Director: Milko Davis with Thomas Martwick
Cast: Andy Haman, Raquel Pennington, Ruselis Aumeen Perry
Production Company: Cyclopsdome Productions
Runtime: 82 minutes
Dinosaurs and zombies. It’s surprising we haven’t seen this combination more often! It’s genre-bending, and leads to a fun ride. From the director of Tsunambee: The Wrath Cometh (2015) comes a new kind of biological terror: The Jurassic Dead (2017).
In the movie, a twisted scientist (Cooper Elliott) gains control of a secret military base hidden deep under the desert. He plans to unleash a biological threat that could destroy all life on earth. Five mercenaries are dispatched to eliminate the threat, which includes dinosaurs and zombies…
The movie delivers dino-action within the first few minutes, even before the opening credits roll. The Tyrannosaurus Rex looks really good, and is mostly the product of physical effects. Digital effects also play a big part in the movie, especially during the more destructive moments.
There are some popular culture references made in this film. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), The Hobbit, Godzilla, and even Duke Nukem are all mentioned at some point. Expect to see possible homages to Star Wars (1977), The Terminator (1984) and Day of the Dead (1985) too.
Funny moments and amusing dialogue are lightly peppered throughout the movie. The Jurassic Dead doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is more intent on dispensing a good time. Characters like Spivey are there solely to provide for your ongoing amusement.
In many ways, the movie reminded me a lot more of Aliens (1986) than it did Jurassic Park (1993). There’s a good mix of military and civilian characters, a lot of action in a mostly abandoned base, and an angry creature on the loose.
Be sure to stick around for an animated sequence that opens the end credits. There’s also a bonus scene thrown in around this time as well. Stuart Gordon receives a special thanks in the credits, so it’s safe to say the filmmakers are probably fans of Re-Animator (1985).
The movie definitely has the same feel as an action-oriented video game. The bunker in the movie could easily be the main location of a game. The Jurassic Dead is entertaining and has something for fans of both horror and science fiction.
– John Migliore
For more information on the film, check out the links below…
Indie Horror Online 