“Dead Rising: Watchtower” is a zombie apocalypse movie that follows a group of survivors as they try to find a cure for the virus before it’s too late. The film features intense action scenes and plenty of gore, along with a satisfying amount of humor. The main character, Chase Carter, is a journalist trying to uncover the truth behind the virus outbreak while battling his own demons. With its fast-paced plot and on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments, “Dead Rising: Watchtower” will leave you wanting more.
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Review
The Art of Fear: Embracing Vulnerability in Dead Rising: Watchtower
To some, a zombie outbreak may sound like the stuff of nightmares. To others, it’s a metaphor for the human condition, revealing our fears and weaknesses in times of crisis. Dead Rising: Watchtower, the 2015 film adaptation of the popular video game series by Capcom, does both, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking ride that confronts us with the fragility and resilience of our bodies and minds.
Directed by Zach Lipovsky and written by Tim Carter, Dead Rising: Watchtower takes place in a world where a virus called Zombrex has turned millions into flesh-eating monsters. While survivors struggle to avoid infection and find shelter, a group of journalists investigates the origins and effects of Zombrex, uncovering a sinister plot that involves corporate greed, government cover-ups, and human experimentation. With time running out before a military strike wipes out the infected zone, our heroes must fight their way through hordes of zombies and human villains to expose the truth and save themselves and others.
At first glance, Dead Rising: Watchtower may seem like just another zombie movie with clichéd characters and predictable scares. However, as Brené Brown would say, “The magic happens when we dare to be real” (Brown 8). In other words, when we let ourselves feel vulnerable and honest about our emotions, thoughts, and actions. This is what sets Dead Rising: Watchtower apart from its peers in the genre: not only does it have compelling performances from its cast (including Jesse Metcalfe as journalist Chase Carter, Meghan Ory as survivor Crystal O’Rourke, Keegan Connor Tracy as scientist Maggie) but it also allows them to express their fears, doubts, hopes and regrets with authenticity.
For instance, one of the most touching scenes in Dead Rising: Watchtower involves Carter interviewing a father (Carlo Marks) who has turned into a zombie but still remembers his daughter’s lullaby. As the man sings the song, tears rolling down his bloody face, Carter and the audience are reminded that even in the midst of horror, there can be beauty and humanity. As Brown writes, “When we allow ourselves to feel our emotions and honor our struggles, we unlock a vital aspect of who we are” (Brown 9). By letting us connect with the characters on an emotional level, Dead Rising: Watchtower makes us care about their fate and empathize with their dilemmas.
Another aspect that elevates Dead Rising: Watchtower beyond its peers is its use of humor and satire to comment on contemporary issues. For example, the film pokes fun at social media influencers who exploit tragedies for clicks and likes, as well as at politicians who prioritize money over people’s lives. At the same time, it also acknowledges the power of viral communication in shaping public opinion and mobilizing resistance against oppression. As Brown notes, “Humor helps us understand our shared humanity by revealing our vulnerabilities” (Brown 54). By making us laugh at ourselves and society while facing death and destruction, Dead Rising: Watchtower invites us to embrace our flaws and strengths.
Of course, no zombie movie would be complete without some gory action sequences that test our nerves and stomachs. Dead Rising: Watchtower delivers these in spades, using practical effects and CGI to create visceral and inventive kills that range from gruesome to hilarious. Whether it’s using a fire extinguisher as a blunt weapon or duct-taping chainsaws to wheelchair arms (a nod to one of the game’s trademark weapons), the film knows how to make use of its environment and props to maximize its impact. Additionally, the film also features several suspenseful moments that require patience and strategy instead of brute force or luck.
In terms of production values, Dead Rising: Watchtower may not have the budget or scope of a Hollywood blockbuster, but it makes up for it with style and creativity. The film’s cinematography by Mahlon Todd Williams captures the gritty and chaotic atmosphere of a city under siege, using dynamic shots and angles that enhance the tension and urgency of the story. The film’s score by Oleksa Lozowchuk blends electronic and orchestral themes that match the mood and tone of each scene, adding both energy and emotion to the visuals. The sound design by Geoff Raffan also deserves praise for its attention to detail, mixing realistic sound effects with eerie ambient noise.
Overall, Dead Rising: Watchtower is a movie that offers more than just scares and thrills. It’s a movie that challenges us to face our fears and weaknesses with courage and compassion, while also acknowledging our capacity for humor and satire in times of crisis. As Brené Brown teaches us, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome” (Brown 2). Whether you’re a fan of zombie movies or not, Dead Rising: Watchtower is worth watching as a reminder that even in death, there can be life worth living.
Works Cited:
Brown, Brené. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Avery Publishing Group Inc., 2012.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 118
- Release : 2015-03-27
- Genre : Horror, Science Fiction, Action
- Cast : Jesse Metcalfe as Chase Carter, Meghan Ory as Crystal O’Rourke, Virginia Madsen as Maggie, Keegan Connor Tracy as Jordan, Aleks Paunovic as Logan
- Crew : Lorenzo di Bonaventura as Executive Producer, Corbin Fox as Stunts, Jeff Sanca as Stunts, Chris Webb as Stunts, Lloyd Adams as Stunts
- Popularity 9.995
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : di Bonaventura Pictures, Contradiction Films, Dead Rising Productions
- Summary : A group of people fight to survive in a zombie infested town.
- Tagline :
