Movie Review: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)
The film begins with a future event which perfectly sets the scene of
what we are about to enjoy and enjoy is a very mediocre way of
describing this film. I don't know about you but I think the Zombie
genre has become very stale of late, left to stagnate and rot thanks
greatly to the poor efforts of The Walking Dead. Hollywood has an
uncanny knack of taking something which has, over a long period of
time garnered an impressive following and admiration and turning it
into something “for the masses” which ultimately pushes the old
faithful away.
I may be talking from personal opinion and the few true Zombie
aficionados that I have encountered but the Zombie fan, I mean the
real lumbering, shuffling zombie fan does not like The Walking Dead
or what it has done for future entries into the zombie category.
While World War Z was enjoyable in parts, it didn't live up to the
book and certainly didn't light the genre up like it had promised. I
much prefer the truly original entries into the fray. Films like
Pontypool which put an extremely brave twist on the genre and one I
watched recently called Open Grave* which may not be your typical
zombie film but in trying something new, they have gained huge points
in my eyes (*Review to come).
Anyway, on the surface, Wyrmwood appears to be an example of the
aforementioned stale and stagnating variety however there is more
originality in this 98 minute long feature than The Walking Dead has
mustered in five seasons! Ok, forgive me, I really dislike the
Walking Dead and I may not gain many fans for my opinions but they
are that! My opinions...
Following a meteor shower a zombie outbreak plunges the world into
chaos. We follow Barry who is trying to get to his sister Brooke. He
is joined along the way by Benny and Frank as they battle zombies and
the military in a frantic fight for survival. As always, I'm not
giving any of the plot away on the off chance you haven't already
seen this movie and like me, enjoy watching films for yourself
without having them spoiled by idiotic publications and critics who
think you only read their posts because you don't want to watch films
for yourself!
With a cast totally unknown to me, Wyrmwood was a breath of fresh
air. Jay Gallagher whose portrayal of the main protagonist Barry, was
instantly likeable and he is joined on his journey by Leon Burchill
playing the part of Benny and Keith Agius as Frank. The cast is
rounded off by Bianca Bradey who plays Brooke, Barry's sister. The
mix of kick-ass action, suspense and humour is perfect
Upon the films conclusion, I found myself wanting more. It has always
taken a lot for me to dislike something which is why it's unusual to
so many that I don't like the Walking Dead but for me to instantly
want more after a film is finished is a huge compliment. I have my
fingers crossed for a sequel and while it is only rumoured at the
moment, I'm hoping the success of this film will be enough to
persuade them to make another.
I would highly recommend this film to all, whether you're a fan of
Zombie films or not. It has everything you could possibly want. An
enjoyable and at times hilarious film with zombies in it. Ticks all
the boxes really!
Released: 2014
My Rating: 8
