Every so often a movie comes along in a particular genre and does things "outside the norm."
Fido is such a movie.
Yes, it's about zombies. Yes, it's about gut-munching. Yes, it's about survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
But that's where the similarities end compared to other end-of-the-world zombie flicks.
This movie is more like a cross between Pleasantville and Night of the Living Dead, with a little bit of humor thrown in there as well.
After a zombie epidemic took over most of the world, a lone scientist invented a collar to control the undead and, through the ventures of the company Zomcom, was able to transform these mindless and hungry monsters into humanity's slaves, turning them into butlers, house aids and gardeners.
Enter the Robinson family, the only family in the '50s without a zombie. However, things change when the people-pleasing mom, Helen Robinson (Carrie-Anne Moss), gets Fido, a lovable zombie with life and warmth.
Fido quickly becomes best friends with Timmy, Helen's son, but one day when the collar goes on the fritz and Fido eats the neighbor, everything changes, a cover-up ensues and it's up to the Robinson family to hide Fido from those who would want to take him away and kill him (which is something that Daddy Robinson would love to see).
This isn't your standard zombie movie. Far from it. It has heart, and though a comedy, it's not slapstick or silly. Just regular funny moments. Billy Connolly as Fido is charming, lovable, fun. You genuinely care for the poor dead guy. You smile with joy when he's happy. Your heart goes out to him when he's sad. You even side with him when he gets mad and takes out his uncontrollable hunger on unsuspecting victims.
The story is original. The dialogue is great. The cast couldn't be better.
New spins on genres are something I've always been into. Though classic takes on things have their place, every time something new comes along it's like a breath of fresh air and Fido is definitely that.
Even hardcore zombie lovers who need a dose of shambling, rotting corpses and loads of blood will enjoy this film as there are "classic zombie moments" in it as well.
This DVD also contains director Andrew Currie's extremely poignant short film, Night of the Living, about the cause-and-effect of alcohol in the family but with a zombie twist.
Very recommended.
