Bong of the Dead

The 2011 film Bong of the Dead is a charmingly-scandalous and even uproarious take on the ever-popular zombie genre. The movie is packed with ludicrous moments and absurd humor that combine to deliver a memorable viewing experience. Director Thomas Newman brilliantly layers the plot with a mixture of black comedy and post-apocalyptic disaster that integrates impressive special effects and makeup.

The movie stars Simone Bailly, Mark Sweatman, Jy Harris, and Barry Nerling who convincingly fulfill their roles in this unique cinematic treat that plays with conventions. Their performance is above-par and remarkable, considering the outrageousness they have to pull off in this zom-com export from Canada.

"Bong of the Dead" veers off the beaten path of the typical zombie movie. It tells the story of two recreational marijuana users, Edwin and Tommy, embodied brilliantly by Simone Bailly and Jy Harris respectively. They are the unexpected survivors of a zombie apocalypse caused by the crashing of a meteor. They are presented as two clueless stoners who are tethered to their habits despite the end-of-days situation.

Edwin and Tommy discover a way to capitalize on this disaster in an unusual way. The two protagonists figure out that their prime indulgence, marijuana, when fertilized with the brain remnants of the zombies, grows exponentially faster and is far more potent. Consequently, their life in a zombie-ridden world turns into a pursuit for the weed they love so dearly, instigating a series of absurd yet hilarious events. With this bizarre venture, they decide to drive across the deserted lands teeming with zombies to harvest more 'fertilizer' for their botanical project.

Mark Sweatman portrays a zombie slayer, who comes off more as a reluctant hero, and Barry Nerling embodies a massive and menacing zombie, like the alpha of the pack. The characters are gradually elevated from their stoner caricatures to pseudo-heroes in a zombified world.

"Bong of the Dead" doesn’t take itself too seriously. The gore factor is visually striking, with the film boasting of budget-friendly but well-done special effects. Despite being a low-budget film, it showcases a considerable amount of attention to detail especially in its costume design and makeup for the undead, adding to the film's overall aesthetics.

What sets apart "Bong of the Dead" from other zombie movies is the sharp, witty dialogues coupled with the unconventional plot, which is presented in a manner that is at once funny and entertaining. It's an absurd mixture of zombie action, stoner comedy, and road trip adventure, with a unique style that maintains the interest of the viewer. Director Newman leverages the sharp contrast between the horrific zombie apocalypse scenario and the protagonists' laid-back outlook, producing several laugh-out-loud moments throughout the film.

"Bong of the Dead", is infused with quite a few clever pop-culture references and tropes, which will naturally be appreciated by the horror, and specifically, zombie movie aficionados. The soundtrack adds another layer of eccentricity to the movie, contributing to an immersive and peculiar cinematic experience. The score, just like the film, is a curious blend of horror, comedy, and unpredictability.

There is a good amount of gore, as expected from a zombie film, which only amplifies the humor. It also interestingly flips the concept of fear in a zombie apocalypse, instead focusing on the nonsensical and the ridiculous within such terrifying situations.

Overall, Bong of the Dead is an unexpectedly entertaining ride; it's an eccentric low-budget film that pairs horror and comedy in a way that's boldly unconventional. It’s an inviting option for individuals looking for something different within the zombie genre, and for those who appreciate a dash of audacious humor intermixed with their horror. Expect a whirlwind of ludicrous plot trajectories, absurd comedy, unexpected heroism and a whole lot of zombies in this unique take on a popular genre.