Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Witness Infection’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

If there is one word that people commonly associate with the horror genre, it would have to be: terror. For this particular genre of storytelling has done such a phenomenal job of haunting our dreams on a consistent basis, that scares are all we really associate with it. To the point where there is a tinge of anxiety in the pit of our gut when we settle in to enjoy a scary story. But in reality, that’s not the proper word to use to describe this genre. Because horror is actually about as diverse as genre as it gets. For not only can it terrify us on a moment's notice, but it can move us to tears with powerful moments and believe it or not, it can also put a smile on our faces.
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For there are horror/comedies out there, that manage to genuinely leave us in stitches with the quality jokes and concepts they send our way. But oddly enough, we don't see that type of hybrid horror story in theaters or on home video all that often. Because blending together those two genres is no simple task, for if it isn't perfectly balanced, things go terribly wrong and the movie can be deemed a failure, making this a sub-genre that definitely gives a filmmaker pause before they proceed with it. But if by chance, the concept is solid and everyone involved in the project figures out how to get it right, wonderful things can be achieved and recently, this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a horror/comedy that manages to stick the landing in Witness Infection.

Now in this particular tale we are transported to an idyllic California town, where a man named Carlo Serrelli is at quite the crossroads in his life. Because despite having built a successful dog grooming business and a life of his own, Carlo simply cannot escape the meddling drama his family brings to the table and sadly… as important as his dad is, just cutting ties isn’t possible. Because dear old dad is a former mob boss, one that was relocated to this town with his family, alongside another crime family, the Miolas and sadly… war is about to break out if Carlo doesn’t marry Mister Miola’s annoying daughter. But just when it seems as though Carlo is going to be stuck in a life he doesn’t want in the slightest, a strange twist of fate drops into his lap. In that, his town has just been overrun by sausage fueled zombies and if he can survive the night, there’s a chance he can forge his own path at last.

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Which is a plot that quite frankly, appears as though it might not offer up quality laughs for the audience to enjoy. After all, those are a lot of elements to inject into a horror/comedy, so many that the story could collapse under its own weight and offer the viewer nothing but disaster. But the good news is, Director Andy Palmer does a phenomenal job of balancing everything in this particular tale, and he uses the mob storyline to make the viewer comfortable and as the foundation for the comedy in the film. Since Carlo’s family is a goofy bunch and they leave the viewer in tears with their ridiculous antics. Which in turn allows for the impending horror that is building behind the scenes to simply explode upon the screen and that’s really where this movie shines.

Because the zombie elements are a true delight, since they offer up just enough gore and splatter to keep any horror fan happy and what truly makes this aspect of the story worth the viewer’s while, is the sheer fact that the comedy elements continue along as the carnage unfolds. Which in turn allows for some wonderfully hilarious and epic sequences to take place, especially the one involving the town's local bar. Since every actor in this scene, gets a chance to unleash their acting and comedic chops while battling wave after wave of the living dead. Plus, we also get some quality homages in this sequence, since there are hints of Sugar Hill to be found during this part of the story, and they are rounded out with a wonderful shoutout to the Godfather of the Dead himself, Mister George A. Romero.

If anything, this is just a fun film through and through. One that is definitely worth your time. Because it knows what it is about, and never takes itself too seriously and that’s a good thing. Plus, it also features some solid performances, and a couple of awesome cameos as well, since Maurice LaMarche (Futurama) and Tara Strong (The Powerpuff Girls) pop up in a couple of important sequences. So, if you’re in the mood for a fun flick that provides you with a wonderfully diverse viewing experience, then do give Witness Infection a look when you have a little time. Simply because you cannot go wrong with a horror/comedy flick that takes the time to throw intestines around, whilst making jokes about Italian sausage.

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