The last time I reviewed a Sean Cain movie, it was not pleasant. Part of the reason I was so letdown by “Jurassic City”, is that I had seen other movies he directed, and knew what he could deliver. Which brings us to his 2009 Christmas-based zombie movie, “Silent Night, Zombie Night”. Is it as fun as the title? Does it eschew zombie cliches?

The answer to that last question is, no, not really, but the plot works anyways, even if it is on autopilot-

Just before Christmas, everyone in Los Angeles is turning into zombies. LAPD Officer Frank (Jack Forcinito), who has recently discovered that his partner, Nash (Andy Hooper), is having an affair with Sarah (Nadine Stenovich), Frank’s wife, is forced to hunker down with them in their house. After running low on supplies, Frank leaves to get more, while Nash and Sarah stay behind. Frank runs into some survivors, and gets an idea of how to get rid of all the zombies at once. Does his plan work? Are our leads on good terms at the end?

 

Now, on with the program, flaws first. I applaud Cain’s efforts to give his audience strong characters, which will keep them engaged and warrant repeat viewings, but even though this is only 80 minutes long, it does still drag in the middle act. There is a point, once Frank has met the first survivor, Paul Irwin (played by Vernon Wells), where he and Paul sit around discussing the nature of what is happening. At the same time, Nash and Sarah are trying to figure out their future, presuming they live, and what it means for Frank and Nash’s partnership on the force. Let me start off by saying that I think all the actors did a good job throughout, it is just that this section, while only fifteen or twenty minutes long, offers no visual thrills or zombie chills at all. I like these characters, but this lacks forward momentum and energy, making it a bit boring.

 

However, there is one important thing that happens- the “Things I’d Kill For Game”- which does come back around in the last act. The drama works, especially with the kickass ending, which I won’t spoil here. The lead characters are engaging, and their plight feels real. The story is typical zombie survival, but it has one brilliant addition to it- that of two different zombies, complete with goofy explanation as to why they exist. First, we have the slow, shambling, Romero-esque zombies, the “Roamers”. These are easy to run past, but they are numerous, causing them to be a threat through sheer numbers. Then there are the “Speedies”, which are quick moving, ravenous undead creatures, reminiscent of those in “28 Days Later”. They pose the more immediate and instant threats, but there are fewer of them. The inclusion of both types of zombies is interesting, and it adds a layer of tension, as one can’t be sure on first glance which kind of creature they are seeing.

 

Jim Wright’s cinematography is good, even if it is occasionally washed out, thanks to the bright sun. Yes, Christmas movie and sun! This takes place in Los Angeles, so a lot of traditional holiday iconography is forgone, some of it askewed, and our leads wear t-shirts and tank tops, etc., throughout. Some reviews have cited this as a negative, but I disagree with that sentiment. It is a look at a Christmas that happens in a warm climate, which adds a distinctive feel to everything. Plus, 80% of the movie is indoors, and decorations and trees and lights abound in the apartments and houses.

 

This movie’s best asset is the editing, also by writer/ director Sean Cain. A nice momentum is established early on, which helps the zombie attacks feel urgent and frenzied, but never muddled. This excitement never yields… when the zombies are onscreen (as previously discussed). The action never feels repetitive, in part thanks to some ingenious editing choices, such as the attack sequence which is cut to an epic, rock instrumental version of “Carol of the Bells”.

 

The score is continually as awesome as just described. Mario Salvucci reimagined some classic Christmas tunes in a neat way, and then the score written for the movie is also very pulsing and well utilized. An early killing spree of zombies on the streets is badass, and a lot of that has to do with the way the music swells and gets crazy as Frank goes nuts on some zombies.
 

“Silent Night, Zombie Night” is too melodramatic at times, and it gets bogged down in its second act. But it is energetic, fun, and delivers the gory goods. While not a holiday classic, definitely a holiday b-movie classic!