Some parents read from storybooks to their children before going to sleep. In the case of the only pair of parents in The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre, a fairy tale is replaced by a comic book that recounts the exploits in the ring of a wrestling duo you wish to have as friends to increase your chances of survival in a gory zombie apocalypse.

Stone and Skull Manson (Chris Margetis, Mike Carey) are a couple of fighters who went from having everything in the ring to losing everything to fame. From their free fall due to excesses, together they enter the world of indie wrestling. After their last fight disqualified them, they both look forward to their reclassification during their rematch on Halloween night. Meanwhile, there is a stomach virus circulating among fans that leaves deadly sequels: it may turn you into a zombie. Now, the Manson brothers have to win the fight on the ring for their lives. Will they survive for another volume of adventures?

In a less ridiculous but even more exaggerated style similar to the collection of El Santo films (a Mexican wrestler fighting against vampires, zombies, witches, and even a popular comedian from the 60’s), The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre is a horror comedy not necessarily exclusive for wrestling fans. Even when you’re not part of the fandom, this film seems made for an open audience. Every joke and comedic stunt is ridiculous and silly enough to make you smirk, which works to favor the film as it doesn’t take it seriously to factor on its own plot.

The acting is impressive for the quirky script it has. There is so much dialogue throughout the picture it allows to give an interesting profile to each character. Although many of them come with a stereotype, they still have a chance to develop from it to spin it around into something with different qualities. Most of the characters become important during the plot and you get to feel something for them the moment they become a zombie or are wiped out by one— as if emotional bets had been set but the only payoff is feeling bad for what happened.

The music has perfect timing with each overwhelming moment of the story— it alerts you whenever you should feel stressed by the events and relaxes you when the blow is over. However, this is a bit revealing for the plot as it anticipates what can happen without leaving so much to the imagination. It’s a great build-up helper, but it leaves you hanging when the inevitable happens.

The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre isn’t the main event but a great way to prep you up for the Halloween season. There’s so much glamour in each fight and buffoonery in the plot that by the time you realize it’s over you might be asking for more of this team of wrestlers surviving other creatures.

 

7 OUT OF 10 QUARTERS

 

The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre
RATING: N/A
The Manson Brothers Midnight Zombie Massacre (2021) Exclusive Trailer
Runtime: 1 Hr. 32 Mins.
Directed By:
Written By:

About the Author

Brandon Henry was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, just south of the border of San Diego. His birthplace is the main reason nothing really scares him (kidding… it’s a very safe place). His love for horror films came when his parents accidentally took him to watch Scream, at the age of 6, thinking that it was a safe-choice because it starred “that girl from Friends”. At 12, he experienced the first of many paranormal events in his life. While he waits to be possessed by the spirit of a satanic mechanic, he works as a Safety Engineer and enjoys going to the theater, watching movies and falling asleep while reading a book. Follow him on Instagram @brndnhnry and on Twitter @brandon_henry.