Thursday, December 17, 2015

Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)



Number Rolled: 67
Movie Name/Year: Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)
Tagline: London ain’t big enough for the both of ‘em.
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Length: 88 minutes
Rating: NR
Production Companies: Kintop, Limelight, Molinare, Tea Shop & Film Company
Executive Producer: Andrew Boswell, Will Clarke, Simon Crowe, Matthew Joynes
Director: Matthias Hoene
Writer: Matthias Hoene, James Moran, Lucas Roche
Actors: Rasmus Hardiker, Harry Treadaway, Michelle Ryan, Jack Doolan, Georgia King, Ashley Thomas, Tony Gardner, Alan Ford, Honor Blackman, Tony Selby, Georgina Hale, Dudley Sutton, Richard Briers

Terry and Andy have learned that their grandfather’s old folk’s home is going to be demolished. In an effort to keep the place open, they decide to rob a bank. Meanwhile, construction workers working nearby uncover a sealed and ominous tomb.

Selina’s Point of View:
Cockneys vs Zombies was awesome.

Don’t’ expect something on the serious side. This film isn’t exactly World War Z (2013) or The Walking Dead (2010-). When you decide to watch this movie, expect something more along the lines of Shaun of the Dead (2004).

Of course, there were a few parts when the guns were introduced that made me think of Snatch (2000) as well.

The characters aren’t super in depth, but that doesn’t matter because the movie is so hilarious that I wound up not caring at all. It’s almost like watching how people in real life would react to the zombie apocalypse. Zombie fiction is referenced by the characters and people make stupid decisions because in times of fear most people are stupid.

None of the actors stood apart from the others for me. Not because they were bad, either. In fact, everyone played their parts so well that there’s nothing that took me out of the story. Even when I ran into familiar faces like Pussy Galore, Ms. Honor Blackman (The Upper Hand, To Walk With Lions, The Avengers)

I can’t say this is my all-time favorite zombie film… but I’ll be damned if it’s not really close.

Cat’s Point of View:
This movie was hilarious.

Harkening back to films such as Shaun of the Dead (2004), this movie didn’t take itself too seriously. For the horror enthusiast that enjoys British comedy, this film is bloody brilliant. (Yes, yes I did. I’m not sorry.)

I think if you threw that movie and Snatch (2000) in a blender – you pretty much come out with something like this flick.

As a matter of fact, one of the key cast members from Snatch appears in this film as Ray/Granddad - Alan Ford (Mission London, Strippers vs. Werewolves, Airborne). That is one well-seasoned Brit that you wouldn’t want to tangle with…at least that’s the sort of role I generally see him in. Some of the funniest quotables from this film come from his performance.

I loved the brothers Terry and Andy, played by Rasmus Hardiker (Magicians, Lecture 21, Your Highness) and Harry Treadaway (City of Ember, Albatross, The Lone Ranger). Their interaction as siblings was engaging, and set up well.

This cast is also sprinkled with quite a few alums from Doctor Who (1963-1989 & 2005-) that span both runs of the series past and present.

One in particular hails from one of my favorite ‘modern Who’ episodes – “Planet of the Dead.”  Michelle Ryan (Huge, Love's Kitchen, Cleanskin) played Lady Christina the jewel thief in that episode; and she does a bang-up job as Katy in this movie. She’s the badass cousin of Terry and Andy, and delivers a strong performance here.

Another Doctor Who alum also happens to be a member of ‘Hollywood Royalty,’ so to speak – she was a Bond Girl. Ray’s retirement home friend, Peggy, is played by none other than Honor Blackman (Color Me Kubrick, Reuniting the Rubins, I, Anna). She was Pussy Galore in the James Bond film Goldfinger (1964). There are a few neat moments in the movie that, I believe, pay a little homage to that classic role.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention ‘Mental Mickey.’ Ashley Thomas (4.3.2.1., The Estate Film, My Brother the Devil) did a fantastic job playing that hilariously psychotic character.

All in all, I loved this movie and would recommend it in a heartbeat.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 73%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 45%

Netflix’s Prediction for Selina – 5/5
Selina’s Trust-the-Dice Score5/5

Netflix’s Prediction for Cat – 3/5
Cat’s Trust-the-Dice Score4/5

The Random Rating: R

Movie Trailer: SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT WATCH THE TRAILER UNLESS YOU WANT SPOILERS


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