Following the great Zombie war (which I’m sure will be chronicled in World War Z), people now live in gated communities outside the “wild zone,” an area where Zombies roam free. Thanks to a ZomCor (motto: “Better Life Through Containment”) most everyone now owns at least one collar controlled servant Zombie. Until now, everyone except the Robinson family.Young Timmy Robinson (K’Sun Ray) makes friends with Fido (Billy Connolly), who attacks the next-door neighbor, and things spiral out of control. Carrie-Anne Moss and Dylan Baker (who must be the second go-to guy under William H. Macy for the atypical 1950’s man) co-star as Helen and Bill Robinson.
While Shaun of the Dead played with the conventions of the Zombie film genre, Fido plays against them. Set in an alternative 1950’s suburban American, the story walks the line between parody/satire and black comedy. Hilariously funny and filled with some fresh ideas, Fido is sure to receive a huge reception when it hits theaters nationwide.
Fido makes me wonder how far they can go with the horror comedy genre. When Shaun of the Dead hit, I thought that was it - there could be no others. But I am most certainly wrong.
/Film Rating: 7 out of 10
Running Time: 91 min.
Release Date: March 9th, 2007 (limited)
Distributors: Lionsgate
Starring: Henry Czerny, Carrie-Anne Moss, Tim Blake Nelson, Billy Connolly, Dylan Baker
Directed by: Andrew Currie
January 22nd, 2007 at 4:05 pm
I loved this little film and I agree that the genre, when done correctly, can make a few more offerings.
March 17th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
I saw this movie in Vancouver last night - it opened in Canada yesterday. It was everything this reviewer said it was. I encourage you to go out and see it this weekend. We need to support original, interesting films like this one in order to ensure that more such films get made in the future.
April 14th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I saw this film last night at a rep cinema in Waterloo and was blown away by the stylish retro feel and its black humour. Night of the Living Dead meets Leave It To Beaver. The undercurrent of paranoia in the town of Willard gently mocks Patriot Act era America. Kudos to all involved in this stellar production.
June 16th, 2008 at 7:35 am
If ever there was a zombie movie for the whole family…this is it. While it may get a bit gory, it produces far less chills than laughs and smiles of knowing appreciation for the skewering of 1950’s white bread culture. Especially delightful is the institutional acceptance and promotion of intolerance through fear and peer acceptance. Lassie meets Cujo meets Beaver meets Bud the Chud.