Ninja Zombie

Ninja Zombie, directed by Mark Bessenger and starring John Beaton Hill, Michael Correll, and Kelly Anchors, is a thrilling horror-action movie that was released in 1992. With its captivating blend of horror, martial arts, and other elements from different genres, the film offers a unique and memorable cinematic experience that contributes to the richness of early 90's independent movies.

Ninja Zombie revolves around the life of Jack Chase (played by John Beaton Hill), who is an everyday guy with a not-so-everyday life. Jack is a martial artist who, despite being in great shape and mentally strong, finds his life spiraling out of control due to unforeseen circumstances. This chaos is further heightened when his best friend, Orlan Sands (Michael Correll), becomes enwrapped in an ancient feud with the sinister cult leader, Spithrachne (Terry Dunn).

The budding tension instigates the main conflict of the plot, as Orlan decides to use a forbidden dark spell to bring Jack back from the dead. This decision is powered by the hope that his resurrected friend — now a Ninja Zombie — can be a formidable force against the impending doom that Spithrachne and his ominous cult threaten. Kelly Anchors fills in the role of Peggy Sands, Orlan’s wife who gets tangled in this chaotic web and is forced to face its horror-stricken repercussions.

The movie seamlessly integrates martial arts into a zombie horror narrative, offering action-packed sequences and nerve-wracking suspense. Our protagonist, though undead, exhibits extraordinary Ninja skills and remains in control of his mental faculties, which adds a unique angle to your typical zombie character. Unlike common undead characters who are portrayed as brain-dead monsters with insatiable hunger for human flesh, the Ninja Zombie Jack still has his intelligence, his prevalent sense of loyalty to his best friend, and, of course, his ninja agility and combat skills, making him a force to reckon with.

Moreover, the movie tackles themes of friendship, abiding loyalty, revenge, and the struggle with dark forces in an interesting manner, further echoing the complexities of human relationships and moral dilemmas, even in the face of supernatural horror.

Ninja Zombie creatively exploits its low-budget aesthetics by blending campy horror elements with over-the-top martial arts sequences. The special effects, makeup, and choreography in the movie give it a distinctive charm that is intrinsic to B-movies of this era.

In terms of performance, John Beaton Hill delivers a credible act as Jack, exhibiting convincing martial arts skills and effectively portraying the trauma of his horrific transformation. Michael Correll, on the other hand, accurately depicts the desperate friend who goes to unimaginable lengths to save those he cares about, while Kelly Anchors brings a sense of vulnerability and courage to her role.

On a technical level, the movie features traditional 90s cinematography with its raw nuances, successfully evoking the eerie atmosphere necessary for its horror narrative. Additionally, the soundtrack amplifies the tension and integrates well with the visual elements of the film. The direction by Mark Bessenger remains distinctive as he cleverly manouvers through the cross-genre narrative, keeping the audience engaged despite the unconventional premise.

In conclusion, Ninja Zombie is a unique blend of horror and martial arts from the early 90s. It may not be a mainstream blockbuster with state-of-the-art special effects, but its campy charm, unique premise, and tension-packed narrative make it a must-watch for enthusiasts who appreciate B-movies and unconventional cross-genre films.