| Oasis of the Zombies (1983) Dir: A.M. Frank (Jess Franco) Cast: Manuel Gelin, France Jordan, Eric Viellard, Henry Lambert Not Rated, Approx: 82 Minutes. Image Entertainment DVD |
| It takes a hardcore Euro Horror fan to derive enjoyment from a film like Oasis of the Zombies, loaded to the brim with dull, uninteresting characters, cheesy action sequences and rather unscary (mostly boring) zombies, most will probably sound asleep by the time zombies actually arise, but that said, there's some sort of charm to be had with this film. Directed by one of Europe's most prolific purveyors of sleaze and exploitation, Jess Franco (who hid this one under the pseudonum A.M. Frank for many years), this isn't one of his most memorable films (it's even pretty tame as far as exploitation goes), but if you know what to expect, and enjoy this particular subgenre, there can be some fun to be had with this film. |
| Oasis of the Zombies is an attempt at making a character driven adventure/horror film, unfortunately, there's just not a hell of a lot going for it. Robert, a young college student in England, sets out with a group of friends to locate hidden treasure buried away in a North African oasis. The treasure is $6 million dollars in Nazi gold which eluded Robert's father, who also searched frantically for it before his recent, mysterious death. The film takes its sweet time in unfolding, before the zombie carnage (of which there is very little of), there are extended flashbacks chronicaling Robert's father and his battle with a renegade army at the oasis, his battle wounds and how he is nursed back to health by Ayesha, a sheik's daughter and subsequently Robert's mother, who died giving birth. As Robert and his friends meet up with a documentary film crew (attempting to document some plight of the African people-if I remember correctly), who agree to accompany them in their search for the Oasis, they come in contact with Ayesha's father, who maps their way to the oasis. When Robert and co. finally get to the oasis, the zombies arise and attack our heros, it turns into one long night as they fight for survival against the dead soldiers hellbent on defending their treasure. |
| What sounds like a very interesting and exciting premise, is pretty much carried out without any flare or style, which is exactly what a King Solomon's Mines/zombie carnage film should contain. Franco's characters aren't given much to do and are practically indistinguishable thanks to A.L. Mariaux's screenplay. The action sequences (of which there are a few lengthy ones), are rather tired and the climactic zombie attack, while mildly amusing, is goreless and bland. Still, while the film has many strikes against it, on the flipside, there's lots to enjoy in a goofy sort of way. If the viewer can look at Oasis of the Zombies without taking things very seriously, there's enough to enjoy through the action sequences, moments of attempted drama and the zombie munching finale that can warrant a viewing of this one. |
| While far from a classic, it's pretty hard to hate a film with nazi gold guarded by zombies! It seemes like Franco did this thing entirely on autopilot, but regardless, those who enjoy crazy, European zombie films (seek out Burial Ground for lots of superior zombie carnage-if you haven't already) should like this film, at least a little. Viewers who have no patience for exceptionally slow moving, uninvolving fare should steer clear of this one, folks that are easily amused by even the worst Euro-trash films, should find this a passable evening's worth of entertainment. |
| The Image DVD offers a very clean (aside from a few scratches on the print) transfer of this film. Oasis of the Zombies is the French release of this film. Franco also edited a Spanish version together called, La Tumba de Los Muertos Vivientes (The Tombs of the Living Dead) which has never been released in America. --information courtesy of Image DVD release of Oasis of the Zombies |
| Matt's Rating: ** (out of 5) |
| Reviewed by Matt Serafini 01/27/02 |
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