Deadlands 2: Trapped review

[zombob]

Deadlands 2: Trapped (2008) A.K.A.: Deadlands: Trapped USA (alternative title) The Escape USA (working title) Trapped USA (working title) Director: Gary Ugarek Writer: Gary Ugarek Genre: Horror / Thriller / Zombies Runtime: 85 minutes Tagline: Getting out alive is never as easy as it seems. / In one night, one city will fight against an enemy that never stops, shows no emotion, no remorse, and is already... DEAD! Cast: Jim Krut ... Dr. Robert Mitchell Joseph D. Durbin ... Sean Chris L. Clark ... Chris Josh Davidson ... Jack Ashley Young ... Casey Corrine Brush ... Shelly Alexa Davidson ... Little Girl Chris O'Brocki ... Chuck Lee Tanner ... Male Police Officer Megan Atwood ... Female Police Officer Eric Shawn Thomas ... Tim - Gun Store Owner Chris Kiros ... Joseph Greg Rice ... Gun Store Customer Dave Cooperman ... Dr. David Robbins A.J. Faraj ... IT Associate Plot Synopsis: The United States Government has developed a highly effective nerve gas that is unleashed upon the residents of a small Maryland City. During the top secret exercise, the infected citizens begin to convert each resident into a sort of living zombie, until the remaining town residents, 6 total strangers, are trapped inside a movie theater cineplex. ================================================= BEWARE POSSIBLE SPOILERS!! A sequel that got better, not worse! CAST: For a low budget indie, I found that cast very competent. It was nice to see a small film where people can actually act. While I thought the male leads (Sean & Chris) were trying a bit too hard while expressing anger at the situation they were in, they were very good nonetheless. And while to the general public, he may be "another actor,' props to Mr. Ugarek for the casting coup of getting the actor that was "the helicopter zombie" from Goerge Romero's zombie classic "Dawn of the Dead." I believe that zombie fandom is feeling warm and fuzzy inside. PRODUCTION: This is where I was overwhelmingly surprised. The original "Deadlands" was "an average, passable entry into the zombie movie genre." "Deadlands 2: Trapped" clearly shows that Mr. Ugarek has improved his skills by leaps and bounds. The script is tighter, fast paced and well written. There is enough character development to make these people in this move more than steroetypical cardboard cutouts. The soundtrack was creepy and unsettling. There is some really great and graphic blood and gore this time around as well. To me, this movie had a very enjoyable "grindhouse" feel to it. By the way, the original budget for "Deadlands" was a tad shy of $11,000.00. "Deadlands 2: Trapped," less than $6,000.00. A higher quality product for less money. Impressive. ZOMBIES: These are "runner" zombies, first seen in Zak Snyder's remake of Romero's "Dawn of the Dead." They don't seem very threatening at first while shambling around looking for "food." But, when "food" has been found, look out! These relentless hunters don't stop! Also, I enjoyed the variety of zombies present. Usually, in low / no budget zombie fare, the zombies consist of white face with raccoon eyes, and all wearing white shirts. CAUSE: Governmental secret bio-weapon experiment. NUDITY: A few breasts make an appearance. FINAL: Deadlands 2: Trapped is a very pleasant surprise as an entry into the zombie movie genre. Mr. Ugarek has improved leaps and bounds as a film maker. I found myself actually concerned about the characters and their plight. With references to Romero's classic zombie films and Argento & Bava's Demons, it's a fun, enjoyable romp into zombieland. RATING: 4 out of 5

[AcesandEights]

I skipped the middle section to avoid spoilers, but I'm glad another person seemed to rate the film fairly high. I'll definitely subscribe to the htread so I can find it easily to compare notes after I get the DVD. Very cool.

[DjfunkmasterG]

No real spoilers. I also posted this a few weeks ago in my thread under ZOMBIE-NATIOn review, which is where I originally found it posted.

[zombob]

I try not to post any "real" spoilers in any review, but have found that no matter how careful I am, somebody screams "SPOILER!" at me, so I just write "possible spoilers" to cover myself. I had one guy tear me a new one, even though I DID post the spoiler warning. Go figure!

[DjfunkmasterG]

I don't think you will ever have that hassle here, as long as you post spoiler warning. People here aren't as ANAL as sone websites. However, I understand you write reviews for many. Gary

[zombiekiller]

I try not to post any "real" spoilers in any review, but have found that no matter how careful I am, somebody screams "SPOILER!" at me, so I just write "possible spoilers" to cover myself. I had one guy tear me a new one, even though I DID post the spoiler warning. Go figure! are both 1 and 2 out on dvd yet. might see about buying them. been wanting to get part 1 for a while.

[AcesandEights]

No real spoilers. I also posted this a few weeks ago in my thread under ZOMBIE-NATIOn review, which is where I originally found it posted. Ohhhhhh, then I did read the full review already. It was a good read, if I recall correctly. Very nice!

[DjfunkmasterG]

are both 1 and 2 out on dvd yet. might see about buying them. been wanting to get part 1 for a while. Part 1 yes, part 2, which is an IN NAME ONLY SEQUEL, doesn't hit shelves until October 2009