Range 15

Range 15 is a 2016 American post-apocalyptic zombie comedy film directed by Ross Patterson. It stars a range of well-known actors including Sean Astin, William Shatner, and Danny Trejo. The movie is an exceptional and unusual blend of military humor, action, and the living dead.

The plot kicks off in a disarmingly funny and indifferent manner. The film opens with a group of veterans waking up after a night of wild partying to discover that the unthinkable has happened - an apocalypse has hit, and the world around them is swarming with zombies. The story follows the band of military friends as they tackle this new reality where they must not only survive the harsh physical realities but also face the challenges from their chaotic past war lives and haunting memories.

Sean Astin, famous for his roles in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Rudy, portrays an infected zombie in a way that provides an unexpectedly hilarious element in the midst of the chaos. Contrasting the seriousness of the situation with a humorous approach enhances the comedy aspect of the film, giving audiences a chance to relax and enjoy the ride.

William Shatner delivers an unforgettable performance as Richard Chindler, collecting one more unique character under his belt. His character’s motivations and role in the storyline bring a thrilling twist, keeping audiences on their toes and adding a good dose of suspense to the plot.

Danny Trejo, known for his roles in films such as Machete and Desperado, impresses with his character addressal and imposition while dealing with the Shenanigans of the apocalypse. His tough exterior contrasts superbly with the comedic overtones of the movie, enhancing the entertaining narrative and delivering hilarious lines with a straight face.

This mix of much-loved actors playing against their standard type with a roll call of military veterans both in front of and behind the camera provides a unique and unusual take on the classic zombie apocalypse genre.

Range 15 clearly sets itself as distinct from other 'zom-coms' and post-apocalyptic survival dramas with its unique voice. The humor is dark, sarcastic, crude, and distinctly military. It is the kind of humor that comes from years of training, duty, and camaraderie in the face of constant danger. It thus targets a specific audience and viewer demographic.

Combined with the rib-tickling humor, the film has violent sequences, survival horror, and scenes of intense action, making it fall into the categories of comedy, action, and horror simultaneously. The visuals are gritty and raw, lending themselves to the rough-around-the-edges charm that Range 15 owns so well.

The cinematography is noteworthy, successfully capturing the post-apocalyptic scenes and the harsh realities of a zombie-infested world, while still allowing the comedy to shine through. The film also handles the themes of brotherhood, bravery, and survivor's guilt which adds an emotional layer amidst the comedic sequences.

Finally, what is truly impressive about Range 15 is its historical significance. It is the first feature-length film produced by military clothing and lifestyle brand, Ranger Up and Article 15 Clothing. This allowed the majority of the funding needed to produce the film to be raised by veterans and serving soldiers via an online crowdfunding campaign making it a true community-driven project that genuinely speaks to its audience.

All in all, Range 15 is a unique, bizarre, and outrageous blend of the comedy, action, and horror genre. The film’s balance of military humor, violence, and the harsh realities of a disastrous world creates a riveting watch, especially for those who enjoy dark humor and are looking for a refreshing and entertaining twist in the zombie film genre.