I had a chance to checkout an early peak at a new zombie short called Alice Jacobs is Dead which will get its debut at Comic Con this thursday. Being a Zombithologist has its perks my friends. This new film Alice Jacobs is dead boasts a great cast, pretty good production values and a taste of classic Romero which makes it one heck of a great film. Real shame its a short film clocking in at 22 minutes because this film directed by Alex Horwitz is begging to be made into a direct to dvd feature film. The only reason I say direct to dvd is because mainstream horror fans just dont appreciate a good classic zombie film in the making when it bites them in the ass.

In Alice Jacobs is Dead the world nearly imploded from a zombie outbreak and were it not for Dr Ben Jacobs it may very well have gone to hell in a hand bag. The drug he created allowed mankind to fight back against the Z-virus, which nearly destroyed civilization entirely. Now, in the aftermath of the crisis, he’s trying to cure the last victims of the virus... and one in particular that is very close to him. 

In the tradition of George Romero this film does not rely on lots of glitz and gloss or over the top CGI. It instead offers a fascinating story, an interesting cast of characters and a well thought out concept that is unique while still being close enough to the classic zombie tale to impress the hell out of any zombie fan. The film stars  Adrienne Barbeau who you all know has starred in such classics as The Fog, Escape From New York, Creepshow, Swamp Thing and Cannonball Run. Clearly she is much older now but i can not tell you how refreshing it was to take the zombie dynamic and apply it to an older couple who are the protagonists of the film. She stars opposite John La Zar who plays her husband in the film Dr Ben who is also behind the cure.

It was refreshing to see a film that so closely pays hommage to the classic zombie films of Romero's time and did not focus on making a film that would appeal to mainstream america. As well it was nice to see it paying hommage without trying to retread over the same water. Yes its done with the classic signs of a Romero film but it offers alot more as well. Interesting and unique characters Romero has never touched before and a story that nobody has really done yet.

This film by Alex Horwitz is a zombie film. Its not for the kids to enjoy and frankly its not for mainstream America. Its a classic zombie film reminiscent of Omega Man with a truly fun and diabolical twist that shows off the most common weakness of all and mans biggest downfall. Love. Because even in the end of the world a man still loves a woman and a woman still loves a man... at least until she is the undead... then its dinner time.

Overall a great film 8 out of 10 stars. I would love to see Alex turn this into a feature film. Oh and as a side note keep an eye out for a fantastic Romero tribute in the first 3minutes of the film. Its quite obvious while still being quite sly. For everyone attending the San Diego Comic Con... the premiere will be on July 23rd, 2009 at 1:45pm in Room 26AB. 

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