Ninjas vs. Zombies

Ninjas vs. Zombies is a 2008 independent film parodying the science fiction, horror, zombie and ninja genres. The rough cut of the film coined the 'bootleg' premiere, was screened on October 31, 2008, and November 1, 2008 in Leesburg, VA at the historic Tally Ho Theatre.[1][2] The film was written and directed by Justin Timpane.

Ninjas vs. Zombies
Still from fight scene in Ninjas vs. Zombies
Directed byJustin Timpane
Written byJustin Timpane
StarringCory Eskridge Okouchi
Daniel Ross
Dan Guy
Carla Okouchi
PJ Megaw
Daniel Mascarello
Melissa McConnell
Tara Moore
Release date
  • October 31, 2008 (2008-10-31)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Story

The film revolves around seven friends, 3 of which are magically granted the use of ninja powers to fight back against hordes of zombies, and their evil leader Eric. The press kit for the film describes the premise as follows:

"Seven friends, struggling with late 20s, early 30s life, find themselves in terrifying danger when a long dead loved one is magically resurrected and starts devouring souls. To make matters worse, three of them have been granted the power of the ninja, and now must lead the fight against a power they cannot hope to vanquish. If they fail, the undead will overrun their little town, and maybe the world."[3]

The script is filled with references to other genre favorites, including but not limited to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Lost", "Jurassic Park", "Angel", "Ghostbusters", "Chasing Amy", "Batman Returns", "The Incredibles", "Return of the Jedi", "Star Trek First Contact", "Army Of Darkness", "Dawn of the Dead", "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", "Pulp Fiction", "Dirty Harry", and more.

The closing credits thank "Joss Whedon (Who Doesn't Know We Exist)".

Soundtrack

The film features an eponymous theme song written and performed by Nick Bognar and Michael Roth. The song is also included on Bognar's 2009 album Our Mouths Are Open.

Critical reception
  • The production has been widely anticipated within the horror film community, due in part to its combination of two popular genres—zombies and ninjas. In a comment typifying the appeal of the hybrid, BD Horror News noted, "There are ninjas, and there are zombies, what more do you need?"[2][4][5]
  • In February 2009, the film garnered an "Award of Merit: Feature Film" at "The Indie Fest".[6][7]
  • Another horror genre publication, "Fatally Yours," urged its readers to see the film, asking: "What? Do we need to send the zombie army to drag you there?"[2] The same publication described the film as "a homegrown indy filmed right here in Northern VA. Part Evil Dead, part Clerks, part Buffy, part Bourne Identity, with some Harry Potter, a twist of vermouth and a lime chaser - uh, wait ... Funny, Violent, a Rollercoaster; with GOBS of local talent - and international appeal."[2]
  • On the other hand, the film has been criticized for its thematic similarity to earlier works. One critic, for example, joked that it should not be confused with 1987's singular Ninja vs. Zombie, 1997's Zombie Ninja Gangbangers, or 2004's Vampires vs. Zombies, noting, "This is, er, zombieS versus ninjaS. You know, plural?"[8]
  • Before its release, the film's third trailer received the following comments from movie reviewer Chris Beaumont. "Seriously, how can you go wrong? It has zombies and ninjas, not to mention magic and blood. This super low-budget outing looks terrible. Terribly good that is. No, the production values are not good and the acting looks even worse, but what they lack in quality and polish, they more than appear to make up for with energy and love for the genre. Looking forward to this!"[9]

Sequel

A sequel to the film, titled Ninjas vs Vampires was released in early 2011. A third film Ninjas vs Monsters released in 2013.[10]

References
  1. Horror Society: Ninjas vs. Zombies PREMIERE
  2. "Ninjas vs. Zombies to Premier Halloween Night". Fatally Yours: For the Love of Horror.
  3. "Ninja vs. Zombies Press Kit" (PDF).
  4. "'Ninjas vs Zombies' Trailer Debut!". BloodyDisgusting.com. 2008-09-05.
  5. "Ninjas vs. Zombies". Arrow in the Head.
  6. "The Indie Award of Merit 2009". Beyond The Indie Fest. 2009-02-26.
  7. "Ninjas vs Zombies Review". More Horror News. 2010-10-16.
  8. "Ninjas. Zombies. Ninjas vs. Zombies? Sure, Why Not?". Beyond Hollywood. 2008-08-29.
  9. Chris Beaumont (2008-09-12). "Movie Media: The Animation Show, An American Carol, Transporter 3, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Bitch Slap, City of Ember, Ninjas vs. Zombies". Newstex (available through the Lexis News database).
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2070759/
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