OPERATION: NAZI ZOMBIES (1999)

Directed/Written by David B. Stewart III

Though the budget is low, I have to give props to OPERATION: NAZI ZOMBIES for trying to do something different. While most other zombie films put their focus and money into the zombies themselves and staging their outbreaks in the here and now, OPERATION NAZI ZOMBIES at least put some effort in making this a period piece style film. And while this is no SCHINDLER’S LIST, at least the attention to making this more than your run of the mill zombie venture should be recognized.

Much like the legendary Sonny Fernandez, who does everything from writing to directing to acting to special effects, David B. Stewart seems to play the role of multitasker here as well. Personally, I love productions like this because one can see that they are driven by a dedicated soul, doing a little bit of everything to make his dream happen. The end result is not perfect, but everyone involved seem to be giving it their all and a deep love of horror exudes from every frame.

The story focuses on an intricate plot as a Special Forces unit is assigned to take out a secret government experiment gone wrong (do any secret government experiments go right?). It’s hard to believe the facility can go wrong using Nazi science to make indestructible soldiers. Soon we have a Nazi zombie outbreak on our hands. Every war and zombie movie cliché is touched upon, from the noble sergeant to the dramatic showdown between soldier and undead. Though it doesn’t break new ground, it is somewhat fun seeing this film give its all to bat in the big leagues despite the fact that all they can afford is a whiffle ball bat.

With some nice attention to gore and story, OPERATION: NAZI ZOMBIES gets points for trying harder than most no-brainer zombie fodder on the shelves today.