Fido (2007) 8/10

You know I'm really thinking about ignoring major theatrically released horror films from now on. With so many great indie flicks coming out on dvd, I almost don't even want to bother. But who am I kidding? We all know that the promise of the next Halloween or Friday is too great. Still Fido continues to prove that there is some truly talented people out there making some great films that rarely see theatrical release.

Fido is a film set in the 50's where every household has a "pet," or "slave," zombie to do their bidding. A little boy with an emotionally unavailable father befriends his zombie and eventually saves the day. When i first heard of this film i thought, finally, a film that does something new and different to the very tired and cliched zombie genre. The potential set by the treatment is indeed fulfilled but perhaps not in the way more horror fans would expect.

Instead of great gore and 50s references we get a film that in tone resembles a drive-in B movie with very witty and subtly placed cultural and social references that speak volumes of the time as well as letting us consider a zombie phenomenon a little differently. Case in point, the elderly are the most feared members of society. These have the highest potential of becoming zombies therefore they are closely watched and eventually taken out of their homes to be removed from society, thus removing the threat. What an interesting and well thought out idea. Also the pro-war and anti-feelings sentiments of the time are here in spades as well as the most important thing within a family is to not embarrass the family in front of neighbors.

Fido is a fun film with great lovable characters and plenty of intelligent social and zombie commentary. Don't expect any gore because you're not going to find it. That's not really the point here.

Gore - mild

Nudity - none

Overall - 8/10