PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Delivering gore and laughs, Ryan Nagata’s Amigo Undead is a horror movie mess, but that might be for the best. ¿Comprende?
Amigo Undead is a relatively unnoticed horror film. Sure, there’s a chance you’ll hear about it somewhere, but it probably won’t leap out and grab you. That’s because, for one thing, it’s neither totally unique nor totally different. Look at the title, for example. It sounds like just another zombie movie, yet it’s memorable enough that you might say, “Hmm, maybe I’ll watch that some day.” That’s exactly the kind of movie Amigo Undead is.
The quirky thing is, this isn’t exactly a Mexican zombie movie. It’s more of a movie about a Mexican immigrant who happens to become a zombie. Oh, and there are conflicting brothers in the story, named Norm (Steve Agee) and Kevin Ostrowski (Randall Park). What’s the conflict? Norm is a quintessential loser-type, basically living in the middle of nowhere. Kevin, on the other hand, is a relatively successful guy, who at least has a career of some kind (although it’s far from ideal).
Much of the movie centers around their strained relationship, including the fact that Kevin is adopted, and how Norm is constantly a source of embarrassment. Of course, you can’t have such a story without an Indian burial ground and a random curse occurring, which summons a Mexican guy named Jovan (Ed Galvez) from the dead, after recently choking to death on a hot dog, then accidentally getting shot by a redneck named Wayne (Michael McCafferty).
There’s also an old, perverted religious nut named Old Man Schumer (David Clennon) and a complete moron named Ian (Josh Fadem). For me, one funny aspect is Norm’s paradise piece of land. It’s basically nothing in the middle of nowhere, yet he treats it like it’s his future. This reminds me of things that are too good to be true. Another interpretation? Norm realizes he has it bad, but he’s no longer going to dwell on his rotten life, and just try to enjoy it while it lasts.
A Somewhat Memorable Monster
It should be noted that Ed Galvez does a decent job depicting the film’s monster. Unlike the standard zombie, Jovan does not transform others into flesh-eaters who join him in a horde. For the most part, the horror is just him. Given that level of pressure, you have to give someone extra credit. While it’s not the most legendary horror performance, it definitely helps carry the film, and is one of its main strengths.
Is “Amigo Undead” Worth Unearthing?
I would say it’s just alright, but a solid alright. There are enough comedy moments to keep one’s attention, although the genre self-awareness may be layered on a bit thick. Steve Agee is perhaps the most memorable presence here, especially if you recall him from The Sarah Silverman Program. Still, Randall Park does an adequate job, as well. His character is transformed by crazy, zany and horrible circumstances, and he brings the whole thing down to earth a bit — which is what a straight man is supposed to do. Good job!
What are your thoughts? Does Amigo Undead sound worthwhile, or should it be renamed Amigo Unwatched?
