Zombies vs. Strippers

Zombies vs Strippers is a 2012 horror-comedy film, directed by Alex Nicolaou, that cleverly fuses the risque nature of exotic dancer-themed humor with the blood-curdling eeriness of the living dead. This picture strides the line of exploitational cinema and tongue-in-cheek horror, pairing a staple of grindhouse films - the strip club scenario - with a contemporary pop-culture fascination for zombies.

The movie stars Circus-Szalewski, Eve Mauro, and Victoria Levine, who add their unique charm and energy to the larger-than-life roles they play. Circus-Szalewski brings a delightful eccentricity to his character, playing the part of the strip club owner with an enjoyable flair that works well in the context of the movie’s lurid and audacious themes.

Predominantly set against the backdrop of a failing strip club named 'Tough Titty,' owned by the lead character, Spider, played by Circus-Szalewski, Zombies vs. Strippers captures the struggle of the employees and patrons of this undesirable operation when they suddenly find themselves facing a zombie apocalypse. The Tough Titty, once a popular club and refuge for those on the fringes of society, finds itself in an economically uncertain position due to an increasingly disinterested customer base.

Plunging headfirst into the ludicrous, the film takes an even darker yet absurd turn when, seemingly out of nowhere, an unexpected zombie apocalypse breaks out, leaving the few remaining patrons and employees of the Tough Titty to defend their home base against the invading undead horde. What ensues is a riotous and raucous mix of over-the-top gore and slapstick humor.

Eve Mauro plays a stripper in the club, and her portrayal is effective and compelling. She bravely embraces the schlock of the film, crafting a potent cocktail of comic timing and scream-queen stature. Her character, along with her fellow performers, take the center stage in the bloody battle against the relentless zombie invasion.

Victoria Levine, another actress of the film, also delivers an impactful performance, helping to solidify the film's airing of pulpy, grindhouse-style exploitation. Levine fully embodies the inherent defiance and strength that her character requires and delivers a satisfying performance in the face of the chaotic events unfolding around her.

The film finds its strength in its unabashed embrace of the zany premise and unapologetically crude combination of elements. There are layers of black humor sewn into the fabric of the movie. An array of eclectic characters, who linger in the club, each with their intriguing quirks, further enhance the humorous foundation of the script.

As much a social commentary as it is a horror-comedy, Zombies vs Strippers constructs a surprisingly tangible world that exists on the fringes of society. The dealing with the club's marginal characters throughout the narrative provides a juxtaposition that lets the audience reflect on the typical social order and our notions of 'normalcy'. It’s a unique twist that adds a palpable thematic depth to the movie, permitting it to be more than just a simple late-night horror film.

The director, Alex Nicolaou, dives headfirst into the creative sea of grindhouse-inspired filmmake, directly acknowledging film traditions of both the horror and burlesque genres. He manages to craft a cinematic spectacle that combines low-budget thrills and social satire, making the movie an eclectic mix of the ridiculous and the frightening.

Zombies vs Strippers is the type of movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, knowing fully well the absurdity of its premise. It delivers a rib-tickling, sometimes vile, and utterly entertaining piece of pop culture and cinematic camp. It manages to balance and squeeze both humor and horror scenarios from its premise while managing to embrace its own madcap nature.

For fans of horror-comedy and B-movies, Zombies vs. Strippers offers an entertaining, albeit slightly risqué, serving of brain-eating undead and pole-dancing strippers, while cleverly blending low-brow humor and sincere character interactions. Although the film is unquestionably geared towards a niche audience with an appetite for movies outside the mainstream, it is a worthy title for anyone seeking a gory yet laugh-out-loud zombie scare-fest.