Dead Snow 2009

Director: Tommy Wirkola
Starring: Jeppe Laursen, Lasse Valdal, Vergar Hoel

I've seen this Norwegian title around but avoided it thus far because, well, because of the lame title and the Nazi's. Oh yes these are no ordinary zombies. As I had nothing better to do on a grey afternoon I thought I'd give it a spin. I'm so glad that I did.

A group of medical students head into the mountains for Easter break. The snowy setting is glorious and though (as the characters acknowledge) the 'cabin in the woods' set up is a horror movie staple, it certainly makes a refreshing change from the backwoods of America.

On the first night at the cabin an older guy shows up and, after slagging off the students' tea making ability, he starts spouting off about Nazis and an evil presence on the mountain. As unlikely as this visit seems Bjorn Sundquist does a great job of sidestepping the stereotype and delivers his piece in a compelling deadpan.

He's not wrong either. After lucky film geek Erland (Laursen) gets it on with one of the girls in the outhouse she gets sucked down the toilet by one of  the zombies. This is exactly why I was afraid to use outdoors facilities as a child.

It's not long until the cabin is under attack by the Nazombies.  And these are not the dimwitted shambling zombies who can be fooled by a closed door. These mothers are organised, determined and they move FAST.

When they surround the house and start reaching through the windows Erland gets a sticky end befitting his Braindead t-shirt. I don't want to spoil it for you, but it's awesome OTT violence and decent effects make it a joy to watch.

The remaining group split up which gives them the opportunity to be butchered in a variety of bloody ways. I mean buckets of blood. Oozing, gushing, spraying, spurting and splattering.

The film is funny throughout, really more comedy than horror, but it's slick and pacey, not to mention the great Norwegian soundtrack. The script is self aware in a friendly inclusive way which celebrates rather than sneers at the genre.

It's obvious that those involved love horror movies and this is again evident when the lads find themselves in the tool shed arming themselves just like Ash from Evil Dead II.

The film culminates with two of the cast left standing absolutely drenched in gore after a fight with the Nazi undead which includes dismemberment,  beheading,  entrails and a chainsaw. The snow is stained with claret as far as the eye can see.

No it's not a scary movie but I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it. In fact I'm ready to watch it again right now and that's why it's getting 8/10.