Dead Alive (1992) directed by Peter Jackson

Peter Jackon's early cult phenomenal film, Dead Alive, is about the greatest clash of comedy and horror one can find. It's worlds away from The Lord of the Rings...and that's a good thing.

I'm not taking a strike against Lord of the Rings, but it's nice to know that someone capable of such a massive production for the masses was able to make such phenomenal cult masterpiece. There are many reasons for Dead Alive's cult status. First and foremost, it's quite possibly the goriest film ever made. It's a fine example of state of the art special effects. Secondly, it's simply hilarious. Third, It's unconventional. It plays by the rules of horror and at the same time creates a somewhat innocent and positive atmosphere. All of this is consistent from the start to the bizarre finale.

Taking place in the 50's, a ratmonkey is brought from a desolate island to a zoo in New Zealand. While a young couple, Lionel and Paquita, are visiting the zoo, Lionel's obsesive, wicked mother spies on them. In the process, she gets bitten by the rat monkey. Now she's caught the dreaded ratmonkey virus

While Lionel tries to take care of his infected mother, things get worse...much worse. What seemed like his mom the day before now seems like a zombie. Through a series of funny yet gory twists, the virus has spread to a few others. Lionel tries to control them by keeping all of them in his mother's large home as well as constantly injecting them with tranquilizers. However, things fall a part for Lionel and his neighbors are become suspicious. All leads to a house party turned blood bath, a wonderfully directed special effects extravaganza. One that should be experienced.

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