14 March 2017

DVD Review - Ibiza Undead (2016)




The zombie horror genre is stronger than ever. It may be repetitive and certain rules and conventions must apply. But without the conventions of zombie bites or transfusing blood, there would be no zombie movie would there? Let’s face it: ‘The Walking Dead’ has now peaked way beyond the years of Rocky Balboa. ‘Dawn of the Dead’ is now dated like a wrinkled date. But ‘Ibiza Undead’ delivers something with a fresh tangy kick. It delivers what the audience crave for which is ‘new blood,’ literally and metaphorically. This film will truly garner a cult zombie flick status, the reason being the audience have already come to the conclusion to compare it to ‘Shaun of the Dead’ meets ‘The Inbetweeners.’ With a combination like that it already has good marketing value of horror and comedy lovers to view this film when it is released to the public in March 2017.

Ibiza Undead’ is so witty with great one-liners from the writing and directing talent of Andy Edwards that he will truly evolve to the high status of other talented horror filmmakers such as James Wan and John Carpenter providing he plays his cards wisely. The plot is simple yet captivating to the audience as it does what it is expected to do which is to simply entertain. A group of young people head to Ibiza for the holiday of a lifetime - all the sun, sea and sex they can handle. If only there wasn't a zombie outbreak getting in the way. The fact that they already know the outbreak is occurring but still endure with the plans to be kids and enjoy life regardless of danger, can be applicable to the viewers. For instance, why do we still go on holiday knowing the risks of terrorism may strike? If you stay home snuggled up, you’ll never live your life to the max.

Although most of the film's budget appears to be on the huge array of zombie extras with excellent make up, it is the ensemble characters of Andy Edwards that truly stands out. Alex, Az and Big Jim head to Ibiza for their first lad’s holiday. Regrettably, tagging along with them is Alex’s ex-girlfriend Ellie played by Downton Abbey’s Cara Theobold. Arriving in Ibiza, the lads dump Ellie with Alex's sister Liz, played by the stunning (and she knows it) Emily Atack. Liz and her friend Zara head to San Antonio to start their week of depravity. Soon they end up in a San Antonio club; run by local gangster Karl, where the main attractions as in the so-called “dancers” aren't alive… they’re dead! Thanks to Jim's wild antics, the zombies escape and all hell breaks loose with the entire party island soon battling the undead.

The adventures that unravel for our protagonist’s safety will be full of tension, gore and lots of guts. Emily Atack embraces her stereotype of being the girl that everyone fancies brilliantly. It is very much like her character that we all know and love her for as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in ‘The Inbetweeners.’ If you’re lucky enough to get to second base with her, consider yourself blessed. Will McKenzie got close, but the question is who will get lucky with her in ‘Ibiza Undead?’ Adding onto what zombie quirky consequences will occur from this sexual escapade? Overall ‘Ibiza Undead’ must be watched as the key objective from Andy Edwards is not to bore the audience but to entertain. It’s gory, gutsy and good quality film making.

★★★★★| Aly Lalji

Horror, Comedy | UK, 2016 | 15 | 20th March 2017 (UK) |Soda Pictures | Dir.Andy Edwards | Cara Theobold, Emily Atack, Algina Lipskis, Alex Zane, Jordan Coulson, Ed Kear, Homer Todiwala
This review was originally posted as part of 2016 Frightfest coverage at our main site The Peoples Movies

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