Starring - E.J. Curse (Bones, Rules of Engagement), Geno Andrews (Dr. Alien, Martial Law), and Sam Mann (Roller Blade, Roller Blade Warriors: Taken By Force)
Release Date - 1985
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "They came from the grave to rock n' rave and misbehave"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
When I was in middle and high school I found myself obsessed with 80s horror. Films from the 80s have always been a favorite of mine but when I found myself falling in love with horror I couldn't get enough 80s horror. There are so many classic horror films from this long since passed decade like Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Hellraiser, Fright Night, The Lost Boys, and so many more. However, there are other films that never make fans top ten lists but still deserve a watch. One such film is the wildly outrageous horror comedy Hard Rock Zombies from 1985. This is one I had seen many many years ago but didn't remember much about the film. I knew it involved a hair metal band, Hitler, and zombies but that was it. When Vinegar Syndrome announced that the film was getting a blu release I was ready to revisit it. I ordered a copy and took advantage of my recent Vin Syn partner label marathon to finally check out the release.
The film follows a band that has a gig in a small town. However, the townspeople do not like rock music and sets out to prevent them from performing. However, Hitler has escaped Germany many decades prior and has been living secretly in this town along with his sex-craved dwarves and killer nazis. When the band is murdered they come back from the grave to seek revenge against everyone in town.
Hard Rock Zombies is far from perfect and the story is all over the place but it's a film that should not be slept on. It's an unpredictable and chaotic film that does stand out but the flaws do stop it from becoming something truly memorable. The acting in this one matches the film. It's far from perfect but the cast is a lot of fun. The awkward dialogue and over-dramatic emotions makes for some genuinely funny moments regardless if they were intentional. Some of the cast does stick out from others but nothing that will stay with you once the film ends. The story for this one is all over the place which is the film's best and worst quality. I really enjoyed the chaotic story with Hitler, zombies, and hair metal but with so much going on it does lose its impact. I would have loved a more zombie focused film with more backstory on Hitler. However, the way the film is put together it mostly just throws everything at the viewer in hopes of something sticking. It is a bit of an overload at times and the lack of detail makes it difficult to love. It's fun for a cheap viewing especially with some beer but that's the extent of it. Finally, the film has some questionable make-up effects but the lack of gore is my biggest complaint. The film's flaws could have been overlooked if we had some enjoyable effects. Overall, Hard Rock Zombies may be a polarizing film but if you dig cheap 80s horror with a lot of cheese then this one is for you. I highly recommend it.
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