Poultrygeist

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

This movie starts out like only a Troma movie can, with a couple dry humping in a native burial ground that is soon going to become the home to the next franchise location of American Chicken Bunker. The couple, Arbie and Wendy, profess their love for each other and take it from dry humping to the next level. About that time zombie arms reach up from the ground and get in on the action, unbeknownst to either Arbie or Wendy. But they are interrupted by a creepy axe-wielding stranger, who is then killed by the zombie arms after scaring the couple away. Months pass and Arbie discovers that the fast food joint has been built over the burial ground, Wendy has gone off to college and become a full blown lesbian, and decides to get a job at American Chicken Bunker to spite her. Bad move since the spirits of the Indians and the Chickens are working together to take over the world, staring with the restaurant. Before you know it they are all knee deep in zombies and chicken monsters.

Back in the days of VHS tapes and local video stores you could always count on Troma for a good time. Whether it was Toxic or the Class of Nukem’ High you were always guaranteed to be entertained. One day I looked around and realized that Troma wasn’t making the kinds of movies that I used to love and were releasing other people’s films. While some of those were good, it just wasn’t the same. But after watching Poultrygeist I can happily say that Troma is back! The story is way over the top, manic and funny as hell. Well I suppose if you have a delicate constitution and aren’t down for lots of blood, poop, and other such bodily fluids you might not think this one was funny. But I love this shit (pun intended) and had a blast watching the movie. The movie is never slow or boring and keeps hitting you with one joke after the other in an effort to keep topping itself. If that weren’t enough there are musical numbers that are also freaking hilarious. I also thought I should mention the incredible amount of female nudity, you know just in case you like that sort of thing.

The special effects in Poultrygeist are very basic simple effects that work. Does the collapsing “Jared” look real, no he doesn’t. But then he is spraying crap out of his butt and collapsing in on himself after laying an egg, so realism isn’t really an issue. It isn’t always the case but here it does apply. You can make up for lack of quality sometimes with quantity of effects. This has to be the most ambitious effects driven independent movie I’ve seen maybe ever. Of course after reading that I realize I sound like I’m ripping on the effects and I don’t mean to. While they aren’t top notch, they still are pretty damn good and like I said plentiful.

Included on the Poultrygeist DVD are a couple of special features, including a few deleted scenes and a 3rd DVD that allows you to sing along with the musical numbers Karaoke style! But hands down the best special feature is the making of documentary called Poultry in Motion. This documentary is almost as long as the actual movie, clocking in at 80 minutes. It is a no holds barred look at making the movie and pulls no punches. Given how many challenges the movie had to overcome I’m surprised it turned out so damn good. Watch the movie and then watch the documentary, which is the best on independent filmmaking that I’ve ever seen.

Go get your copy of Poultrygeist now. Trust me you won’t be disappointed. All the major online retailers should have it by now. Check out Troma’s website for more details. www.troma.com/

3 ½ out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer