PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Years ago I reviewed Jonathan Straiton’s Night of Something Strange and I have been anxiously awaiting his follow up Johnny Z ever since. I finally got to check out Johnny Z recently and it didn’t disappoint.
Synopsis
Johnny Z is a horror-action feature film about a half human, half zombie named Johnny who, under the guidance of a martial arts master seeks vengeance on the evil corporation that created him.
Johnny Z was directed by Jonathan Straiton (Night of Something Strange)from a script he wrote with Ron Bonk (She Kills). The film stars Michael Merchant (Night of Something Strange), Feliz Cortes, Jason Delgado (Easter Sunday), David E. McMahon (He Never Left), Ellie Church (Harvest Lake), Trey Harrison (Night of Something Strange), and Wayne W. Johnson (Night of Something Strange).
Johnny Z is an absolute blast. The film mixes horror gore with martial arts action. The film takes place an undisclosed time after a zombie outbreak. Those who get bitten, if caught in time, can take a medicine regularly which keeps the infection at bay. Johnny is patient zero, a special zombie who could be a cure. From there the film is ball to the wall action and gore that leaves you wanting more.
I really enjoyed the cast here. Felix Cortes excels at his action scenes. He’s a force to be reckoned with. Jason Delgado’s Crisanto is a welcome source of comic relief. I haven’t seen Ellie Church in anything for awhile so it was great seeing her here and I really enjoyed her character. Micheal Merchant is great as Johnny. We don’t see his face much so it’s mainly action and body language but he does a solid job
The story is interesting as it mixes zombies, martial arts, a shadowy corporation and revenge which are all things I absolutely love in movies. I like that the story has stakes. The very world is at stake and everyone has their own reason for fighting. The finale is action packed and emotional and the final action scene is brutal. The ending leaves things wide open, so hopefully that means a sequel is coming soon.
Final Thoughts
Johnny Z is gory, brutal and action packed with some excellent comedy relief. The film leaves the story open for a lot more so hopefully we eventually get a sequel that wraps things up a bit more. Highly recommendws.
You can check out Johnny Z on Amazon Prime and Tubi.
