Zombob's Zombie News and Reviews

Hood of the Living Dead (2005)

Director: Eduardo Quiroz & Jose Quiroz

Writers: Eduardo Quiroz & Jose Quiroz

Synopsis: Ricky is a promising young scientist whose experimental formula regenerates dying cells. Ever since his parents died, Ricky's been trying hard to balance work while taking care of his younger brother Jermaine. When Jermaine is killed in a violent drive-by shooting, Ricky does the unthinkable to bring him back to life. His brother is now a blood-thirsty zombie wreaking carnage all over the hood. Now it's up to Ricky's colleague Scott and the boys in the hood to stop Jermaine from killing and turning the entire hood into zombies.

sigh...at least it was better than 'Zombiez'...

1) ACTING: Pretty much, it was hit and miss. Some of the actors were okay, and some were pretty rough. The lead character needed to be played by someone with more acting experience. He would've have been okay as a supporting character, but as the lead (who was also a scientist) he wasn't convincing.

2) PRODUCTION: This was filmed on whatever is the next film machine up from a camcorder. Some dark scenes not lit really well. So-so soundtrack, no heavy metal music, but some hip-hop songs here and there. I enjoyed the "stunt phone." It seemed whenever a cell phone needed to be dropped, it was always the same kind that hit the ground, even though we would see different cell phones with different characters at the time of use.

3) ZOMBIES: Snyder runners all the way. Nothing new here, except zombie-Jermaine remains loyal to his brother when he is attacked by another zombie. "Love transcends all bounderies"...?


4) SPECIAL EFFECTS: Mad scientists with Mountain Dew in a beaker just doesn't cut it. The gore wasn't too bad, but reaching UNDER people shirts to gut them should only be used once or twice. Some of the budget should be spent on at least one good gut tearing scene. (IT IS a zombie movie, for pete's sake!) Having victims being attacked and seeing the aftermath of the victims just laying there with blood on them doesn't work either. (or, at least, not in abundance) And God forbid, I realize that white t-shirts show off the best blood, but when the majority of the cast is wearing them and then dying, it becomes noticable. (It was like the "red shirts" from 'Star Trek.')


5) THE CAUSE: Man made experimental formula, trying to revitalize dying cells.



FINAL: Overall, a pretty typical lousy zombie movie. I realize that zombie movies are a plentiful bunch lately, but there should be no excuse for mediocrity. 


Rating 2 out of 5.