Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Dead Zone’ (2022)

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Dead Zone’.
​
Alright B-tastic horror fans… I’ve returned for another review from US Army Veteran and Colorado filmmaker Hank Braxtan (PhotonicMedia). Previously, I took a look at the fun local scenery filled film Dragon Soldiers (Lionsgate Home Entertainment; 2020). I was drawn to the movie after my son Tommy – an Animation, Film, Photography and Motion Design major at Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, CO) – took part in a benefit premiere at the Avalon Theatre in downtown Grand Junction. NICE!! Today, I’d like to discuss Hank’s latest creature feature release  – Dead Zone (Tubi Originals; July 2022) currently streaming now – for free!! And this time, I get to brag that for his first major motion picture release, Tommy was part of the production crew and assisted on a few special effects. WOOT!!
​
Filmed predominantly in downtown Grand Junction (HECK YEAH!!), Dead Zone brings the viewer into a post-apocalyptic setting where “Spontaneous viral outbreaks have overwhelmed the world” and radioactive bombs have been used to exterminate the infected leaving Dead Zones in their wake (opening sequence). Ooooo!! Let’s discuss.

We begin with a pair cloaked head-to-toe in radiation gear as they make their way through the town at night. Including crossing through the parking lot of the fictitious Hankey’s Auto Body where the sign reads: “A BIT OF HANK IN EVERY TANK.” LOL… nice one Hank!! Unfortunately, an attack by an unseen creature wipes them out. A lone survivor flees as the title card appears. Nice opener!!

Ever the fan of aerial shots, we pick up in the light of day with some helicopters as they fly into the local makeshift air base – AKA the Grand Junction Airport. As our main characters are introduced, we see the return of some of Braxtan’s previous collaborators. Including Tarkan Dospil as Danner and Antuone Torbert who plays Ton. Both of whom, I loved in Dragon Soldiers by the way. We’re also introduced to Chad Michael Collins as Ajax and the squadron leader Boss, played by Michael Jai White. Personal side note: I LOVE Spawn who Jai White portrays in the comic (Todd McFarlane; Image Comics) to film adaptation (New Line Cinema; 1997). And during the filming of Dead Zone, my son brought my Spawn comic #1 to set and had Jai White personally autograph it to me!! *HELLS YEAH!!* Ok… back in the Zone! *WINK*

It seems the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) contracted a small lab inside the city to develop a vaccine against the outbreak with promising results. However, per the norm in any outbreak narrative (LOL!), the town was overrun and had to be Dead Zoned! Our guys are tasked with retrieving the vaccine prototype while avoiding the infected who survived the blast. As a caveat, the radiation has enhanced the threat in more ways than one. Not only is the air unbreathable, but the infected are, as the Commander (Jeff Fahey) explains: “faster and more aggressive,” as well as, silent (WTF!!). Plus, our team will go up against something they’ve never dealt with. Queue dark tingly music here… lol!

---

Armed with newly developed untested (*RAISED EYEBROW*) yet more sophisticated and adaptable AI gear, the team look like stealth military first person shooter video game characters. This is enhanced by in helmet head shots throughout the film. Accomplishing multiple tasks, this point of view (POV) gives insight to the AI tech used (NICE!!) and allows the viewer to see stats on the user and their surrounding environment. And finally, since the actors are under cover the majority of the flick, this POV serves as way to keep the audience connected to the characters. Even better, several of the call names used, such as Master Chief, Ironsides and Archangel are taken from video game franchises. *VERY COOL*
​
Even though the film takes place in just one town, the overall feel is ominous since imagining a worldwide outbreak where multiple areas have become radiated Dead Zones, is pretty creepy. Not the mention the infected, which they refer to as runners, move at a 28 Days Later (Fox Searchlight Pictures; 2003) like pace. YIKES!! That’s always scarier than the traditional moaning and scraping zombie-like character, no!?!

Unsurprisingly, the formula is similar to what we’ve seen in the zombie world. Get the cure and stay alive, right? But there are a few extra touches that make the film unique in its own right. One of which? The lone survivor Goodman – a local resident – played by Whitney Nielsen is great with her: “I survived this long,” no nonsense attitude. Plus, I also enjoyed the early dynamic of the crew, the vaccine twist and how they win in the end. Additionally, the tech is really cool and Jai White’s voice, as well as the rest of the crew, bodes well from behind the mask. Distinct for sure!! And par for the course for Braxtan, there are also lots of military references like frogman and “never out of the fight,” along with a great portrayal of brotherhood camaraderie. We also get a darn good explanation from the Commander of why a stealth team versus a full military assault is the best option. But… canaries? Yikes!! *LOL* In short. By the time our guys head in, roles and bonds are established and the mission is clear. NICE!!

The monster sounds are compelling as well. A Predator (20th Century Studios; 1987) like ticking precedes its presence on most occasions which is pretty cool. As for the creature itself? Well, we never actually discover where the outbreak started or comes from, so my mind went wild with possibilities… LOL!! Ultimately, I decided that explaining too much could shift views and being dropped into the chaos not knowing was better in the long run. Though, it’s probable the creature is a radiated, mutated infected human, I happily pondered on patient zero, an alien virus, male vs. female, and more. I didn’t get an answer. And more importantly, I didn’t need one. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough shots of the beast itself for my liking. Most are obscured by shadows, distance and fast camera shots. Regardless, though more gruesome practical effects would’ve made things even better, the main feature ends up being an extended tentacle-like tongue that I actually still really liked. Finally, I absolutely loved seeing shots of the town I live in and it’s clear that Braxtan takes care with his camera angles. And though the final product yields scenes that are a bit dark overall, the film is still very enjoyable B-tastic fun. Check it out!

Until next time!

---