Cockneys vs Zombies [2012]

Yeah, I know, the title of this movie is quite bad. It suggests that this is another mess with zombies like many other movies that pit poor zombies against strippers, outlaws, and everybody you can think of. However, Cockneys vs Zombies is a great movie with a really Britishy vibe, especially when it comes to the comedy part. If you liked Shaun of The Dead, you will like this movie, and with so few good zombie movies coming out lately this is a perfect addition to your binge list. The acting is great, both from the youngins and old school crew, and the visuals are delightfully gory, so don’t be afraid that this is going to be another almost home-made atrocity (yes, I am talking about you Asylum). Cockneys vs Zombies also reminded me of Dead Rising: Watchtower. Starring Alan Ford whom you might know from Snatch (Brick Top) and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Harry Treadaway, a very talented young actor who has a great future in front of him, movie has a lot of crime elements and even a heist. However, this was just a small part of the flick so you will have to check out our Heist Movies tag if you’re looking for that story explicitly.  

The progress is an inevitable thing and as the old houses are being torn down to be replaced with new apartment buildings, two workers accidentally stumble upon a sealed tomb from the 17th century. At the same time, Terry and his younger brother Andy are planning a robbery along with a couple of their friends. They need the money to save a retirement home that’s about to be replaced by more new buildings. Let’s just say that strange things follow…

It’s almost funny to say that this is a zombie movie that you can watch with your parents or grandparents, but it’s true. Through all the carnage and blood there’s an odd innocence about the story and characters. This is what makes them so fucking charming and likable, especially the folks at the retirement home. The atmosphere of the movie suffered a bit because of this, with a vibe that doesn’t really push forwards but rather concentrates on current scenes. This is the price you have to pay for good character development and I was willing to pay it. Otherwise, we would be stuck with another mindless milker counting on the popularity of the genre.

Coming to us from a young director Matthias Hoene who’s got a strong background in music videos and commercials this is not surprising. Nor is the talent that he showed here, and I am certain that his next movies are going to be just awesome. In the end, Cockneys vs Zombies is a fun little flick, especially if you’re a fan of the genre. It can get a bit melodramatic at times and it’s pretty cliched but this is a zombie comedy for fuck’s sake! It’s supposed to be silly, especially when you consider the tagline that’s pretty outrageous: how would the elderly fair in a zombie apocalypse, cockney elderly…

Director: Matthias Hoene

Writer: Matthias Hoene, James Moran, Lucas Roche

Cast: Rasmus Hardiker, Harry Treadaway, Michelle Ryan, Alan Ford, Tony Gardner, Jack Doolan

Fun Facts: In the bank, when the manager asks the robbers for their forms, she names of the forms as “27B-6,” which is a reference to Brazil (1985). For example, several characters mention a “27B-6” form.

Rating:

IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1362058/