Sunday, August 21, 2016

Plan 9 (2015)



Nope, not Plan 9 From Outer Space. This 2015 film is a re-imagining of that one. Not a remake, really. More of an attempt to start from scratch with the ideas of the original and make a decent film while still paying homage to the affection that many viewers (and clearly the filmmakers) feel towards one of the Worst Films Ever Made.

Original.

Homage!

The premise of Plan 9 is very similar to the film it's based on. A meteor lands in the small town of Nilbog (if you get that reference, this movie is probably for you) and brings the recently dead back to life. The townsfolk have to figure out what's happening and come up with a plan to survive as the dead (and worse) attack the town.

The film is a low-budget affair, but in this case it actually serves as a selling point rather than a red flag. The actors and script give the characters a lot more magnetism and energy than your normal low-budget movie. Of peculiar note are the moments of levity and wit that are mostly provided by Mr. Lobo.



If you're not familiar with Mr. Lobo, he's a Horror Movie Host (among his many other talents/occupations). I first became aware of him as the host of a great documentary, Virginia Creepers. It's a fantastic doc about Virginia's Horror Movie Hosts throughout the years and is highly recommended for anyone interested in that tradition.




And while it's not splattered all over the film willy-nilly, there are some great moments of budget-conscious gore tossed in for decent effect.



Basically, if you like B-Movies and/or have enjoyed Plan 9 From Outer Space, this movie has some great directing, appropriate (but not cringe-worthy) performances that have fantastic timing and comedic delivery, and a bit of gore to scratch that itch as well.

You can find Plan 9 on Amazon, like I did.