When Romero made NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD in 1968 it was intended to be a social and political satire, and it kicked of a rash of zombie movies that has continued to this day, in various guises. Some, such as SHAUN OF THE DEAD, turned the genre into a rom-com, but maintained a reverence to the original. Others just focussed on the gore aspect, while others kept up the political allegory. ZMD: ZOMBIES OF MASS DESTRUCTION melds comedy and social and political satire (the director Kevin Hamedani made the film as a response to rising Islamaphobia) with plenty of gore that retains the low budget, B-movie ethos.
The story is set in Port Gamble, one of those idyllic, white picket fence towns where the streets are wide and the minds are narrow, where we are introduced to a cast of stereotypical characters. There's the zealous preacher who clearly has something to hide; there's the Muslim immigrant trying to be an integrated member of society, while trying to protect his daughter's morals; there's a gay who has returned to town with his boyfriend to come out to his parents, but isn't that convinced it's a good idea; there's a greenie with ambitions to stand against the existing self-serving mayor in the local election; and there are zombies. Being set in a provincial town it is easy for the story to have lots of interconnecting links between the characters, and while familiarity may breed contempt, it also helps build dramatic tension and humour. Humour also comes from making fun of the conventions of zombie movies, although not with the same consistent hilarity as SHAUN OF THE DEAD, but it has its moments.
Whether by intention or not, the acting is certainly befitting of a B-movie, as are the gore and special effects, although definitely a notch or two above most Troma movies.
If you like zombie movies that play more for laughs than scares and maintain a satirical edge, then this is definitely worth a look.
ZOMBIES OF MASS DESTRUCTION is out now on DVD/Blu-ray from Optimum Home Releasing and available from Play and all good retailers.
