The Zombie Diaries

"The Zombie Diaries" takes one theme from George A Romero and carries it to its logical conclusion: the real "bad guys" are not the zombies but the "normal" humans - and, as you might expect, that's what's so disturbing about it. But that doesn't make it a bad movie, just a movie that's a bit hard to watch. You don't realize, however, just how bad the "bad guys" really are till almost the end. Nor do you catch a common thread uniting at least two of the three plot lines until the end. The movie is a bit disjointed because of the three distinct plot lines - the three "Diaries" presented as three separate videos in the process of being made. And, as several reviewers have already pointed out, there is a definite "Blair Witch Project" feel to it; but that's only a flaw if you hated "The Blair Witch Project." I didn't; I thought that movie was little short of great. As for the acting in "The Zombie Diaries," it was first rate - because it was believable. I'm willing to bet that if someone who knew absolutely nothing about horror movies or zombies or the "making a video" format, this hypothetical person (let's say from another planet) would absolutely believe these three "diaries" were real-life events being played out. Because the actors are acting exactly how real people encountering these events would act. One final note: if you love lots of blood and gore, this is not for you. I've never before seen so little blood and gore in a zombie movie. But, believe me, it's just as scary as any zombie movie I've ever seen. And a lot more disturbing.

The Zombie Diaries is basically Blair Witch but with zombies instead of... well, nothing. That sentence alone will probably already tell you if you'll like it or not.It's not a bad film; it's the story of three groups, all with video cameras, recording their experiences during a zombie outbreak in Great Britain. The three seperate stories all co-mingle at the end. The problem is it has 3 HUGE flaws:1: There really isn't any reason for these people to be recording all this. They are literally recording themselves about 80% or more of the time with very little explanation as to why or, indeed, how since they don't seem to have extra film, electricity or batteries. There's really only three times in the film I could see people actually filming the events happening. It gets ridiculous when they record themselves having day to day conversations or when they are supposed to be sneaking through dangerous buildings.2: The zombies are a sideline at best. They rarely show up and they are very much the "lurking threat". This isn't really a problem, any good zombie film is about the people, not the undead (with the exception of the excellent Return of the Living Dead) but the camerawork makes the living dead seem strangely mythical in nature; as if they were never really there. Plus, zombie makeup apparently stops at the neck, there's more then a few zombies with very decayed facial features only to have silky smooth Ivory soap hands.3: The director. What? How is the director the one of the biggest flaws? Well, he and another member of the production crew apparently have been making multiple false user names and spamming message boards with how great the film is. Normally, big deal, but when you create converstaions between multiple fake indidviduals and viciously attack anyone who doesn't like the movie, you're doing WAY more harm then good. Go look up Justin-97 at IMDB to see what I mean.Overall, the film was an excellent first try with some intriguing ideas and, with a notable exception, some really good acting and I'd certainly look out for any follow up but I can't say I could recommend it.

The British outbreak and effects of a mysterious pandemic, as captured on 3 different camcorders, by at least 3 operators, reveals the horrific details. As usual, the zombies aren't the human survivor's only threat; after all, humans are really the most accomplished killers on earth - much worse than those pesky ol' zombies.The most realistic zombie film I've seen (as of 4/11), "Zombie Diaries" is roughly a blend of Romero's "Diary of the Dead" and "The Blair Witch Project." More believable than the former, but not quite as convincing as the latter, this is a very effective, low budget zombie thriller.The actors improvise throughout, and operate the cameras, most of the time, to create a natural, matter-of-fact feel, that works well. However, if 'herky-jerky" handheld camerawork upsets you, this film will make you hurl!Not lots of gore, but the zombies look believable and the horror is plentiful. Plus, the excellent ambient noise soundtrack helps intensify, and sustain an appropriate sense of dread and impending doom, from beginning to end.My only complaint is that the editing in the 3 chapter structure of the movie, made keeping track of the many characters, difficult. But while distracting, it didn't completely ruin the unsettling effect of the film, and once I caught on, my confusion eased. Later viewings revealed the brilliance of this under-appreciated addition to the deliciously bloated, "flesh-eating zombie" genre.If you decide to watch "Zombie Diaries," for the first time, I suggest paying real close attention to the actors names and faces, writing down the character's names and taking additional notes, if you need to, or just turning out the lights, as well as your mind, and letting the horror engulf you.By the way, it should be easy to find this one for a couple of bucks, or less, so if you like zombies, hunt down a used copy and sample it's tasty terrors.Note: the 4 stars are a genre rating. I'm not comparing this movie to the ground breaking greats in film history.One more thing (added 11/09/11): after reading several of the other customer reviews, the 1 star reviews seem to reflect disappointment that "Zombie Diaries" wasn't what they were expecting. True, it isn't an action packed mainstream horror movie and it does require the viewer to pay close attention to everything that's going on, to get it, but if you're up for a more thoughtful extension of the Romero zombie film themes, check this one out.

This movie surprised me. Nice addition to my zombie collection.

The Walking Dead comics are all about the awful things people do to each other during a zombie apocalypse. This movie is no different. Take the worst of The Walking Dead comic (think Michonne and The Governor) and you'll have The Zombie Diaries. Low production, high value.

Pasable.

pas le meilleur film de zombies mais à classer deuxième ou troisième ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Had quite a few dvd's from Zoverstocks now and it's an excellent way to purchase some of the older dvd's and its also recycling as they are ex rental. Dont let that put you off though as the quality of the films is like new.I have purchased ex rental from other locations before as I like to recycle but none have the same quality as this company. I'm so pleased I found them and will continue to be a repeat customer.

Film intéressant mais la suite un peu mou et c’est bien en langue française