As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....
Whenever you end a relationship, there's always that romanticized version of what used to be. Granted, the reality is never what you remember and sometimes you go back to that ex and realize that what was in your head.... was just that, in your head. In Joe Dante's 'Burying the Ex', he takes that notion and turns it into a near pitch perfect zombie/romantic/comedy. We've all been in this situation at one time or another and we all have wondered 'What if?'. However, what if the person that you left hadn't just left your life, but had lost their life? Then, in some bizarre twist of fate, they're resurrected as the living dead. Not only would you see that the image of that person you created was not that person at all, but that they were a monster. A true monster. Sure, not all relationships end because your significant other was a horrible human being, but there's no fun in that scenario, when you're making it into a horror film. Right?
'Burying the Ex' tells the story of Max (played by Anton Yelchin) and Evelyn (Ashley Greene). A couple that couldn't be farther apart. Max is a horror loving employee at a year round Halloween type store. Evelyn is an environmental blogger, who's overbearing and controlling, and seems to hate everything that isn't what she loves. Max is considering leaving her, but in the process of trying to end things, Evelyn is hit by a bus. Just before this all plays out, Max meets Olivia (Alexandra Daddario). Olivia is everything that Max needs in his life. A fellow lover of horror and a real life nerd, just like him. He also makes an unknowing pact with Evelyn, using a cursed item that winds up in his shop on accident. After Evelyn's death, Max sinks into a depression, not seeing his life being the same without her. He then meets up with Olivia again and they realize that they should be together. After an amazing first date, Evelyn returns from the dead. Brought back to life by the accidental curse that's placed on her. Max tries to juggle both relationships, meanwhile trying to figure out how to either end things with Evelyn or send her back to her grave. Things get incredibly messy and romantic chaos ensues.
This is one of those little hidden gems of a film, that slips underneath the radar, only to be discovered after the fact. I'm honestly not sure how or why this one didn't do better. Considering that Joe Dante is at the helm and it has a cast of very popular young stars. This really should have been on more people's radar. My only thought is, that it got overshadowed by the similar 'Life After Beth', which was not nearly as charming or fun as this one. Hell, I would go so far as to say that 'Life After Beth' isn't even in the same league as this one. It's still worth seeing, but even though it was marketed as a similar type film, it really isn't. 'Burying the Ex' has all the earmarks of any modern day romantic comedy, but with more blood and guts. Ever since I first saw it, I kind of fell in love with it. After repeated viewings, it's continued to grow on me, as a wonderful little love story with a lot of heart. Anton and Alexandra both shine in their roles and prove why they are (and were) such rising stars in young Hollywood. Sadly, we lost Anton last year and he left a rather noticeable hole in the acting world. He will be missed. That's all the more reason for you to go out and see this film. It's part of his legacy and one that you should partake of. Anton would have wanted it that way.
'Burying the Ex' is an easy 4 out of 5 star film. There's nothing for a horror fan not too like. Even though it's a love story and a comedy, it still has enough guts and gore in it, for those of us who like our horror a little more dark. It also plays out every fantasy you've probably ever had, about owning your own Halloween type business and finding that special someone to share it with. If there's one romantic/zombie/comedy that you see any time soon, please make it this one. I just can't say enough good things about it. Easily, one of my favorite films of recent memory.
If you like this, check out similar fare: 'Night of the Living Deb', 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Life After Beth'
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