Fantasia '18 Film Review - Anna & The Apocolopse

The first zombie musical at Christmas time was the goal set upon by John McPhail with Anna and the Apocalypse. The director had one stern rule: There would be no zombies singing in the film. With the premise, goal and rule firmly in place McPhail set off to create a pleasureful ride that has its cast singing at both the high and low points of their characters are mixed in with a good dose of humor, some groan-worthy quips and just enough gore to remind the viewer that they are watching a zombie movie and not an episode of Glee.

Anna (Ella Hunt) has done her best not to disappoint her janitor father Tony (Mark Benton) since her mother's death. But she has chosen to take a gap year after high school before heading to Uni. Her best friend John (Malcolm Cummings) is faithfully by her side hoping that Anna will see that he is boyfriend material over her current crush/hate Nick (Ben Wiggins). Meanwhile, school newspaper American transfer student Steph (Sarah Swine) is constantly battling soon to be principal Mr. Savage (Paul Kayne) who also delights in belittling Tony.

Things get messy on the night of the school play when a contagion begins to turn residents of the small Scottish town into Zombies. The kids choose their weapons from whatever is handy in order to battle their way though the Zombie horde in an attempt to make it to safety.

Roddy Heart and Tommy Reilly craft some catchy sons to back the production. They are uplifting and poignant capturing the sentiment that could easily be on the mind of a group of high school seniors.  Standing out is a solo number set to choreography reminiscent of Diamonds are a Girls best friend authored by Anna's best friend Lisa (Marli Sue) that is a sultry R rated ode to Santa.

Anna and The Apocalypse is an old fashioned toe tapper musical. The ensemble cast do not set a foot wrong. The villain is not who you would expect in an up-tempo musical experience that features enough  memorable killings to illicit that rush reaction from the audience.

*** Out of 4

Anna and The Apocalypse | John McPhail | UK/USA | 2018 | 92 Minutes.

Tags: Zombies, Christmas, Musical, Scotland, Bowling Alley, School Play, Baseball Bat, Candy Cane.