The Zombie Spotlight

Brad (aka Bradster)

2010-12-31T22:28:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Brad

Movie Title: Night of the Creeps

Year of Release: 1986

Director: Fred Dekker

Performance/Costume Review: Brad (or Bradster as his license plate reads) gave a, sorry to say, lifeless performance. After he was turned into a zombie he went to find his ex-girl friend. Now, just for the record, Brad is technically a zombie even though aliens made him that way. It clearly states it in the film, so think of this as a sub-category...alien zombies! Anyway, back to the performance. Based on his swagger and arrogance as a living frat bully I thought he'd really ham it up as a zombie. Instead he just rang the doorbell, sat down and then had his head blown off with a shotgun and later torched with a flame thrower. Weak Brad, weak. That did not "thrill me."

P.S. - Your aryan-blonde hair did look great though.

Jack (The Undead)

2010-12-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Jack (The Undead)

Movie Title: The Video Dead

Year of Release: 1987

Director: Robert Scott

Performance/Costume Review: Film geeks feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure this zombie is credited as "Jack (The Undead)". Jack played a pivotal role in moving the plot forward because he was the one with the bright idea to escape the television and go on a killing rampage. He's one of those rebel zombies we see from time to time. Recent example being that big guy in Land of the Dead that rallied the troops to cross the river. A thinker, leader and overall Johnny Toughguy. Anyway, Jack played the I'm-on-tv role with a grace and naturalness that only a seasoned thespian could have pulled off. He then stuck his head out like an undead periscope searching for the enemy's battleship and declared war. Jack put his neck out on the line and it paid off, without him there would have been no Video Dead. We are forever in debt to this strategic mastermind.

Herzog

2010-11-20T23:29:00.001-08:00

Assumed Name: Herzog

Movie Title: Dead Snow aka Dod Sno

Year of Release: 2009

Director: Tommy Wirkola

Performance/Costume Review: Wow! An equally beautiful costume and performance from the head Nazi Zombie. He seemed more like a pirate zombie looking for gold, but whatever. He had a "zero tolerance" rule strictly in order. When some Evil Dead rejects broke his rule Herzog summoned an army. Now that is good acting! The dusty jacket matched with a brand new dress cap was a head-scratcher. Most likely he traded his old hat in for a new one sometime within the last 60+ years while he was terrorizing the mountains. I'm sure antique dealers are everywhere in those parts.

Librarian Zombie

2010-10-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Librarian Zombie

Movie Title: House of the Dead II

Year of Release: 2005

Director: Michael Hurst

Performance/Costume Review: I'm going to be honest with you, I don't even really remember this zombie. I haven't seen this in years. I think she did the stuck-in-when-they-were-human bit and had a librarian reflex. All I know is that I laughed hard enough to screen capture this performance and zombie file her so it must have been good. I mean come on...a librarian zombie. That's funny. I bet the late fees are deadly...ouch!

Female Child Zombie

2010-09-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Female Child Zombie

Movie Title: Survival of the Dead

Year of Release: 2010

Director: George A. Romero

Performance/Costume Review: Female Child Zombie was a bit of a scene stealer. She interrupted the main cast with a rattle of her chains, the chains that kept her strapped to her crib? Apparently in George Romero's world eight year old children still sleep in cribs.

Fat Zombie Aboard Boat

2010-02-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Fat Zombie Aboard Boat

Movie Title: Zombi 2

Year of Release: 1979

Director: Lucio Fulci

Performance/Costume Review: "Fat Zombie Aboard Boat" is the actual name given to this guy in the credits, I didn't just make that up. Fat Zombie is a trendsetter, a rebel, an icon. Long before fast-moving zombies made their permanent mark in cinema, Fat Zombie played his part. Now, in all fairness, he wasn't really "fast-moving" but more of a quick-falling zombie. As a cop goes downstairs to inspect a boat he finds a severed hand. Then, out of nowhere, Fat Zombie Aboard Boat busts through the closet and falls on top of the cop, leaving his victim no time to defend himself. After his snack Fat Zombie goes up on deck to get another bite. Unfortunately he didn't have the element of surprise the second time and is quickly shot several times, eventually falling overboard. Fat Zombie your glory will live on forever, well done.

Grunge Zombie

2009-11-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Grunge Zombie

Movie Title: House of the Dead

Year of Release: 2003

Director: Uwe Boll

Performance/Costume Review: Finally, a definitive answer to the question that's been plaguing everyone for years. Is Grunge dead? The answer is a resounding YES and Grunge Zombie is totally awesome! The flannel shirt, the hair, ripped jeans and I'm sure he's wearing Doc Martins. Something tells me director Uwe Boll had his casting call in Seattle.

Michael

2009-01-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Michael

Movie Title: Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror

Year of Release: 1981

Director: Andrea Bianchi

Performance/Costume Review: How can I approach this gracefully? If you've seen this film then you know what I'm dancing around, if you haven't seen it then enter at your own risk. I will say I loved that Michael, the child, was portrayed by a real-life dwarf wearing a toupee. Yet, he does look like a kid I went to grade school with. So what else to say? Oh yeah, he had an uncomfortable closeness with his mom... thank's for the mammaries!

Zombie Monk

2009-01-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Zombie Monk

Movie Title: Mansion of the Living Dead

Year of Release: 1982

Director: Jess Franco

Performance/Costume Review: Well...I think it's safe to say "zombies" were an after-thought in this film. This is a PG-13 blog so I'll just let my readers who are familiar with Franco's films guess at the subject matter of this plot-less excuse for a horror film. I will say the "zombie" costumes were very amusing! They ranged from cheap Halloween make-up to a straight-up paper cut-out of a skeleton face.

Zombie with Witch Nails

2009-01-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Zombie with Witch Nails

Movie Title: Corpses Are Forever

Year of Release: 2003

Director: Jose Prendes

Performance/Costume Review: I'm going to be honest with you, I had no clue what this thing was. I think it was a super-zombie, but I'm not sure. All I know is that it looked like it needed to lay off the flesh for a while so it could keep up with the fast-moving zombies. It also had long black witch nails like the plastic kind you buy at a Halloween shop. This performance left something to be desired, but I was amused by it.

The Zombie Nun

2009-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: The Zombie Nun

Movie Title: Cemetery Man aka Dellamorte Dellamore

Year of Release: 1994

Director: Michele Soavi

Performance/Costume Review: A pretty solid performance in all. Short lived, like most zombies, but memorable. I'd like to bring attention to the profession. It seems nuns pop up every now and then for a given laugh. Nuns, Librarians, Cops, and other random respected people in important positions. Why is this? I don't really care because I'll laugh no matter what. How about a whole movie of zombie nuns? Ooh, are there any producers out there? I'll have a script in 24 hours, promise!

Random Zombie Football Player

2009-01-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Random Zombie Football Player

Movie Title: House of the Dead II

Year of Release: 2005

Director: Michael Hurst

Performance/Costume Review: What to say? How great is a zombie football player!!! He even threw the ball out of habit. I was a bit confused by how slow he walked. Other zombies moved fast in the film. It was like a clash of zombies from both Dawn of the Dead movies...slow vs. fast moving. Anyway, the zombie football player was great!

Chef Jaques

2009-01-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Chef Jaques

Movie Title: House of the Dead II

Year of Release: 2005

Director: Michael Hurst

Performance/Costume Review: On the back of this dvd the R rating includes "strong zombie violence". I will say there was a good amount of zombie violence, but I found Chef Jaques performance the most entertaining. Chef Jaques goes out in the alley to eat a salad and sees what he thinks is a homeless man. He offers him his salad and instead finds out it's a zombie who quickly bites his hand. My favorite part of the film was when Chef Jaques holds his bloody hand and says in a horribly thick fake French accent, "The world has gone crazy, nobody likes the French!" He then becomes a zombie, classic.

*Interesting side note, in real life the actor that played Chef Jaques is, in addition to a producer, a real chef!

Kate the old dancing zombie

2009-01-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Kate aka the old dancing zombie

Movie Title: Dance of the Dead

Year of Release: 2005

Director: Tobe Hooper

Performance/Costume Review: While fast-forwarding through this made-for-tv nightmare I found myself stopping every time Kate, the mother of the lead actress, would deliver a line. Kate's acting took me to a world I thought was just a myth. The world of bad acting where legends are born. I closed my eyes and wished more than anything that Kate would at some point become a zombie. All of my desires came true when at the end of the film Kate performed (in a granny thong and a see-through dress) the Dance of the Dead.

Elysabeth

2009-01-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Elysabeth

Movie Title: Night of the Hunted

Year of Release: 1980

Director: Jean Rollin

Performance/Costume Review: I think Elysabeth was worried about getting her nice clothes dirty, therefor she didn't eat anyone. The truth is Jean Rollin's description of "zombie" in this film was questionable. Not going to eat anyone? No problem, just look fabulous instead and do the lost-in-a-dreamworld look that adds depth to a lifeless performance (pun intended). I'd like to think that Jean Rollin just gathers beautiful women together for films. When they ask what their role is he thinks on his toes and says something like this, "Um, zombie? Yes zombie, now put on a cape or some running shoes and nothing else!"

Jessica Holland

2009-01-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Jessica Holland

Movie Title: I Walked With a Zombie

Year of Release: 1943

Director: Jacques Tourneur

Performance/Costume Review: Jessica didn't give much of a performance, but that's what is expected from old zombie films. No grabbing people and eating them. If it wasn't for the title her zombiism might be called into question. That being said, her dress was lovely so she made a fantastically fabulous zombie.

Zombie Child with Red Hair

2008-12-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Zombie child with red hair

Movie Title: The Boneyard

Year of Release: 1991

Director: James Cummins

Performance/Costume Review: There were three zombie children, but this one had a doll and red hair so she stood out. There's not much of a costume here, just some zombie skin and shredded clothes I guess. She was resourceful zombie, which is hard to come by. In one scene she used her little doll to interact with a lady, which I found to be simply charming. Never mind the fact that she then tried to eat the lady.

Possible Nazi Zombie

2008-12-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Possible Nazi Zombie

Movie Title: Oasis of the Zombies

Year of Release: 1981

Director: Jess Franco

Performance/Costume Review: Look, Jess Franco is great and the title and plot is amazing. Nazi zombies protecting gold in the desert! The only problem is the zombies may or may not be Nazis. Trying to decipher this film is like wrangling cats, it's useless. It's very unclear if this guy pictured above is a Nazi zombie or just a random desert zombie. Now because of my massive love for Nazi zombies I'm going to look the other way and say yes, he is in fact a Nazi zombie.

Convent Zombie Girl

2008-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Convent Zombie Girl

Movie Title: Vampires vs. Zombies

Year of Release: 2004

Director: Vince D'Amato

Performance/Costume Review: Convent Zombie Girl was the actual name given to this rising star. There were a whole group of zombie girls, but this one really stood out. It wasn't the school girl outfit that demanded the viewers attention, but instead the unexplained use of wigs on every zombie (particularly this blond enigma). Her performance was quick. Her wig was awesome. Her legacy shall live forever.

Zombie child with a mustache

2008-12-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Zombie child with a mustache

Movie Title: Resident Evil: Apocalypse

Year of Release: 2004

Director: Alexander Witt

Performance/Costume Review: Can you offend a zombie? I'm a little worried because I can't see any way around pointing out the obvious. Is it just me or does this little zombie girl have a mustache? I'm sure she already knows about it and has loads of insecurity. She probably gets made fun of by the other zombie children, which makes her rage all the more unstable. It didn't stop her from laying down a royal munch-fest (school girl style), but still, I feel kind of bad for her.

Zombie with a bow tie

2008-12-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Zombie with a bow tie

Movie Title: Land of the Dead

Year of Release: 2005

Director: George A. Romero

Performance/Costume Review: This dashing lad has decided to kill in style. Nothing says "classy zombie" like a blood-red bow tie. The pin striped suit just adds to the whole ensemble. Another personal touch I enjoy is the wrench in his hand. It's one thing to see a zombie with a bow tie, but it's another to see a zombie with a bow tie holding a wrench.

Veronique

2008-12-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Veronique

Movie Title: Night of the Hunted (La Nuit des Traquees)

Year of Release: 1980

Director: Jean Rollin

Performance/Costume Review: Well if you know the work of Jean Rollin then you can guess the costume Veonique was wearing in this film (although they were nice running shoes). Veronique's performance left much to be desired. She is undead, but never kills anyone. Instead she just runs around confused and helpless. I think at least one bite would have really added something to her big screen zombie debut.

Kat

2008-12-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Kat

Movie Title: Zombie Strippers

Year of Release: 2008

Director: Jay Lee

Performance/Costume Review: Kat is indeed a zombie stripper. Add to that some zombie super powers and you can only guess how this film plays out. Kat is the star zombie that wants to stay the main attraction and she'll do anything to stand her ground. At one point she tears off a man's arm to hit another zombie stripper trying to upstage her. Well, there you go. That's about all I have to say about this.

The Knights from the East

2008-12-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: The Knights from the East aka Knights Templar zombies

Movie Title: Tombs of the Blind Dead

Year of Release: 1971

Director: Amando de Ossorio

Performance/Costume Review: Where to begin with this zombie spotlight? I've decided to clump all the blind zombie Templar knights into one review because none of them stood out (well, there was that one with the armored glove made out of a tinfoil oven mitt). Anyway, these guys had charisma! Their list of exploits include, but are not limited to: Chasing people on horseback, chopping off arms, raiding a train and killing everyone, using the sounds of human heartbeats to over-compensate for the loss of sight, killing a child and the element of surprise on both a train and in the ruins of a temple.

Virginia White, the hottie zombie

2008-12-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Virginia White, the hottie zombie

Movie Title: Tombs of the Blind Dead

Year of Release: 1971

Director: Amando de Ossorio

Performance/Costume Review: Virginia White, a quasi-lesbian with a groovy fashion sense, is transformed into the undead by a group of Knights Templar zombies. She rises up in the morgue and goes on a short-lived killing rampage. At some point she loses the blood-soaked sheet that was covering her on the examination table and (to the audience's surprise) she has a fashion-foward outfit on underneath. This little number includes a matching gauze-wrap mini skirt and bikini top ensemble that screams "I'm a zombie and I look good." Sadly her striking good zombie looks came to a tragic end as she was set on fire.

Sylvain

2008-12-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Sylvain aka the zombie kid

Movie Title: Les Revenants (They Came Back)

Year of Release: 2004

Director: Robin Campillo

Performance/Costume Review: Well this isn't your typical zombie because this wasn't your typical zombie film. Don't let Sylvain's big cute ears fool you, he's still technically a zombie, he just doesn't eat anyone. He does advance the plot in this French drama, but doesn't do much else. If only he wandered the streets saying, "Les cerveaux....Les cerveaux!"

Hitler Zombie

2008-12-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Hitler

Movie Title: Hard Rock Zombies

Year of Release: 1984

Director: Krishna Shah

Performance/Costume Review: Well this really is the end all of Nazi zombies. You can't top Hilter. In addition you can't top Hitler in a somewhat slapstick comedy setting. His costume was decent, actually I think it would be a great Halloween costume if it wasn't incredibly offensive. I would also like to see a spin-off film were Hitler zombie hooks up with Musilini zombie to create a world of facists zombies.

Saluting Zombie

2008-12-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Saluting Zombie

Movie Title: Beyond Re-Animator

Year of Release: 2003

Director: Brian Yuzna

Performance/Costume Review: I liked this performance because he was loyal to the end. A zombie that salutes is a zombie that dies (again) with honor. The determination in his eyes, the pride of doing his job right. We need more saluting zombies in films.

Joe

2008-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Joe

Movie Title: Planet Terror

Year of Release: 2007

Director: Robert Rodriguez

Performance/Costume Review: Joe's performance as a zombie is quick and to the point. After arriving at the hospital with an infected bite he turns into a zombie. When the doctor discovers Joe cutting up a corpse with a bone saw Joe tries to slice up the doctor. Unfortunately the chord is only so long and it gets unplugged just before Joe gets to cut up the doc. Joe's a craft zombie and doesn't let the saw get him down, instead he pops a puss filled blister on his face and rubs in all over the doctors face. Way to think on your toes Joe!

Old Betty Zombie

2008-11-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Old Betty Zombie

Movie Title: Return of the Living Dead - Part 2

Year of Release: 1988

Director: Ken Wiederhorn

Performance/Costume Review: Although her scene doesn't last long, this zombie serves up some nice laughs. After finding her glasses and putting them on, Old Betty Zombie crawls out of her grave to get herself a nice helping of brains. I really enjoyed the attention to detail on her costume. Thick-rimed glasses, big church hair, a nice pastel colored shirt and a gray sweater. This zombie really helped convey the sense of diversity among zombies. No discrimination of the elderly is a nice touch to any zombie film.

Deep Breath Zombie

2008-11-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Deep Breath Zombie

Movie Title: House of the Dead

Year of Release: 2003

Director: Uwe Boll

Performance/Costume Review: Apart from Nazi zombies, we rarely are treated to zombies underwater (unless they are battling sharks...). I gave Deep Breath Zombie the name for one simple reason, at the beginning of the underwater shot he has a nice deep breath and doesn't hide it as he swims past the camera. What makes his performance so stellar are his Louis Armstrong cheeks (from holding his breath), the bubbles coming up from his occasional release of oxygen and most importantly his Olympic qualifying breast strokes. Step aside Michael Phelps, there's a new champion in the pool, and he's a zombie!

Dr. Bennett

2008-11-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Dr. Bennett

Movie Title: Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane

Year of Release: 2007

Director: Scott Thomas

Performance/Costume Review: Dr. Bennett (aka the guy from Mr. Deeds) gives one heck of a performance. As a doctor he's only mildly interestingly, but as soon as he becomes a zombie the ol' acting chops come out. I posted earlier about another zombie from this film. I was confused because she hissed. I don't remember Dr. Bennett hissing, but he definitely adds his own unique flare to the typical zombie. He's one of those over-acting peek-a-boo zombies. You know the type, they pop up into the camera with the "gotcha" look on their face and try to scare all the 12 year olds in the audience. Well in the case of this movie, all the 12 year olds that rented the dvd.

Valentina Scanarotti

2008-11-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Valentina Scanarotti

Movie Title: Cemetery Man aka Dellamorte Dellamore

Year of Release: 1994

Director: Michele Soavi

Performance/Costume Review: Valentina was the mayor's daughter. She is killed in a motorcycle accident and buried. A mute that helped take care of the cemetery named Gnaghi had a crush on Valentina so he digs up her body. The rest of Valentina's performance is as a decapitated zombie head that becomes Gnaghi's girlfriend. Well, there you have it. I'm not sure what else to say. She gives a great performance as a zombie head. She displays a range of emotions which, at times, helps you forget she is separated from her body. Zombie movie performances are a dime a dozen, but Valentina really found a way to get a head in this business.

Nazi Zombie Dad

2008-11-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Assumed Name: Nazi Zombie Dad

Movie Title: Zombie Lake

Year of Release: 1981

Director: Jean Rollin

Performance/Costume Review: This poor guy died as his little girl was being born during WWII. Later he becomes a classic Nazi Zombie, walks out of a lake and wants to make up for lost time with his daughter. He seeks out his mädchen and plays the dad card by giving her gifts. Meanwhile the other Nazi Zombies have no children to seek out and instead devour the village. All and all, it's pretty cool. At one point the Nazi Zombie dad even gets in a fight with another zombie to protect his girl. That's good parenting!

Gun Madman

2008-10-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Gun Madman

Movie Title: The Mad

Year of Release: 2007

Director: John Kalangis

Performance/Costume Review: Gun Madman was the official name given to this zombie, but I know him as the zombie with a gun. This zombie really deserved a place on The Zombie Spotlight because of his unique talent to shoot a gun. Many zombies have picked up guns and fired them in zombie films, but few have the aim of a Special Forces sniper. He tags one victim in the leg and lands a kill shot on another guy. Now that is impressive for a zombie!

Pop-up Zombie

2008-10-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Pop-up Zombie

Movie Title: Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror

Year of Release: 1981

Director: Andrea Bianchi

Performance/Costume Review: Some zombies crawl out of the ground, some walk out of a lake and some just hang out in graveyards, but only one zombie makes a pop-up appearance. I must say that the idea of zombies randomly popping up like those gophers at the arcade (the ones you hit with a big paddle) really would surprise me. Check out his eyes, he's crazy. I think I'd first wonder if he was a homeless man, but I'm well versed in zombie tactics so my second assumption would be a pop-up zombie.

Chuck

2008-10-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Chuck

Movie Title: Hard Rock Zombies

Year of Release: 1984

Director: Krishna Shah

Performance/Costume Review: Where do I even start with Chuck? Oh drummers, they all get a bad reputation (yes, I'm a drummer). Drummers are in a constant struggle to pretend they are above needing the admiration given to a lead singer, but desperately they want to be the center of attention. This usually results in them overdoing everything. This is the case for Chuck, the drummer of the rock band. He's the only one of the bunch to make absolutely no attempt to even pretend to play his instrument. He's far me concerned with overacting and stealing the show. He's the most fun to watch because he's always there, trying to get our attention. From the Hard Rock Zombie walk, to the "sexy" zombie girl dancing around him during Street Angel, nothing will stop him from being seen. In fact, he went as far as wearing the most creative outfit to get noticed. This includes, but is not limited to, a marching band jacket and a construction hard hat. I love Chuck, he is fantastic. Oh and a side note, I think he is the only zombie to ever twirl his drumstick like a true butt rocker!

Robbie

2008-10-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Robbie

Movie Title: Hard Rock Zombies

Year of Release: 1984

Director: Krisha Shah

Performance/Costume Review: I'll tell you what, Robbie gives Thriller Zombie a run for his money! This zombie can move. He's the multi-instrumentalist of the band. He can rock the guitar and the keyboards like no other zombie I've ever seen. When he gets on that keyboard and starts letting the angelic notes of Cassie's Song run through his zombie veins he turns into a sensual dance machine.

Tommy

2008-10-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Tommy

Movie Title: Hard Rock Zombies

Year of Release: 1984

Director: Krishna Shah

Performance/Costume Review: Tommy is the bass player in the zombie rock band. He's the shy one. While all the others are out being crazy and living like they have a death sentence, Tommy prefers to quietly reflect on the awe inspiring aspects of his new found zombie lifestyle. You can see in the image above that he doesn't dress as flamboyantly as his other band members, but that doesn't stop him from perfecting the art of the Hard Rock Zombie walk (a party favorite, you must see it to believe it).

Jessie

2008-10-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Jessie

Movie Title: Hard Rock Zombies

Year of Release: 1984

Director: Krishna Shah

Performance/Costume Review: Jessie, the lead singer in a hard rock band has it all, the total package. As a zombie he seduces the viewers with songs like Cassie's Song and Street Angel. In fact, he has the most impressive singing voice I've ever heard for a zombie. His outfit includes accutriments like a bullet belt and leopard skin pants. Don't even get me started on his glorious mullet. He is a real treat for fans of The Zombie Spotlight. It's not everyday we get a zombie quite as stunning as Jessie.

Long-Haired Surprise-Attack Zombie

2008-10-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Long-Haired Surprise-Attack Zombie

Movie Title: Resident Evil: Extinction

Year of Release: 2007

Director: Russell Mulcahy

Performance/Costume Review: I really didn't know what else to call this zombie. There is a great scene in the movie when a ton of zombies are hiding out in a tractor-trailer bed. When it opens up a bunch of similar looking zombies run out and start attacking. I was surprised when I saw this zombie. Everyone was bald and male, but not her. The lone wolf of the bunch, the individual that refused to conform for "the man". Good for her. Her lovely lady locks flowed in the breeze as she tried to eat this unsuspecting guy. Her big moment is short lived because she gets a bullet to the head, but her hair will live on in zombie movie history. In a time when zombies were required to be bald, one rebel walked down her own path. Viva la Long-Haired Surprise-Attack Zombie.

Jugular-Lovin' Zombie

2008-10-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Jugular-Lovin' Zombie

Movie Title: Zombi 2

Year of Release: 1979

Director: Lucio Fulci

Performance/Costume Review: This zombie comes out of the ground and gives the girl he's about to kill more than enough time to do something other than stare and not move. I didn't feel very sorry for her. The zombie moved at a snails pace, so I can comfortably say she saw it coming. Well, that's what she gets for doing nothing. This zombie went straight for the jugular and it was over. When he turned around he had another thing coming. The other people didn't mess around, they smashed his zombie head in. Attack or be attacked, the law of the land in zombieville.

Herbert

2008-09-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Herbert

Movie Title: Days of Darkness

Year of Release: 2007

Director: Jake Kennedy

Performance/Costume Review: Oh man, where to start? I'm torn because I want to tell everyone not to see this film (it's that bad), but you have to see this zombie performance to believe it. Herbert is turned into a zombie and is chained up in a cell. From his first scene to the last he takes overacting to a level I've never seen before. The highlight is at the end when he is being killed. He starts screaming/hissing and shaking his head. It's like watching a cornered stray cat trying to warn you it will attack, but at the same time he's screaming because of the pain he's in. I couldn't stop laughing. Just looking at this movie still brightens up my day.

The Breather

2008-09-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: The Breather

Movie Title: Outpost

Year of Release: 2008

Director: Steve Barker

Performance/Costume Review: I love Nazi Zombie films and when I found out there was a new one I was really excited. Sadly, everything about this film is wrong. I chose to highlight The Breather because he was cool looking and I thought he had a lot of potential. Unfortunately this Nazi zombie just stares at people. He did nothing but stare, they should call him The Looker.

Assaulted Zombie

2008-09-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Assaulted Zombie

Movie Title: Bio Zombie

Year of Release: 1998

Director: Wilson Yip

Performance/Costume Review: There were a lot of zombies to highlight in this film, but it was one zombie that really grabbed my attention. The zombie you see posted above had on a lovely orange jumpsuit that, right from the start, made him stand out from the others. I feel his unique fashion sense made him a target for childish taunts by humans. You see, after a guy cut off a random zombie head he thought he would send a message by kicking that head at the other zombies. It's a great idea, but it appears he wasn't kicking that head blindly into the crowd, he had a target. So here is where we see out bright orange zombie, standing around minding his own business. Before he knows it he finds himself at the bad end of a violent attack as the kicked head hits this zombie and then falls to the ground. Although he didn't seem affected, I imagine deep down inside it hurt his zombie feelings. We all make sacrifices for fashion, this zombie learned those sacrifices the hard way. Maybe next time he'll wear something a little less flamboyant.

Gaunt

2008-09-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Gaunt

Movie Title: The Dead Hate the Living!

Year of Release: 2000

Director: Dave Parker

Performance/Costume Review: Gaunt is otherwise known as "the giant zombie". It's hard to miss him because the actor in real life was 7' 6". Gaunt is part of the zombie gang that works for the dark leader. He proves himself useful in this film because of his multitasking skills. In one scene Gaunt captures the lead girl and manages to fight off a guy coming at him with a chainsaw. He did all this while half of his body was seated in a fake graveyard. Sadly Gaunt was electrocuted to death after catching a TV...don't ask. Questioning this film is something you just don't do. When you can see the boom mic fall into camera shots you know you're watching A+ hardcore B Horror.

Bupkes the Clown

2008-09-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Bupkes the Clown

Movie Title: Diary of the Dead

Year of Release: 2007

Director: George A. Romero

Performance/Costume Review: To be honest, I was surprised the zombie clown had an actual name in the credits. Bupkes the Clown has a short, but very amusing cameo. While reviewing some found footage on a camera, the main characters see home footage of a little girl's birthday party. The clown comes out to say hi and the dad goes up to greet him. The dad grabs the clowns nose and it comes off as blood squirts out. It's at this very moment we, the viewers, realize we're in for a real treat...a zombie clown! Bupkes attacks the dad and it's assumed he attacks the whole birthday party although the camera is turned off before we know for sure.

Bag Lady Zombie

2008-09-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Bag Lady Zombie

Movie Title: Land of the Dead

Year of Release: 2005

Director: George A. Romero

Performance/Costume Review: I'm not going to lie, I love me some homeless zombies. They always approach being a zombie with something extra, like they were meant to be a zombie. Look at the frazzled hair, the determined stare. There is a sense of purpose in this scene. Where is she going? What are her goals in life? How will she achieve them? Minutes ago she might not have had any answers for us, but as a zombie she's got it all figured out. Her performance is all of .3 seconds, but she leaves a lasting impression of how, for some people, being a zombie might not be that bad.

Zombie with a Machete

2008-09-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Zombie with a Machete

Movie Title: Zombi 3

Year of Release: 1988

Director: Lucio Fulci, Bruno Mattei

Performance/Costume Review: Most people assume the "fast zombies" of recent cinema are a new invention, but that's false. Fast zombies have popped up from time to time and Zombie with a Machete is one of them. He's hiding out in a gas station when a girl stubbles upon him. He chases her and he's fast! I think that is in large part due to the film being sped up, but still. To make matters worse he has a machete. Little did he know, that machete would be his downfall. He accidentally chops open a gas pump while trying to kill the girl and ends up getting a face-full of gas. The girl takes advantage of his mistake and torches him. Patience is a virtue zombie, you were too eager to kill and messed up big time.

Jacob

2008-09-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Jacob

Movie Title: 28 Weeks Later

Year of Release: 2007

Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Performance/Costume Review: Jacob wasn't always a zombie. There was a time when he enjoyed hanging out in random abandoned houses. His love for life came to an end when he was attempting to escape a routine zombie attack. After being pulled off a boat by an eager zombie, Jacob is quickly changed and thirsty for the blood of the guy making off with his getaway boat. Poor Jacob, the guy on the boat has a foot and knows how to use it. After some well placed kicks to the face Jacob falls back in the water and unfortunately gets sliced up by the boats propeller. A short lived performance but approached with professionalism until the end.

Zombie on a Phone

2008-09-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Zombie on a Phone

Movie Title: Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis

Year of Release: 2005

Director: Ellory Elkayem

Performance/Costume Review: After killing a security guard this zombie has a genius idea. He picks up the phone and says, "Send more security guards." I don't know what else to say about this zombie, his actions speak louder than words. Smart thinking zombie, momma didn't raise no fool.

Zombie Birds

2008-09-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Zombie Birds

Movie Title: Zombi 3

Year of Release: 1988

Director: Lucio Fulci, Bruno Mattei

Performance/Costume Review: I was just having a conversation the other day about the lack of movies that show zombie animals. They appear from time to time, but the Zombie Birds in Zombi 3 are something to remember. You have to work really hard to pause your dvd at the right moment, but you just might catch a glimpse of an elusive zombie bird. Basically they are fake pigeons with painted red eyes on strings. They might be small birds, but they can hang with the big boy zombies. They go to town on a group of people in an RV leaving behind a path of Zombie Bird terror.

The Zombie Twins

2008-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: The Zombie Twins

Movie Title: Shaun of the Dead

Year of Release: 2004

Director: Edgar Wright

Performance/Costume Review: Every time I watch this movie I laugh harder than the time before. There are a lot of unexplained details in the movie, but my favorite is the casting of the Zombie Twins. They are just extras, but they add something special. We can all agree that zombies often look alike, but I don't think I've ever seen actual zombie twins until this film came along.

Zombie in a Dress

2008-09-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Zombie in a Dress

Movie Title: Sars Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis

Year of Release: 2004

Director: Taweewat Wantha

Performance/Costume Review: Look, I'm not trying to mislead anyone. I'm reviewing this zombie for the sake of diversity on this blog. I, in no way, am recommending this film. With that being said, I liked this zombie. She was funny. She completely overacted the roll, but underacted compared to the other people in this film. This zombie's performance came to an end when a girl in a Catholic school girl outfit gave her the ol' axe-to-the-neck.

The Rabble-Rouser Nazi Zombie

2008-09-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: The Rabble-Rouser Nazi Zombie

Movie Title: Zombie Lake

Year of Release: 1981

Director: Jean Rollin

Performance/Costume Review: You can never have too many Nazi Zombies that live underwater right? Although all the zombies in this film have their own signature charm, it's this guy that gave me the biggest laugh. I'm not sure why he's abnormally angry, but something is really bugging him. He takes out his frustration in a pub where he decides to tear the place apart. He throws tables, chairs, beer mugs, anything he can get his hands on. All the other zombies are just doing their zombie thing, but not the Rabble-Rouser Nazi Zombie. Somebody needs to look into anger management classes before they return to Zombie Lake.

Riverman

2008-09-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Riverman

Movie Title: Return of the Living Dead Part III

Year of Release: 1993

Director: Brian Yuzna

Performance/Costume Review: Riverman was a homeless guy that helped the main characters hide from a gang of thugs. Sadly, Riverman becomes a zombie and is then experimented on by the government. They build a super exo-skeleton suit that is supposed to control the zombie but instead it turns Riverman into a zombie that looks like Robocop. It's pretty entertaining, especially when he starts having his limbs blown off. His suit holds strong, but he ultimately goes to zombie heaven.

Sexy Ghoul Girl

2008-09-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Sexy Ghoul Girl

Movie Title: The International Playboys' First Movie: Ghouls Gone Wild!

Year of Release: 2004

Director: Ted Geoghegan

Performance/Costume Review: Okay, so the credits refer to this zombie simply as "ghoul girl", but she's sexy to me. I know I said zombies should generally not be sexy, but this one is an exception. Alright, I'm a little biased because she's my wife, what-ev's. In a stellar performance for the ages, this sexy zombie steals the scene with a deadly wink that suggests the guys at the bar have no clue what they are in for. This band picked the wrong girls to party with. It's zombie time!

Random Nazi Zombie

2008-09-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Random Nazi Zombie

Movie Title: Shock Waves

Year of Release: 1977

Director: Ken Wiederhorn

Performance/Costume Review: Who doesn't love a Nazi Zombie? They all look the same in this film, but I zeroed in on this zombie for a reason. When the Nazi's are first coming out of the water it looks really awesome, but this zombie makes a slight mistake. Sorry to be a hater, but this Random Nazi Zombie was clearly holding his breath underwater, boo!

Emily

2008-09-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Emily

Movie Title: Flight of the Living Dead

Year of Release: 2007

Director: Scott Thomas

Performance/Costume Review: Emily was a very entertaining zombie to watch. After this flight attendant turns into a zombie her acting chops really come out. Her costume looks great, but it's her psychical display that really got me. I'm not sure why, but she acts more like a vampire. She hisses and twitches, it left me very confused but entertained. Either way she took a mean golf club to the face and went down with style.

Crawling Zombie

2008-09-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Crawling Zombie

Movie Title: Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror

Year of Release: 1981

Director: Andrea Bianchi

Performance/Costume Review: I call this zombie the Crawling Zombie because he's first seen crawling towards two people making out. He just came out of the ground and, although he's crazy slow, it's kinda scary to see a crawling zombie. Later in the movie he stands up and walks around, but standing on two feet doesn't carry the same "creepy" factor that all fours do. I love the costume design in this film, they're some of the coolest looking zombies with maggots and everything. I miss the days when zombies were more than just some actor wearing bloodshot contact lenses.

She

2008-09-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: She

Movie Title: Cemetery Man aka Dellamorte Dellamore

Year of Release: 1994

Director: Michele Soavi

Performance/Costume Review: The character credited simply as "She" is the love interest of the lead character Francesco. She's very beautiful (no surprise, the actress is a model) and after she is killed by a zombie (her former husband), the viewers just have to wait around to see what she'll look like as a zombie herself. Now, the first time I saw this years ago I remember thinking, "Wait, is she going to be a sexy zombie? That's not right." Well, have no fear, she's not. "She" as a zombie isn't attractive at all. Somethings are just off limits and I think sexy zombies are one of them (wait for a certain zombie from Fido to pop up on this blog someday and you'll know what I mean).

Danny

2008-09-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Danny

Movie Title: Zombie Honeymoon

Year of Release: 2004

Director: David Gebroe

Performance/Costume Review: Zombie Honeymoon allows the viewer to follow the struggles of having a loved one turn into a zombie. It's an unique love story, that's for sure. Danny tries not to kill, but he can't help it, he's a zombie. It's sweet how he tries his hardest to hold off on eating his bride. The make-up job leaves something to be desired, but it's a low budget film so it works well with the look of the film. All and all I think Danny was a kindhearted zombie, he just needed to feed. Is that morally wrong if you're a zombie?

Santos

2008-09-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Santos (aka Specimen 36)

Movie Title: Return of the Living Dead Part III

Year of Release: 1993

Director: Brian Yuzna

Performance/Costume Review: Santos first appears in a mini mart as the leader of a rough and tough gang that wants to fight the stars of the film. He's your typical gang-member-in-a-zombie-movie stereo type. The guy escapes the beat down from Santos, but not for long. Santos' next major scene is when his gang tracks down the guy he wanted to fight. He decides to have his way with the guys lady, Julie, but little does he know Julie is a zombie. They go into a room together and Julie comes out holding the head of Santos, which is pulled out off of his body to reveal his spine, but the head is not severed. This is important because Santos then becomes a zombie that has a normal body, but an elongated looking neck, which is actually his spine. Santos the zombie tries to attack the main guy and gets his head knocked off in the process. For the final appearance of Santos we see just his animated head and spine in a military experiment facility cage marked Specimen 36. A sad ending for a very entertaining zombie.

Expressive Worm Face Zombie

2008-09-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Expressive Worm Face Zombie

Movie Title: Return of the Living Dead Part II

Year of Release: 1988

Director: Ken Wiederhorn

Performance/Costume Review: This zombie has something most zombies can only dream of, expressive worms springing forth from ones face. They help convey emotions not normally found on a zombies face, similar to a dogs tail. When the worms become more agitated what does that mean? When they are slow and uneventful what does that mean? So many questions left unanswered in the enigma of Expressive Worm Face Zombie. Maybe it's best left to the interpretation of the individual viewer, each can come away their own mystical reading. Best of luck everyone.

Zombie Louis

2008-09-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Zombie Louis

Movie Title: Dawn of the Dead

Year of Release: 2004

Director: Zack Snyder

Performance/Costume Review: Although there is the scene with the little girl first, it's Louis that completely sets the tone for the rest of the film. I remember sitting in the theater on opening night and being totally freaked out by this opening sequence. It was pure genius. After Louis is bitten by a zombie kid he quickly turns and tries to attack his wife. The scene is so intense, especially the first time you see it. His wife manages to slip out the bathroom window and make it to the car. He followers her out but eventually goes after another victim. The opening shot happens so fast that as the credits start up you realize you are in for a tense movie. This shot really took a page out of 28 Days Later and just went all out scary. Fast zombies are crazy scary and Louis was the freakiest of them all.

Slim

2008-09-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Slim

Movie Title: House II

Year of Release: 1987

Director: Ethan Wiley

Performance/Costume Review: There has been some debate about if Slim is an actual zombie and the answer is yes. Technically he is a "cowboy zombie" according to the official movie synopsis. With that being said, for those of you that love House II like I do have no fear, Gramps will be in the spotlight also! For now let's discuss Slim. Slim is a really cool zombie, he was the only thing that was actually scary in this film (I know it's a comedy). As a kid I used to get freaked out by him and I also thought his outfit was too cool for school. Slim didn't mess around in this film, he meant business. Although the ending didn't turn out in his favor, he left us with a taste of what it means to be a cowboy zombie partying on the dark side.

Zombie Johnny

2008-09-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Zombie Johnny

Movie Title: Night of the Living Dead

Year of Release: 1968

Director: George A. Romeo

Performance/Costume Review: Johnny and his sister Barbra are the opening characters of the film as they drive to the graveyard to put flowers on their fathers grave. After a zombie attacks Johnny, Barbra hides out in a farmhouse. At the end of the film Johnny appears as a zombie, which the viewer recognizes by his driving gloves. Sadly, after all Barbra has been through her brother, Zombie Johnny, pulls her into the crowd of zombies and she is eaten. The character of Johnny is first an annoying brother and then a terrifying zombie. That's some good acting!

Flying Torso Zombie

2008-09-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Flying Torso Zombie

Movie Title: Beyond Re-Animator

Year of Release: 2003

Director: Brian Yuzna

Performance/Costume Review: After a prison inmate attempts to rape the main female lead he wakes up to find he's now a zombie that's been cut in half. He then proceeds to not let his lack of a lower half stop him from attacking people. There are some great visual effects but the money shot is when the half-bodied torso attacks another character by flying through the air! He gets hit mid-air with a shovel (I think) and is done for. The shot of him flying is very amusing and, although the movie is nowhere near as great as the original, it did feature a flying torso zombie!

Child Zombie

2008-09-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Child Zombie

Movie Title: Hell of the Living Dead

Year of Release: 1981

Director: Bruno Mattei

Performance/Costume Review: After changing into a zombie during a jeep ride, this child zombie helps himself to lunch. He's later discovered by some commandos who are ready to deal with the situation. They waste little time in agreeing to shoot him to death. Kids aren't converted very often, so it's always funny when they are. His shaggy hair and suspenders really add to the "child" costume. Although he doesn't have much screen time, his performance is stellar. This kid must have practiced his "zombie glare" for weeks before his big on-screen moment. Well done son, well done!

Thriller Zombie

2008-09-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Thriller Zombie

Movie Title: Return of the Living Dead Part II

Year of Release: 1988

Director: Ken Wiederhorn

Performance/Costume Review: This is a zombie we only see once in the film. Making his cameo during the mass electrocution scene, viewers are treated to a shocking free-style zombie dance by Thriller Zombie. I like the personal touch of the shades tucked in his jacket. The man who played this particular zombie also played a handful of other zombies in this film. My favorite part of the performance is how he enters the shot. It's like the director said, "Hurry, you're on...action!" We see Thriller Zombie stumble into the shot, dance for a few seconds while being electrocuted and then fall down. Nice.

Sweater Vest Zombie on the Escalator

2008-09-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Sweater Vest Zombie on the Escalator

Movie Title: Dawn of the Dead

Year of Release: 1978

Director: George A. Romero

Performance/Costume Review: This guy should get the over-acting zombie award of the year. He first appears on the escalator in the mall and it's hard to ignore him with his beautiful sweater vest. He then falls for the ol' switch-a-roo when the guys fool the zombies upstairs while they sneak downstairs. Sweater vest zombie get around though, he later appears outside while the guys are blocking the entrances and even manages to work in a cameo during the shooting spree from the car while locking the front doors. Although there is no conformation, we must assume Sweater vest zombie on the escalator met his demise with the rest of the zombies during the mass execution to make the mall livable and was later discovered in the freezer.

The Shark Fighting Zombie

2008-09-19T10:05:00.001-07:00

Assumed Name: The Shark Fighting Zombie

Movie Title: Zombi 2

Year of Release: 1979

Director: Lucio Fulci

Performance/Costume Review: I had to make the shark fighting zombie the first official entry in The Zombie Spotlight. It can be hard for a zombie to really steal a scene, let alone become a legend. In Zombi 2 viewers are treated to one of the most memorable performances in zombie movie history. A zombie, hanging out under water, comes across a unsuspecting shark. During a short lived wrestling match between the zombie and the shark blood is shed by both parties. First the zombie manages to rip off a chunk of shark meat, but then the shark evens the score by attempting to rip off the zombie's arm. The audience is left with two real questions? 1. How do I make sense of this? and 2. Does that mean the shark is now a zombie?

Dr. Lisa Addison

2008-09-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Assumed Name: Dr. Lisa Addison

Movie Title: Resident Evil

Year of Release: 2002

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Performance/Costume Review: Dr. Addison is one of those zombies you feel sorry for. Anytime a character gets turned to a zombie the viewer must make a judgment call. Did they deserve to be turned or not? In the case of Dr. Addison, the answer is no. She and her brother were attempting to expose the Umbrella Corp. when the T-Virus was leaked. Sadly, she was changed into a zombie only to be discovered by her brother. As a zombie she creates a mixed emotion of "watch out" and "that sucks". Before she can kill her brother she is put out of her misery by Alice.