Tokyo Zombie (2005)

While training to fulfill their dreams of being jujitsu champions, Fujio (Tadanobu Asano) and Mitsuo (Shô Aikawa) work in a fire extinguisher factory. But when a mob of zombies suddenly invade Tokyo, they'll have to employ their limited fighting skills to battle the undead. They soon join with other zombie fighters to try to reclaim the city. Directed by Sakichi Sato, this Japanese zombie-movie satire is based on the manga by Yusaku Hanakuma.

This flick is one of those where you want it to be good, but it fails it's source material, and never develops a voice of its own. It's zany and all over the place - and not in the good way. In the right hands, this could be something. But this ain't it. Watch Wild Zero or Biozombie instead; both are infinitely superior.

Don't believe the hype. The back of the case describes it as a "Japanese Shaun of the Dead". It's not even close. The first 30 minutes are entertaining with some funny jokes, but then it slows down considerably. Then shortly after, the movie takes a major plot turn and the tone of the movie changes all together. I won't spoil it by giving details, but the second half of the movie is not only not at all funny, but tediously boring. If you're looking for a humerous zombie movie, other than the obvious Shaun of the Dead, try Dead and Breakfast or Undead instead. This one is not worth your time.


**/*****

2/5 Stars