Deadlands2Trapped

Deadlands 2: Trapped (2008)

When the government unleashes an experimental drug on a small town to measure it usefulness as a weapon it results in most of the residents becoming flesh-eating zombies. The military cuts off the town from the outside world to contain the outbreak, but that is little consolation for the survivors trapped with the undead. The movie focuses on a group of survivors that are held up in a movie theater with the undead surrounding them. Two employees, three friends, and a little girl who saw her family die are all trapped in the theater. Their situation is made worse when the arrogant man in charge of the operation calls them to basically taunt them, letting them know it will all be over in the morning. They take this as a sign they need to get out of town and this prompts a disastrous escape attempt.

I can honestly say after years of watching independent low budget zombie movies that this is hands down the best serious attempt that I’ve seen. Now I’ve watched some low budget zombie comedies that were fun, but when it comes to really trying to make a serious zombie film on a low budget Deadlands 2 is at the top of the list. The story is tight and the setting perfect. This makes for a movie that is entertaining and never boring or slow. It takes the viewer thru the story and ends on an ambiguous, but satisfying note. I also really enjoyed how the story plays out, including some surprises with which characters make it thru the night. And by keeping the setting and cast small it allows for the movie to really get into the story on it’s limited budget without every being hindered by it. I’ve seen way too many low budget zombie movies that try and tell an epic story with no money. This results in movies that at best come off silly or at worst are just a mess. Director Gary Ugarek does an excellent job avoiding these pitfalls and making a killer movie! Even the cast does a good job for a low budget movie. There are a few awkward moments and some lines don’t come off perfectly, but for the most part the performances are decent. More importantly they never distract the audience from the on screen action.

The zombies look good but aren’t too elaborate. But then they are all fresh so they wouldn’t be too messed up, would they? The gore is well done on the limited budget and I enjoyed the kills. The camera work and lighting are top notch and rise above what you would normally expect in a low budget movie. This helps to build some atmosphere and provides a couple decent jump scares. It also makes the movie that much more interesting to watch, even when there isn’t that much action on screen.

I’m a big fan of independent movies and the people who put their money and time on the line to make them. So when I get to see a movie that delivers the goods like Deadlands 2: Trapped I get all warm and fuzzy inside. Really filmmaker/director/writer Gary Ugarek has outdone himself this time around with a wonderful little zombie movie that as fans we need to support. He hasn’t gotten a distribution deal yet, but keep checking their website at http://www.playingwithdeadthings.com/index.html for news about that. Or you can keep up with our news section here at the site for news as well. When it comes out I highly recommend everyone check it out.

Also check out our written interview with Gary Ugarek here.

3 ½ out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer