(2000)
Reviewed By-Paul Cooke Director : Brian Clement
Scripted : Brian Clement & Nick Sheehan Starring : Claire Westby , Paul Pedrosa , Teresa Simon , Cam Pipes , Chelsey Arentsen , Ken Peters & Clifton MitchellMost low budget amateur productions pretty much copy the theme of a recognised movie or borrow heavily from a genre but with ‘Meat Market’ the distinguishing features take a step forward in actually telling a story within the Zombie cosmos. One that began with George Romero’s ‘Night Of The Living Dead’ and continued through to his own ‘Day Of The Dead’. What Director Brian Clement has done is to take his love of these movies and introduced his own interpretational slant on the Zombie tale. A gore filled infusion that involves two ex-security agents who know the truth behind the dead coming back to life !. Clement serves up a fans eye view production that provides a very pleasant excursion down the living dead time line , updating many of the components essential in making the viewing experience worth sticking with , as opposed to just another fast forward reel of gore highlights.
The makeup is very well done and puts to shame many of the more well known horror outings from down the years. Although the blood and gore are at a minimum it still feels like you have sat through a true blood fest as clothing and sets are dowsed in the red stuff , cleverly leaving an impression upon the viewers subconscious. The intended effect being one of letting the imagination fill in those sensory blanks.
Where the film scores high on interest points is in the characterisation. From the opening moments when lead characters Argenta and Shahrokh calmly walk into frame to effortlessly deal with several lurking with intent Zombies the slick production values are evident. Their designer coolness as living dead dispatchers is as poetic as the timeless air noir of lighting up a cigarette just for the pure hell of it. Throw in the obligatory corporation doctor experimenting on the dead to produce a vaccine to save the human race , add a nice curve ball with the introduction of three female vampires with super weapons and then go totally left of field by introducing a Mexican wrestler by the name of El Diablo. These welcome elements of gleeful weirdness afford you the don’t stop now free card of opportunity to step into the mind of a Director , who like most of us who love these ‘B’ movie outings , has a fond and knowledgeable passion for all things fantastical.
There are two versions of ‘Meat Market’ , the play it straight direct rental and the full on Uncut version which contains scenes of a hard core nature. The frankly unnecessary adult situations really do little more than kowtow to the pandering needs of a minority audience , offering little more than a hand full stiff opposition for true horror fans. There really is little to get excited about with the introduction of a balaclava wearing soldier , who has been bitten by a Zombie , is introduced purely to slap his tackle into a different meat market. His stand to attention scene never permits him to remove the said woolly garment , leaving the audience with the very likely feeling that his upstanding performance was one of protected anonymity. The film essentially does not need to rely upon such inserts beyond the amusing notion that for one male participant his small role was ironically the biggest part in the flick !.
The close proximity Zombie fight sequences are handled extremely well and look very glossy in the full frame lens. A good use of night lighting , along with requisite fog emergence highlights the appearing living dead as they amble menacingly into shot. This rewardingly shot screen capture is highlighted with a particularly well visualised ambiance , enhanced by an accompanying soundtrack that integrates its vibrant mix suitably amongst a nicely gauged array of gunfire , sounding out with realistic accoutrement. Amongst the visual entertainment is an above average script that delivers a balanced harmony amongst the actors , who cope well with what they are given and even manage to pull off some humerous dialogue. Listen out for the moment when Shahrokh gets to ask one of the Vamps about her hand held artillery with ,‘Where’d you get those !?’ , to receive the simplistically snappy response of ,‘Sent away !’.
Early in the film there is a confusing and messy establishing sequence involving police officers and their spouses which ends in a double shower scene of carnage , one that that seems not only convoluted but quite unnecessary as it slows proceedings down. This comes after such a right in your face opening five minutes that grabs the attention and only hinders proceedings. Zombie goodness kick starts once more as the story hooks up with Argenta and Shahrokh , soldiers of fortune in a world gone dead bad , as they come to terms with their mutually beneficial alliance for self preservation.
The overall experience of such a shoestring production is a rewarding one , one that is clearly made by fans for fans and successfully accomplishes what it sets out to do. Its blueprint amongst the blood red script is in the provision of a very competent excursion into the world of Zombie lore , one that combines entertainment wrapped up in a wryly conceived undead package.
You may not be able to find this flick down at your local mall so go the extra mile to checkout ‘Meat Market’ where you can. Its an independent decision to ensure that such genetically modified goodness ends up in your shopping cart right next to the six pack and multi flavoured chips.
3 BITCH SLAPS
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