Dead Snow 2: Red vs Dead
Dead Snow 2 has director Tommy Wirkola returning to the property that launched him to international recognition, his Nazi Zombie horror comedy Dead Snow, but this time Wirkola and his co-writers Stig Frode Henrikson and Vegar Hoel aim for a different take on the material. Martin (Hoel) is the only survivor from the first film and through a series of events ends up with the arm of his undead nemesis Herzog (Orajn Gamst) grafted onto his own amputated arm giving him some unexpected side effects. Meanwhile Herzog and his army of undead Nazi’s are still on the warpath and recruiting new troops along the way. Martin turns to the Zombie Squad, three young Americans (Martin Starr, Ingrid Haas and Jocelyn DeBoer) for help, but are these inexperienced zombie hunters the best choice for help?
Dead Snow 2 is a far better film than its predecessor in almost every way. Moving away from most of the traditional horror aspect of the first film, the one is a straight up action comedy that proves to be a bigger crowd pleaser. Hoel, this time around looking more like a less coordinated Jason Statham, is excellent as Martin. Henrikson is also back playing a role, though completely different than his now deceased Roy from the original, and does a admirable job. Martin Starr is great as the Zombie Squad leader Daniel, but his compatriots will divide audiences as audiences will either embrace or reject the outright goofiness of the 2 girl sidekicks. Kristoffer Joner is amazing as Martin’s sidekick, the details of which are far too good to say here.
Embracing his bigger budget, Wirkola stages the final fight sequence like its a extra fight from Braveheart. Everything is bigger and better in this sequel, with bigger laughs, tons of gore and a uniquely epic feel. (Kirk Haviland)
Screens
Saturday, October 18th, 9:30pm (SOLD OUT, RUSH ONLY), Scotiabank Theatre
