Aside from the previously mentioned issues with how we are introduced to the world and characters, The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre has a few other flaws. Most notably, a lot of the runtime is eaten up by the minutiae of coordinating the event. While this lends itself to some solid character development, it also means that portions of the first half are a bit boring. Plus, not all the comedy works as intended. For example, on Halloween, some hoity-toity types come in with a VIP ticket. Said ticket is for two ringside seats, but there are three of them. While the punching up against entitled a******s is welcome, their mean barbs at the consistently put-upon Great Chorizo and his falling ill are poorly suited to the verbal banter and wrong word choices of Skull that are the humor’s bread and butter for the most part.
However, ultimately, the movie works mainly because the acting is absolutely fantastic, except for Couture, who is boring. Pasdar is shockingly funny throughout, and Sweeney is having the time of his life as the money-hungry manager. Lund’s sad-sack routine as the always miserable Captain Marvelous regularly generates several laughs. But the picture belongs to writers/actors Carey and Margetis as the titular brothers. Their chemistry is incredible, and they play off each other brilliantly. Arguably, the funniest scene is Stone having to explain to Skull that their mom is Mexican, making them half Mexican. Carey’s confusion at this honest-to-god new information to him is almost worth watching the film for all by itself. Margetis’ reluctant reveal of being indebted to the Irish mob is also damn funny.
“…the picture belongs to writers/actors Carey and Margetis…”
The fact that The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre is an action-comedy and not really a horror title might ruffle some gorehounds the wrong way. But, the action, once it kicks into gear, is very satisfying. As stated at the beginning of this review, I am not that into wrestling, so I am unsure if the writers based the characters on actual people, maybe even their alternate fighting personas. But, whether or not they did, it is clear that they and Martini have a clear appreciation for wrestling and have crafted many exciting and intense zombie action moments that prove more than worth the wait.
The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre is flawed, as the bookends don’t work, and not all the humor is that funny. Plus, it takes just a bit too long to get to the good stuff. But, thanks to a stellar cast, led by the charms of Carey and Margetis, solid action beats, and some good character development, the movie works more often than not.
"…hardcore wrestling fans will find a lot to like..."
