Disney, 2020
Starring Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Trevor Tordjman, Kylee Russell
Directed by Paul Hoen
Music and Lyrics by various
Despite (or perhaps because of) its strange blending of horror tropes, racism parables, and High School Musical teen clichés, Z.O.M.B.I.E.S was a surprise hit in 2018. It was big enough for Disney to bring it back for a second outing in February, one of only two Disney Channel Original films to debut this year. How does the second story of the zombies and cheerleaders of Seabrook High fare? Let's begin with an animated retelling of the early years of Seabrook, learning how the settlers fought off werewolves for a moonstone that became the source of power for the town, and find out...
The Story: Addison (Donnelly) is away at cheer camp, which is now integrated with zombies and humans. Her cousin Bucky (Tordjman) intends to campaign for student president and is giving up being captain of the squad, a job Addison would love to have. On their way back from camp, Addison's concerned zombie boyfriend Zed jumps on the bus in an attempt to ask her to "Prawn," Seabrook's version of prom. The bus runs off the road, and after she gets lost in the woods, Addison swears she sees werewolves.
The werewolf kids, including the alpha female of their pack Willa (Chandler Kinney), eventually crash the school. Their discovery is already stirring up a lot of anti-monster feelings in Seabrook, to the point where the anti-zombie laws were reinstated and the zombies can't attend Prawn. Zed runs for class president against Bucky in order to be able to ask Addison to the prom. Addison, however, is intrigued by the werewolves, who are totally themselves...and the werewolves are convinced that she's the "Great Alpha," the one who'll help them regain the moonstone and their home.
The Song and Dance: I give Disney credit for attempting the racism parallels at all. Many adults, let alone teens, can likely relate to Addison's desire to "find her own pack" and Zed's to fit in at all cost, even if he sacrifices a part of himself. The werewolves are also fun to watch as they (sometimes intentionally) stir things up; Kinney and online star Baby Ariel are having the most fun as the head of the group who doesn't appreciate Addison invading her pack and the pack's toughest member. The 60's-inspired sets and costumes remain colorful and fun. I love the colorful exterior of the high school, which intentionally resembles the exterior of a vintage 60's mall.
Favorite Number: Once again, the chorus numbers stand out. "We Got This" begins the film with a burst of energy as Addison and Zed explain the changes in Seabrook and their lives since the last movie. The werewolves have the killer "We Own the Night" as they sing of how much they love who they are and being a part of their pack. Addison joins the werewolves as they make her over to look more like them and "Call to the Wild." "Flesh & Bone" is the big number for all of the kids as they remind their parents that they're all walking, talking, living and breathing...and aren't as different as they look on the surface.
What I Don't Like: This is a rehash of the first film, with Zed joining a school institution to impress Addison and Addison trying to figure out who she is with the "dangerous cool monster" kids. Everyone automatically forgets what they learned in the first film the moment the werewolves appear on the scene, and it's really annoying. The makeup and special effects show their TV origins rather badly, too. Once again, they don't look like zombies or werewolves. They look like normal kids in bad green makeup and wearing slightly ragged fur-trimmed jackets.
The Big Finale: This seems to have divided audiences in February. Some wildly praised the movie's leads and willingness to tackle sensitive topics; others called it out for being a rehash and the dull music. I still think I'm the wrong audience for these movies. If you're more of a horror fan than me or have kids who are in the appropriate 8 to 14 age range, you may find a lot more in the campy tales of Seabrook High than I did.
Home Media: As the most recent movie I've reviewed, this is very easily found on DVD and streaming, including free on Disney Plus with a subscription.
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