Mimesis [Blu-ray]

Clever Homage to a Classic
It's refreshing to see a film that knows the true meaning of the word "homage" -- something done or given in acknowledgment or consideration of the worth of another -- rather than "rip off," which is something we see far too often in films, especially horror movies.

Douglas Schulze's Mimesis is a clever homage to George Romero's Night of the Living Dead on one hand and a modern "thrill killer" movie on the other. After an opening scare starring Courtney Gaines, the audience is taken to a horror convention where Alphonze Betz (Sid Haig) rails against the media blaming horror movies for real life horrors. In the audience are Russell (Taylor Piedmonte) and his unlikely pal Duane (Allen Maldonado).

Russell is a horror fan while Duane is more keen on meeting some of the hotties at the con including Judith (Lauren Mae Shafer), a goth girl who invites the boys to a party later that night. Thinking he'll get some, Duane convinces Russell to drive out to the spooky...

interesting premise runs out of gas
Mimesis is an interesting little take on the zombie film that manages to rise above its low budget roots, even if just barely. Two buddies, Russell and Duane are attending a horror convention when they and several other fans are given an invitation to an exclusive after show party at a secluded farmhouse. Duane is all in while Russell whines about having to work but ultimately goes along for the ride. The drinks flow and the two friends, along with five other fans pass out, apparently drugged. When they awake they find they are dressed as characters from the original Night of the Living Dead film. And not only that, but they are being stalked by zombies who quickly take a bite out of Russell when he and Karen wake up in a cemetery in a recreation of the opening scene of the George Romero classic.

Each of the fans shares the first name of the actor who played the role in the film. Duane ends up playing the role of Ben which was played by Duane Jones. Karl is dressed...

YOU DON'T LIKE ROLE PLAY?
I love Sid Haig and zombie movies. I thought this would be a great film, but...

The best way to watch this film is not to read the title or any review. The title lets you know that the whole zombie scene is a set up. The film would have been better served if the title and box description didn't give so much away and if the film stayed in character longer. In my opinion this would have been a better film if they would have stolen "Cabin in the Woods" scenario where the zombies would be real under the control of people. The film seemed to end just when it was getting started.

Note: Never eat someone else's bloody body organs raw as there is a bevy of blood borne pathogens out there.

Parental Guide: F-bombs. No sex or nudity. $9.96 Walmart

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