Dead Snow

Let’s do it Norwegian style tonight. Now that the fanboys have settled down a bit I feel like I can review this movie with a clear and unbiased approach. Seriously, when this flick first came out the fandom and hype surrounding this film was so high it was like Christ returned from the grave to play basketball for the Miami Heat.

So, if you haven’t heard of Dead Snow you must live in a cave full of crazy. From an American standpoint there have only been a few select major foreign horror standouts in the last couple years: Rec, Let The Right One In, and this film. It is heady company considering the first two are absolutely frightening films, while Dead Snow takes the horror comedy route.

So, is it as good as the thousands of horror fanboys say it is? Well, almost. This film is essentially Europe’s answer to Evil Dead. Dead Snow is just as entertaining, crazy, and chocked full of “OH! MY! GOD!” moments as the original material.

Nazi Zombies are the most terrifying invention ever, if you live in Europe. Think about. Horror is often a reflection of what a society is most afraid of. In American cinema you have a film like the Exorcist, which plays heavily into a widely held belief system within the country. For Europe, it only makes sense that horror films feature those dirty Nazi bastards. Now make them zombies. You have just created awesomesauce in the form of horror.

The plot involves a group of young people off to enjoy a weekend in a cabin whilst playing in Norway’s main export – snow. Nazi zombies show up and 1943 breaks out all over again.

Camp films have it rough, having to blend well-tread elements and clichés along with gore and horror. Director Tommy Wirkola accomplishes this feat with what seems like ease. The film is never dull, drawing you in from the get go and never letting go until the bitter and bloody end.

The homages come in a variety of fashion but whether they come via dialogue, shirts, characters, or scenes, each is handled with careful and proper attention to detail. Horror nerds rejoice!

And of course, the gorehounds will not be disappointed – blood is everywhere. One legit gripe was some of the CGI blood was cheesy when compared to the great practical effects in use throughout the film.

While I personally love the film, as someone the film was intended for (horror camp enthusiasts). Outside of that specific group, I am not sure how well it would be received. It is entertaining, but if you aren’t in on all the inside jokes and homages you may not have much a reason to watch.

Thank you Norway for your beautiful women and Nazi zombies.

Snore Factor: ZZ

IMDB 2009

Trailer: