being worse that Uwe Boll or Ulli Lommell, who previously held the record for making the worst zombie movies ever.

There's also a cherry on top of this fecal sundae of a movie: it's "neo grindhouse" cinema so computer generated film scratches run over the whole movie and trailers for 70s style exploitation occupy the first ten minutes. Musically a lot of copyrights appear to have been infringed on, so the filmmakers might be getting some unpleasant phonecalls soon.

Luckily this monstrosity isn't available in stores so you'll probably never suffer through it, unless you were foolish enough to give out your hard earned dollars and order it on amazon.

By the way, I am the only negative review of this movie and also the only review made by someone who reviews other movies. I think all other comments were made by the filmmakers and their overly loyal friends.

I have watched a lot of B type films and this is not the best or worse that I have seen. Some of the plot had me wondering what was going on, but as a total film goes this was good. Harry was funny and engaging, Blair played a great scream queen and the makeup was very passable. I would have liked more of a back story, and I would like to see what the plot leads to if there is going to be a sequel. As for the people that like to hate on films of this type try and make one I am sure this is not an easy task. So take it for what it is and kick back drink a couple of beers and enjoy the campy fun that is a Zombie movie, because really they are all camp. So rent it if yo can and get ready for a fun movie night, and take it all for what it is a good time. a blunt might make it even better. Peace.

Words cannot express just how worthless this movie is. They're clearly going for an exploitation/grindhouse feel, but failing miserably at it. The acting sucks; the story (actually, was there a story?) was lazy, nonsensical, and meandering; and it just looks awful. The only positive thing about this film is the music, but I'm pretty damn sure they didn't pay for the rights for any of the songs. I have no doubt in my mind that every single one of the positive reviews are from the cast, the crew, and their friends and family. It definitely isn't worth your time or money.

If you want my opinion, Carnival Of The Damned is drawn for the feel of movies at a drive-in from back in the day watching old exploitation films. This movie stands as PROOF, that a fun film CAN be made. There was a lot of dedication in making something this great, and I think its a great stepping stone in movie making. Chris Thompson, in my opinion, got it down to a science, and nowadays no one can have fun watching a film; EVERYONE'S a critic. Have people stopped enjoying films and want to be a poser Gene Shalit? Apparently so. But with Chris Thompson making his first film, I can see him moving up on the totem pole, because he has what a lot of people lack: Passion. True, honest passion. This man has a love for movies that is overwhelmingly excellent.

This movie doesn't cut corners. It shows his love for his favorite directors in a great way, seeing that this is a splendid homage to the likes of Argentino to Romero, and the grindhouse feel gives you a feel for some kooky spooky thrills and a good time.

I recommend this movie, because it is a great tribute to grindhouse films. Plus its a good time if you got some beers and a big tub of popcorn. Enjoy!!!