Kevin Tenney’s Brain Dead Review

There is something to be said about seeing a movie with more than just the general public. When you can share an experience with about 1000 like minded individuals, it is one that will really sweep you off your feet. Most times. Before the film there was a brief introduction with the immediately likeable Kevin Tenney who advised us (the audience) to either score the film a full 5, or choke on our popcorn.

“Kevin Tenney’s Brain Dead” starts out with an interview with the male lead. We immediately discover that he is in prison, and is being interviewed by a reporter. After some initial setup she asks him to retell his tale for the camera. This sets the movie in motion as we witness a meteorite flying through outerspace which then cuts to a pair of old men fishing. I am pretty sure I knew what was coming next. The meteor hits one of the old men and turns him into a brain-eating zombie who immediately tears into his friend, ripping his upper body apart in the frenzy to get to his brain. Soon after we meet the rest of the characters, which include an old Evangelical Minister and one of his “flock” (who happens to be more than adequately hot), a pair of also hot women on a team-camping exercise, and our hero handcuffed to a much more violent felon. Events occur that bring all these people together in one small cabin and they must fight for survival as they are picked off one by one by the alien brain-eaters.

Let me get something off my chest right away. I didn’t think this movie was a “good” movie in the traditional sense. The dialogue was HORRIFIC. Some of the worst delivery and awkwardly phrased words I may have ever heard coming out of any actors mouth. By that token I should say that this movie sucked.

But it didn’t.

The editing was tight in this film and the pacing was near-perfect. There was was never a dull moment on screen. The effects were phenomenal and the gore was relentless. There was one shot that was maybe 2 seconds long, but it was more than enough to wrench gasps of shock and squeals of discomfort from every audience member. I think I did a combination of the gasps and squeal. Maybe the gueals. Or the sqasps. Either way. The other highlight was the male lead himself. His roguish charm throughout the film helped keep it from taking itself too seriously. Typically if one character was doing nothing but comic remarks throughout a film, I would get tired of it, but it just worked so well coming out of this character that I just didn’t mind the unlikeliness of it one bit.

Tenney got onstage afterwards and talked about the making of this film and it was a real treat to hear him talk. He is an engaging speaker and I would recommend you go and hear him speak if you can. I had hoped to stay for the second feature, “Trailer Park of Terror” but unfortunately had to split in a bit of a hurry soon after due to a minor medical emergency, but I hope to make that up to you over the course of the remaining 5 days.

Now if you’ll excuse me there is a nagging tickle at the back of my throat.