Attack of the Moon Zombies

Attack of the Moon Zombies is a uniquely entertaining 2011 sci-fi thriller that harkens back to the vintage era of 60s and 70s B-movie galore. The film, directed by Christopher R. Mihm, features a cast led by Michael Cook, Shannon McDonough, and Michael G. Kaiser, that brings to life an extraterrestrial horror adventure dripping with originality and mesmerizingly atmospheric settings.

The film thrusts us into 1977, set on the Jackson Lunar Base. This cosmic environment and the era itself fosters a sense of nostalgia for the golden years of campy science-fiction cinema, while increasing the dramatic tension and fear factor of the living nightmare to come. This isolated lunar base, manned by a group of industrious, blue-collar workers, is on the brink of being suspiciously decommissioned.

We follow CAPCOM mission coordinator, Dr. Vincent Edwards (Michael Cook), who is nearing his retirement, moon botanist Dr. Jenny Jennings (Shannon McDonough), and maintenance man, Skip Lawson (Michael G. Kaiser), amongst other notable base inhabitants. There’s a marked sense of normalcy despite their unusual surroundings, which serves to enhance the impending doom and chaos that is about to unroll.

Their routine existence is disrupted when a routine expedition returns with an interesting alien plant life that quickly becomes the object of intense study. Unbeknownst to the lunar team, this innocently intriguing plant harbors a biological hazard, causing the entire base to become a breeding ground for reanimated, zombie-like creatures. These moon zombies bring horror to another level, causing panic, paranoia, and a desperate call to action within the crew members.

The appeal of Attack of the Moon Zombies is steeped in its appreciation and replication of the vintage B-movie aesthetic, complete with melodramatic dialogue, theatrical acting, and classic special effects. It splendidly recaptures the retro style of the 60s' science fiction/horror sub-genre films and catapults it onto a modern audience.

Michael Cook’s portrayal of Dr. Vincent Edwards is commendable. He delivers an authentic performance that resonates with the ambiance of classic heroism tinged with a sense of imminent peril. Shannon McDonough as Dr. Jenny Jennings injects a strong, female presence that aids in increasing the emotional complexity of the narrative. Michael G. Kaiser’s portrayal of Skip Lawson handles both humor and intensity well, essentially rewarding audiences with the relatable, down-to-earth character of a typical American worker plunged into an extraordinary crisis.

Christopher R. Mihm's direction highlights his knowledge of classic B-movie tropes. He doesn't shy away from experimenting with things that might seem cheesy or over the top by today's standards and instead, emphasizes them, making the movie witty, self-aware, and reminiscent of forgotten classics. This approach enables him to utilize elements of mystery, suspense, and a surprising amount of character development to serve the film's plot.

Mihm uses attention-drawing monochrome visuals and innovative practical effects to accentuate the eerie lunar landscape and the threatening figure of the zombies themselves, much to the audience's pleasure. His unique, low-cost approach to depicting the space environment and the brain-thirsty moon monsters is something that sets this film apart, portraying an excellent example of a successful, low-budget horror film.

While the movie might seem humorous in retrospect due to its purposive old-school vibe and occasional shlocky execution, this definitely does not degrade the film's thrill and horror factor. Its tension-filled scenes, sound editing, dramatic performances, and ambiguous character arcs keep the audience at the edge of their seats, invoking a sense of dread and uncertainty throughout.

Attack of the Moon Zombies serves more than just a nostalgic tribute to campy horror sci-fi films of the past. It engages audiences with its clever blend of horror and comedy, layered characters, and a uniquely engaging storyline. It’s a must-watch if you are a cult classic horror film aficionado or someone who appreciates a creatively spun tale that pushes creative boundaries and delivers hearty chuckles as efficiently as spine chills.