Watch Romeo and Juliet vs. The Living Dead

The 2009 release Romeo and Juliet vs. The Living Dead is a unique and creative retelling of Shakespeare's classic love story, set in a zombie-infested world. The movie stars Hannah Kauffmann, Jason Witter, and Mark Chavez in lead roles and is directed by Ryan Denmark. The movie opens with a brief prologue, where the audience learns that a virus has swept through the world, turning people into zombies. The city of Verona, where the original Romeo and Juliet story is set, is now overrun by the undead. The world has crumbled, and society has devolved into warring factions of survivors fighting for resources and survival.

The movie's plot follows the events of the original play, with the key difference being the inclusion of the zombie apocalypse. Romeo Montague (played by Jason Witter) is a member of the Montague family, who are in constant conflict with the Capulets, another group of survivors. Juliet Capulet (played by Hannah Kauffmann) is the daughter of the leader of the Capulet faction.

The Montagues and the Capulets are sworn enemies, but Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight while attending a party hosted by the Capulets. However, their love is forbidden by their families, who are at each other's throats. In the midst of this chaos, the zombie outbreak spreads rapidly, and the city becomes even more dangerous.

As the story progresses, Romeo and Juliet's love is tested by the constant threat of the undead and the ongoing feud between their families. The movie follows the key events of the original play, such as the balcony scene, the secret marriage, and the tragic ending, but with a twist that involves the zombie apocalypse.

The movie's tone fluctuates between romantic and comedic, with moments of horror and suspense sprinkled in. The characters frequently break the fourth wall and address the audience directly, adding a layer of self-awareness to the proceedings. The movie's humor is often dark, and the jokes are typically gallows humor, which might not be to everyone's taste.

The film's visual style is reminiscent of low-budget horror films from the 80s, with intentionally cheesy special effects and practical makeup effects for the zombies. The set design and costumes also reflect a post-apocalyptic aesthetic, with characters sporting leather jackets and combat boots. Despite the low production value, the movie is well-shot and well-edited, with creative editing techniques used to heighten the action scenes.

The performances by the three leads are commendable, especially given the absurdity of the premise. Hannah Kauffmann imbues Juliet with a sense of strength and determination, making her more than just a damsel in distress. Jason Witter's Romeo is charming and likable, and his chemistry with Kauffmann is palpable. Mark Chavez plays the role of Tybalt, Juliet's cousin and a member of the Capulet clan, with a manic energy that brings some levity to the proceedings.

Despite the humorous tone, the movie doesn't shy away from the tragedy of the original story. The ending is still heart-wrenching, and the film takes pains to show the emotional toll of the events on the surviving characters. The addition of the zombie apocalypse heightens the stakes and adds an extra layer of tension to the already fraught story.

Overall, Romeo and Juliet vs. The Living Dead is a unique and entertaining take on a classic story. The film's blend of romantic drama, horror, and comedy might not be for everyone, but those who enjoy offbeat movies will find much to enjoy. While the movie's production values are unmistakably low, the creative camera work, solid performances, and engaging storyline make up for it.

Romeo and Juliet vs. The Living Dead is a 2010 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.