Special Dead Explained

Special Dead is a 2006 American zombie comedy film directed by Thomas L. Phillips and Sean Simmons, written by Jared Tweedie, and starring Jason Brubaker, Amy Wade, Gia Natale, Anthony Rutowicz, and Haneka Haynes.

Plot

After a group of hikers trespass into a mine shaft and consume contaminated water, they transform into voracious zombies. The zombies quickly overwhelm a nearby camp for individuals with developmental disabilities, which has previously faced challenges from zombie attacks. The counselors and campers, who have a strained relationship, strive to survive the onslaught.

Cast

• Jason Brubaker as Machiavelli Stone
• Amy Wade as Cassie Hewitt
• Gia Franzia as Dale Stone
• Anthony Rutowicz as Todd Slater
• Haneka Haynes as Harley Jacquette

Release

Special Dead premiered at the Hollywood Film Festival on October 20, 2006. It was released on DVD in October 2007.^[1]

Reception

Bloody Disgusting rated it 2.5/5 stars and wrote that the execution did not live up to the premise.^[2] Eric Campos of Film Threat rated it 3.5/5 stars and called it "a fun, trashy ride".^[3] Peter Dendle wrote that it is "back-of-the-schoolbus jabs at the disabled, presented as a veneer over a splatter movie with lousy zombies".^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Wheelchairs and Zombies. Phalin. Mike. Dread Central. 2007-10-25. 2014-02-28.
2. Web site: Special Dead. . Bloody Disgusting. 2006-07-19. 2014-02-28.
3. Web site: Special Dead (DVD). Campos. Eric. Film Threat. 2007-10-25. 2014-02-28.
4. Book: Dendle, Peter. Peter Dendle

   . The Zombie Movie Encyclopedia: 2000-2010. Peter Dendle. McFarland Publishing. 2012. 9780786461639. 188–189.