Synopsis
A group of veterans wake up after a night of partying to find out that the zombie apocalypse has spread across the United States. Together, they must fight their way across the country in order to find a cure for the outbreak and restore freedom before it’s too late. (Via IMDB.com)
The toughest part of writing any review is finding a stepping off point. So, where can I begin with this? Well, you should knowing going in that this movie, its actors and the writing that comes with all of it absolutely doesn’t take itself seriously. From beginning to end, you’re just on a thrill ride of epic proportions with veterans who simply want to have fun and do it for their fellow soldiers/brothers/sisters. You can tell from the acting style, the dialogue delivery and certain comedic moments that the idea was make people laugh, even if it’s dick-in-doll type of jokes. The actual story is placed a firm second in the pecking order.
And guess what? There isn’t anything wrong with that whatsoever. There are plenty of good movies out there that take the same structure and path, as well as generally ending up successful. There isn’t a clever marketing plan that diverts from that structure, nor does the film try to cover up what it is. In short, if you know what you’re getting into before you start the film, then you won’t be disappointed with the results.
Anyway, let’s get started.
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The first act of the film starts with a brief recap of what landed Mat Best (played by Mat Best) and his crew of military misfits in the clinker. A huge party, a gas tank and a bow and arrow equaled out to a visit to a cell and from lawyer Richard Chindler (William Shatner). Of course, what appears to be another open and shut case of rowdy people drinking too much and making bad decisions, turns out to be a night of Mat and crew safely locked away as the zombie apocalypse blows the hell out of the country and its people. And they have to fight their way through it.
While the humor starts kicking on all vulgar cylinders in act one, it at least establishes Mat Best and his band of misfits quickly. We get that they’re veterans, they’re party animals that live loose, but stick together. We also get that there is no act to low that they can commit in order to have a good time (see the gas tank incident for example). The first act sets the tone for the rest of the film and almost dares act two and three to outperform it. Surprisingly, act two and three are certainly up for the challenge.
Act two begins with the crew finding solid transportation, new companions in Heather (Jessie Wiseman) and Eliza (Mindy Robinson), as well finding their way to a military complex, where they are ordered to deliver a package to Range 15. The package includes a cure for the current zombification of the country — sorta. Along the way in act two they go through wonderful moments such as Vincent Vargas having sex with a zombie and finding the cure for zombies through the means of alcohol mixtures. In addition, we also get to meet hotshot Gene Vandenham (Ross Patterson), who is made up of pure self-indulgence and self-centeredness (he is quite funny once you get used to his outlandishness), but can backup his words with actions. Vandenham makes multiple appearances through each act and every appearance outperforms the previous. Patterson delivers some of the best lines in the movie.
Anyway, act two is just a huge reason to show violence over and over again as the group moves towards their end goal of saving the world. Outside of the above, there’s not much to comment on, as action is the driving point of the second act, though one could point out that each action act raises the bar for the next to outperform. And outperforming is the name of the game in act three.
The third act shifts into fifth gear with outrageous amounts of violence and lewdness. The third act has our group finally make it to Range 15 to deliver the goods. While they end up delivering the cure, they still leave room for more fighting. This includes the appearance of zombie Danny Trejo fighting a naked guy. Lots of zombies getting killed and the group finding their truthful, inner-selves. Honestly, what else do you want from the film? The third act concludes in the most awkward, yet appropriate way for the movie to end. I won’t say much about the ending of the last act, as I don’t want to ruin those surprises for you, but I will say wait for the twist…or pull out. I can’t believe I just typed that, oh well.
Overall, Range 15 is outrageous, stupid fun that doesn’t take its task too seriously. It was built for a certain type of audience, probably the military type that will get some of the film’s inside humor (had to google a few things along the way with this one), so it’s not necessarily made for the typical moviegoers out there. Having said that, it does follow a three-act structure properly, delivers on its promises from its trailer and has a good B-list cast to support a legitimate movie status. While it’s not going to capture the drama of The Walking Dead, the horror/isolation of the Dawn of the Dead or the humor of Shaun of the Dead, Range 15 will certainly satisfy those looking for a ridiculously violent zombie flick with nasty humor.
There’s an audience for that out there.
