Connect with us

News

TADFF Review: ‘The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale’ is a Delightful Departure

Published

on

The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale

South Korea has proven to be a goldmine of genre film offerings. Between films like Train to Busan and I Saw the Devil, they’ve consistently delivered intense, dramatic, heavy-hitting films that just rip your heart from your chest. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’re not going to find it in The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale

What you will find is a quirky zombie film laced with off-kilter characters, hilarious comedy, and a new shift in direction for the ever-cinematically-present zombie virus. Directed by Lee Min-jae, The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale follows a rather dysfunctional yet productive — if not dishonest — family who runs a gas station/garage on the outskirts of Poongsan. Thanks to an experimental insulin that — when tested on human subjects — has rather adverse effects, the family finds a fresh new zombie on their doorstep and discover that its bite actually has restorative de-aging side effects. Soon, the men in town catch wind of this unconventional boost in virility and line up to “cash in” on this rare opportunity. 

The zombified human test subject (Jung Ga-ram) and Hye-gul (Lee Soo-kyung), the daughter of the family, strike up a sweet little love story that is perfectly woven in with the humor of the film. Every encounter is softened with a comedic flush to show that the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has all the signs of puppy love without being suffocatingly heavy-handed. 

The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale is positively charming. Each of the characters have a wealth of personality; Ji-won Uhm in particular plays her strong-willed and very pregnant role with deadpan delivery, and it’s an absolute delight to watch.

There are several sight gags throughout the film that have a great payoff (including one of my personal favorites — the flying side kick — and a perfect little reference to Train to Busan), and the comedic timing is perfection. The situational absurdity combined with the family’s antics make the film — overall — gloriously fun and wildly entertaining. 

While there is plenty of zombie violence, there’s never too much carnage. It makes for a really easy watch for even the most hesitant horror viewer. It’s also a nice light meal of a movie; while the zombie genre has deep roots in sociological and cultural commentary, The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale makes its points about class and societal divisions without getting too bogged down in the minutiae. It never feels like it’s preaching a message, it just wants to have fun. 

Not only is The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale a wildly charming and deliciously entertaining film, but it’s beautifully shot. Thanks to Lee Min-jae’s excellent direction and the stellar cinematography by Cho Hyoung-rae, the film is blessed with some gorgeously framed, perfectly lit, occasionally-in-slow-motion shots that breathe fresh air into what many consider to be a tired subgenre. There are moments that soar across the screen with beautiful dramatic flair, while others line up a shot in just the right way to land a hit of humor. 

At 1hr 52min, the run time can feel a little long. That said, that’s not an outrageous amount of time — especially for Korean cinema — and it does pass with ease. The pacing is so consistent throughout that nothing feels like it’s dragging. A dramatic turn in the third act keeps the action moving along and helps to ensure the story is fresh while indulging in some classic zombie tropes. 

The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale is a lighthearted and cheeky addition to the oeuvre of zombie films, and one that definitely deserves attention. It throws fresh meat to the lore of the undead that’s light enough to be easily digestible, but keeps enough focus to make a damn fine film. It may be Lee Min-jae’s first feature, but I’m definitely buying what he’s selling.  

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

Published

on

Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

Published

on

Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

Published

on

Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

Embed Gif with Clickable Title